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Guide to young (P-platers) drivers in Australia
Car Insurance | 6 minute read | 27 May 2025
- Understanding your P-plate restrictions.
- Nationwide rules for P-Platers.
- Common state-specific restrictions.
- The consequences of breaking the rules.
- Essential driving tips for P-platers.
- Common mistakes P-platers can make.
- Car insurance for young drivers and P-platers.
- Types of car Insurance for P-platers.
- Frequently asked questions about car insurance for P-platers.
- Why pick Everyday Car Insurance?
Congratulations, you've earned your P-plates! That exciting feeling of newfound independence behind the wheel is unmatched. But with this freedom comes significant responsibility.
As a P-plater in Australia, you're entering a crucial stage of your driving journey, one where vigilance, adherence to rules, and continuous learning are essential. This article is your guide to navigating the roads safely and responsibly as a provisional driver in Australia.
Understanding your P-plate restrictions.
One of the most important things to understand is that P-plate rules vary significantly across Australia's states and territories. While some fundamental principles apply nationwide, you must be aware of the specific regulations in the state where you obtained your license, and also be mindful that these rules still apply even if you're driving interstate.
You can find more information on your estate’s road authority's website:
Nationwide rules for P-Platers.
Zero Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): this is non-negotiable across all of Australia. You must have a 0.00% BAC at all times when driving. Even the smallest amount of alcohol can lead to severe penalties.
Visible P-plates: your P-plates (red for P1, green for P2) must be clearly displayed on the front and back of your vehicle at all times. They shouldn't be hidden or obscured.
Speed limits: remember your P-plate speed limits. In many states, this is lower than for fully licensed drivers (e.g., 90km/h for P1s in NSW, 100km/h for P2s). Even if the highway says 110, if your P-plate limit is 100, that's your maximum.
Common state-specific restrictions.
Be sure to check your local road authority for exact details.
Mobile phone use: in most states, P1 drivers are completely banned from using mobile phones, even hands-free or on loudspeaker. P2 restrictions may vary, with some states allowing hands-free use. A safe approach would be to put your phone away and out of reach until you're safely parked.
High-performance vehicle restrictions: many states prohibit P-platers from driving high-powered or modified vehicles. These vehicles often have a power-to-mass ratio greater than 130 kilowatts per tonne.
Towing restrictions: P1 drivers in some states (like NSW) may have limitations on the weight of trailers they can tow.
Curfews: some states have late-night driving restrictions for P1 drivers (e.g., SA and WA have midnight to 5 am curfews for P1s).
Automatic vs. manual licence: if you passed your test in an automatic vehicle, you may be restricted to only drive automatic cars. If you want to drive manual, you might need to pass a test in a manual car.
Passenger restrictions: some states restrict the number of passengers you can carry, especially during certain hours (e.g., P1 drivers under 25 in NSW and QLD may be limited to one non-family passenger under 21 between 11 pm and 5 am; Victoria's P1 peer passenger restriction applies 24/7).
The consequences of breaking the rules.
Demerit points and license suspension are serious risks for P-platers. Even minor infringements can quickly lead to exceeding your demerit point limit and losing your license for an extended period. Fines are also substantial. Don't risk it!
| State | Number of hours |
|---|---|
| New South Wales. | At least 120 hours, including 20 hours of night driving |
| Victoria. | At least 120 hours, including 20 hours of night driving. |
| Queensland. | At least 100 hours, including 10 hours of night driving. |
| Western Australia. | At least 50 hours of supervised driving. |
| South Australia. | At least 75 hours, including 15 hours of night driving. |
| Tasmania. | At least 80 hours, with different requirements for those under and over 25. |
| Australian Capital Territory. |
At least 100 hours, including 10 hours of night driving |
| Northern Territory. |
Requirements vary based on age. |
Essential driving tips for P-platers.
While you've got the basics down, it’s important to work towards becoming a safe and confident driver. Here are some tips:
1. Prioritise focus and eliminate distractions.
Mobile phones: your phone can be your biggest danger. To resist the urge to check your phone, you can put it on silent, in the glovebox or use ‘do not disturb’ mode.
Passengers: driving with friends could be a significant distraction. Set clear boundaries with your passengers about behaviour in the car, especially during the early stages of your P-plates.
Food and drink: eating and drinking can be effectively done when you're pulled over safely.
2. Drive to conditions, not just the speed limit.
The posted speed limit is the maximum you can drive, not a target. Adjust your speed for rain, fog, gravel, night driving, or heavy traffic.
Maintain a safe following distance. In dry conditions, leave at least a 3-second gap between you and the car in front. In wet weather, double it. This gives you time to react.
3. Read the road.
Scan ahead: you can look way down the road, not just at the tail lights in front of you. Anticipate traffic flow, upcoming hazards, and potential changes.
