L Plate and P Plate Restrictions in Victoria 2026 – Complete Guide for Learners & Provisional Drivers

Getting your L plates is exciting, but many new drivers don’t fully understand the strict rules that come with Learner (L) and Provisional (P) licences in Victoria. Breaking these rules can result in heavy fines, demerit points, or even losing your licence.

This complete 2026 guide explains all current L Plate and P Plate restrictions in Victoria in simple language so you can stay safe, legal, and confident on the road.

Learner (L Plate) Restrictions in Victoria

While you have your Learner Permit, you must follow these strict rules:

• You must display L plates on the front and back of the vehicle at all times
• You must be accompanied by a fully licensed supervisor who has held a full licence for at least 4 years (or 1 year if over 21 in some cases)
• Zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC) – you cannot drink any alcohol
• No mobile phone use at all – even hands-free or Bluetooth
• Maximum speed limit is 80 km/h (even if the road allows higher)
• You must complete a minimum of 120 hours in your logbook (including 10 night hours) if under 21
• Only drive automatic if you passed your test in an automatic (unless you have a manual licence)

P Plate Restrictions – P1 and P2

After passing your VicRoads drive test, you enter the Provisional licence stage with two levels:

P1 (Red P Plates) – First 12 Months

• Zero BAC – no alcohol at all
• No mobile phone use (even hands-free)
• Maximum of one passenger aged 16–21 (unless they are immediate family)
• Power-to-weight restrictions on your vehicle
• Maximum speed 100 km/h (even on 110 km/h roads)
• Must display red P plates clearly

P2 (Green P Plates) – Next 3–4 Years

• Zero BAC still applies
• No mobile phone use (even hands-free)
• No passenger restrictions
• Maximum speed 100 km/h
• Must display green P plates

Important Penalties & Demerit Points

Breaking L or P plate rules can lead to serious consequences:
– Exceeding speed limits or using a phone can result in immediate licence suspension
– Accumulating demerit points can lead to licence disqualification
– Driving without a qualified supervisor is a serious offence

Practical Tips to Stay Safe and Legal

• Always double-check that your supervisor has a valid full licence
• Keep your logbook up to date and accurate
• Practice defensive driving techniques from day one
• Avoid driving when tired or distracted
• Plan your routes to avoid high-risk times if possible

How Start Driving School Helps L and P Plate Drivers

We help learners understand and follow all L and P plate rules from the very first lesson. Our instructors teach defensive driving, hazard perception, and safe habits that keep you legal and confident on the road in suburbs like Pakenham, Officer, and Berwick.

Lesson Prices 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

We proudly serve learners in Pakenham, Officer, Berwick, Narre Warren and all South East Melbourne suburbs.