Got your Ls or recently passed your drive test? Victoria’s learner and probationary drivers have specific rules covering mobile phones, alcohol, passengers, P plates, supervising drivers and other driving conditions.
This guide explains the key L Plate and P Plate rules in Victoria in simple language, so you know what applies before you get behind the wheel.
Learner (L Plate) Rules in Victoria
When you are driving on your learner permit, you must follow the Victorian road rules as well as the conditions that apply specifically to learner drivers.
- Display L plates: L plates must be clearly visible on the front and back of the vehicle.
- Drive with a supervisor: A supervising driver with a full and current licence must sit in the front passenger seat.
- Zero BAC: Learner drivers must have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.00.
- No portable device use: Learner drivers cannot operate portable devices while driving, including for phone calls or navigation.
- Carry your learner permit: You must carry your digital or physical learner permit when driving.
- No towing: Learner drivers must not tow a trailer, caravan or another vehicle.
If you are under 21, you generally need to complete at least 120 hours of supervised driving, including 20 hours at night, before applying for your probationary licence.
P1 Licence Rules – Red P Plates
After passing your drive test, you may move to a P1 probationary licence. P1 drivers have additional restrictions designed to reduce higher-risk driving situations.
- Display red P plates: They must be clearly visible on the front and back of the vehicle.
- Zero BAC: P1 drivers must have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.00.
- Passenger restriction: You cannot carry more than one passenger aged 16 to under 22, subject to the immediate-family exceptions.
- No portable device use: You cannot operate portable devices while driving, including for calls or navigation.
- Vehicle restrictions: P1 drivers cannot drive a probationary prohibited vehicle unless an exemption applies.
- Automatic condition: If you passed your test in an automatic vehicle, an A condition applies and you must drive an automatic vehicle unless the condition is removed.
P1 Licence Rules – Red P Plates
After passing your drive test, you may move to a P1 probationary licence. P1 drivers have additional restrictions designed to reduce higher-risk driving situations.
- Display red P plates: They must be clearly visible on the front and back of the vehicle.
- Zero BAC: P1 drivers must have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.00.
- Passenger restriction: You cannot carry more than one passenger aged 16 to under 22, subject to the immediate-family exceptions.
- No portable device use: You cannot operate portable devices while driving, including for calls or navigation.
- Vehicle restrictions: P1 drivers cannot drive a probationary prohibited vehicle unless an exemption applies.
- Automatic condition: If you passed your test in an automatic vehicle, an A condition applies and you must drive an automatic vehicle unless the condition is removed.
Can L and P Plate Drivers Use a Mobile Phone?
Learner and probationary drivers have strict rules for portable devices. You must not operate a portable device while driving, including using it for phone calls or navigation.
- Do not hold or operate your phone while driving.
- Do not use your phone for navigation while driving.
- Do not rely on hands-free use as an exception to the rules.
- Set your navigation and phone functions before you start driving.
Speed Limits for L and P Plate Drivers
There is no general 80 km/h maximum speed limit for Victorian learner drivers. Learner drivers must follow the posted speed limit and drive at a speed that is safe for the road and traffic conditions.
Always check the speed-limit signs, particularly when entering school zones, changing speed zones, roadwork areas or higher-speed roads.
Alcohol and L & P Plate Drivers
Learner and probationary drivers must have a zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC) when driving.
If you are driving on your Ls or Ps, the safest approach is simple: don’t drink alcohol before driving.
Alcohol and L & P Plate Drivers
Learner and probationary drivers must have a zero blood alcohol concentration (BAC) when driving.
If you are driving on your Ls or Ps, the safest approach is simple: don’t drink alcohol before driving.
Practical Tips for L and P Plate Drivers
- Know your licence conditions: Check the conditions attached to your licence or learner permit.
- Put your phone away: Set navigation and other functions before you start driving.
- Watch speed signs: Check for changes in speed limits and adjust your speed promptly.
- Keep your plates visible: Make sure your L or P plates can be clearly seen from the required distance.
- Keep your permit or licence with you: Carry your digital or physical licence as required.
- Build experience gradually: Practise different roads, traffic conditions and driving situations rather than repeating only familiar routes.
Learn to Drive Safely in Pakenham
Start Driving School provides automatic driving lessons in Pakenham for learners who want to build safe driving habits and prepare for their Victorian drive test.
Lessons are conducted in a Toyota Corolla hatchback with dual controls, with practical training focused on observation, hazard awareness, road positioning, speed management and confident decision-making.
Learn to Drive Safely in Pakenham
Start Driving School provides automatic driving lessons in Pakenham for learners who want to build safe driving habits and prepare for their Victorian drive test.
Lessons are conducted in a Toyota Corolla hatchback with dual controls, with practical training focused on observation, hazard awareness, road positioning, speed management and confident decision-making.
Ready to Build Your Driving Skills?
Learn safe driving habits from the beginning with practical automatic driving lessons in Pakenham.