Graduated Licensing System Explained - Eastern Driving School

Driving Information Booklets

Find all Booklets Here

KEY CHANGES WHEN GETTING YOUR DRIVERS LICENCE

These new rules from Arrive Alive Website

Even though the road toll has been significantly reduced, young drivers continue to have more crashes than any other road users, and car crashes kill more young people than any other causes.

The answer is safer young drivers – and the new Graduated Licensing System (GLS) has been designed to do just that.

If you provide your age, the permit or licence you have, or even if you don’t have either, and when you obtained it, ‘Fast Facts’ will provide you with all the information you need to know about how Victoria’s new graduated licensing system will affect you.

NEW GLS RULES IN DETAIL

From 1 July 2008, P1 probationary drivers passenger restrictions

P1 drivers will only be able to carry one passenger aged 16-21 years. This means that P1 drivers will not be allowed to carry multiple passengers between 16 to 21 years of age.

Allowances will be made for carrying family members, when accompanied by a fully licensed driver (as is the case for learner drivers) and for essential activities. Exemptions to passenger restrictions will be available on the grounds of hardship.

Further details will be developed through the required Regulations.

The existing broader passenger limit imposed on first year probationary drivers who commit serious traffic offences will also be retained.

Alcohol interlock

From 1 January 2007, a probationary driver or any driver under 26, convicted of a drink driving offence involving a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .07 or higher, must have an alcohol interlock fitted to their car before they return to driving. If the interlock detects any alcohol on a driver’s breath, the car won’t start.

Learner permit for 12 months if under 21

From 1 July 2007, a learner driver under 21 must stay on their learner permit for at least 12 months before they can apply for their P1 probationary licence. They also have to carry their permit whenever they drive.

120 hours of supervised driving

From 1 July 2007, every learner driver (under 21) must have logged at least 120 hours of supervised driving, including a minimum of 10 hours night driving, before they can apply for a probationary licence.

Learner permit for six months if 21 and up to 25

From 1 July 2007, a learner driver, 21 and up to 25, must stay on their learner permit for at least six months before they can apply for their P1 probationary licence. They also have to carry their permit whenever they drive.

Learner permit for three months for 25 and over

From 1 July 2007, a learner driver 25 and over must stay on their learner permit for at least three months before they can apply for their probationary licence. They also have to carry their permit whenever they drive.

Restrictions on driving high powered vehicles

If you are a probationary driver and obtained your licence after 1 July 2007, you can’t drive a vehicle with:

  • An engine of eight or more cylinders
  • A turbocharged or supercharged engine
  • An engine that has been modified to improve the vehicle’s performance.
  • One of the nominated high performance six cylinder vehicles which include BMW M and M3, Honda NSX, Nissan 350Z, Porsche (all models) and Mercedes Benz SLK350.

If you get caught driving any of these vehicles, you’ll have to pay a fine and you’ll receive three demerit points.

Vehicles excluded from these restrictions …

  • Diesel powered turbocharged or supercharged vehicles (without engine performance modifications)
  • Nominated vehicles with low powered turbocharged or supercharged engines, including Suzuki Cappucino 2D Cabriolet Turbo 3 cylinder 689cc, Daihatsu Copen L880 2D Convertible 4 cylinder 659cc
  • All models of the Smart car produced by Mercedes Benz.
  • Vehicles driven as a part of the driver’s employment and at the request of the employer

For more information about restrictions on high powered vehicles choose the relevant user group below.

New P1 and P2 probationary licences

From 1 July 2008, all probationary drivers will be covered by a two stage, four year licence system. They’ll have a P1 licence (shown by a red P plate) for the first 12 months, followed by a P2 licence (green P plate) for the next three years. If over 21 they will move straight to a P2 licence.

No mobile phone use

While driving, learner or P1 probationary drivers are not allowed to use a mobile phone that includes hand held, hands free, and messaging of any kind.

New on road driving test

From 1 July 2008, there will be a new and improved on road driving test for learner drivers who want to apply for their probationary licence.

A good driving record

All young drivers will need a good driving record to progress to the next stage of licensing. A poor driving record, for example drink or drug driving offences, will extend the P1 or P2 licence period by six months.

Towing

P1 licence holders are not permitted to tow, unless it’s for work or they’re being instructed.

This article copy from VIC ROADS. See their disclaimer here:  The Roads Corporation does not warrant, guarantee or make any representations regarding the currency, accuracy, correctness, reliability, usability, or any other aspect, of the material presented on this Web site, nor of material provided by others to the Corporation and presented on this Web site, nor of material provided by others and accessed from this site using links or connections to their Web sites or distribution services. The user accepts sole responsibility and all risk for using material presented on or accessed from this Web site. The Roads Corporation does not accept any liability for any loss or damage which may be incurred as a result of using this Web site or any material presented on or accessed from this Web site.