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Graduated Licensing SystemVicRoads have recently changed many of the regulations surrounding Learner and Probationary Drivers. The VicRoads website has more information. New learner requirements apply from July 2007
Learners who are under 21 years of age when applying for a probationary licence will need to have a minimum learner period of 12 months and a minimum of 120 hours of supervised learner driving experience. If the learner permit is issued before 1 July 2007 this requirement will not apply. Learners aged 21 years or more when applying for a probationary licence must hold a learner permit for at least six months if under 25 years of age, or three months if 25 years or older. These learners will not have to meet any minimum experience requirements. New P1 licences will apply from July 2008
Probationary drivers aged under 21 years when first licensed will have a minimum of 12 months on a P1 licence, where all mobile phone use is banned and there is a restriction on towing unless it is for work or the P1 driver is under instruction. Probationary drivers who are aged 21 years or older when first licensed will move directly to a P2 licence. All P1 holders will be subject to new restrictions on driving high powered cars and will need a good driving record to graduate to the next type of licence. If a P1 licence is suspended as a result of a driving offence, accumulation of demerit points, or a penalty imposed by a Court, the probationary period will be extended by six months plus the suspension period. P1 drivers will also be subject to a passenger limit for the balance of their P1 period. New P2 licences will apply from July 2008
Probationary drivers who are aged 21 years or older when first licensed will move directly to a P2 licence. All P2 licence holders will also be subject to new restrictions on driving high powered cars and will need a good driving record to graduate to the next type of licence. If a P2 licence is suspended as a result of a driving offence, accumulation of demerit points, or a penalty imposed by a Court, the probationary period will be extended by six months plus the suspension period. Information for licensed drivers under the age of 26From the 1st January 2007 new laws and penalties will apply to fully licensed drivers under the age of 26. Fully licensed drivers under 26 caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .07 or higher, will now have an alcohol interlock fitted to their vehicle when they return to driving. Drivers must also be in possession of their licence at all times when driving or in charge of a vehicle. |
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All learner drivers will have to carry their learner permit with them when driving and they will be banned from using a mobile phone, including hands-free, while driving.
From 1 July 2008, the new P1 licences will be issued and everyone applying for a probationary licence will need to pass the same tests. (Drivers with a probationary licence issued before 1 July 2008 will be licensed under the old system.)
From 1 July 2008, the new P2 licences will be issued and everyone applying for a probationary licence will need to pass the same tests. (Drivers with a probationary licence issued before 1 July 2008 will be licensed under the old system.)