Check mirrors regularly: every 5-8 seconds, check your rearview and side mirrors to be aware of your surroundings.
Head checks: always turn your head to check your blind spots before changing lanes, merging, or turning at intersections. This is crucial and often overlooked.
Anticipate others: assume other drivers might make mistakes and be prepared to react.
4. Practice in varied conditions.
Night driving: educed visibility means you need to slow down and be extra vigilant.
Wet weather: roads are slippery, especially after a dry spell. Slow down, increase following distance, and use smooth steering and braking.
Unfamiliar roads: plan your route in advance and consider driving with a trusted, experienced driver initially on new or complex routes (e.g., highways or country roads).
5. Manage fatigue.
Driving when tired can be very dangerous. Plan breaks on long journeys, and if you feel drowsy, pull over for a power nap or swap drivers.
Avoid driving during peak fatigue times (e.g., late night/early morning if you're not used to it).
6. Consider a safe vehicle.
If you're buying a car, check its ANCAP safety rating. A higher rating usually means better protection in a crash. Modern safety features like AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking) and lane-keeping assist can be life-savers.
Common mistakes P-platers can make.
P-platers can make common mistakes such as speeding, failing to observe their surroundings by not checking mirrors or performing head checks, and misjudging gaps when merging or turning. Distraction, particularly from mobile phones and passengers, is another frequent error, as is overconfidence, which can lead drivers to push their limits before they have sufficient experience. Additionally, many P-platers do not come to a complete stop at stop signs, and ignoring restrictions. Even "just this once," can have severe consequences.
Continuous learning.
Getting your P-plates marks the beginning, not the end, of your driving education. To continue improving, consider taking refresher driving lessons with a professional instructor to hone specific manoeuvres or build confidence in various conditions. Defensive driving courses can also bne useful for developing advanced hazard perception and risk management skills. Take the time to truly understand your vehicle, including its features, blind spots, and handling characteristics.
Car insurance for young drivers and P-platers.
Car insurance for P-platers (provisional drivers) in Australia can be more expensive than for experienced drivers due to the higher statistical risk of young and inexperienced drivers being involved in accidents.
However, there can be ways to manage these costs and ensure adequate cover. Here's a breakdown of key considerations for P-platers and their families.
What makes car insurance premiums higher for P-platers?
Comprehensive insurance premiums for P-plate drivers can vary widely based on factors like:
1. Driver's age and gender.
According to Canstar, male drivers under 25 may face higher premiums than female drivers under 25. Here's a breakdown of average comprehensive car insurance costs by gender in Australia.1
| Gender. |
Average monthly car insurance cost. | Average annual car insurance cost. |
|---|---|---|
| Women | $82.66 | $895.25 |
| Men | $82.52 | $895.97 |
Source: www.canstar.com.au – 24/03/2025. Based on comprehensive cover for QLD based, 39 year old men and women with the same quoting assumptions (e.g. annuals kilometres driven, full licence, day and night garage parking etc).
2. Location.
Where you live and park your car can impact the premium due to factors like theft rates.
3. Car type.
High-performance vehicles, expensive cars, or those with costly parts may generally cost more to insure.
4. Excess chosen.
A higher voluntary excess typically leads to a lower premium, but i t might result in higher individual expenses in case of a claim.
5. Driving record.
A clean driving record with no accidents or traffic offenses could help manage premiums.
6. Individual vs. additional driver.
If the P-plater primarily drives a family car and is not the main driver, adding them as a listed driver on a parent's policy can be more cost effective than taking out a separate policy. However, if the P-plater is the main driver, you can consider an individual policy.
Types of car Insurance for P-platers.
P-platers can choose from different levels of car insurance. Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance is mandatory in Australia and covers the cost of compensation claims if you cause injury or death to another person in an accident. It does not cover damage to vehicles or property.
In some states (NSW, QLD, SA, ACT), you choose your CTP provider, while in others (WA, Tas, Vic, NT), it's included with your vehicle registration.
Everyday Car Insurance offers the following Car Insurance covers options for P-platers.
| Cover type. | Description. | Find out more. |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Car Insurance. | Our highest level of cover, providing extensive protection for your vehicle and damage you might cause to others. | Learn more about Comprehensive Car Insurance |
| Drive Less Pay Less. | Comprehensive cover tailored to how far you drive. Everyday Drive Less Pay Less is designed specifically for cars that are driven 15,000km per year or less. Plus, eligible drivers could save up to $320 a year.* | Learn more Drive Less Pay Less |
| Third Party Property Damage. | Protects you if you cause damage to another person’s vehicle and includes liability cover for any person who is legally driving your car with your permission. | Learn more Third Party Property Damage Insurance |
| Third Party Fire & Theft. | We cover you for all the benefits of third party property damage along with theft or attempted theft and fire. | Learn more about Third Party Fire & Theft Insurance |
For a new driver, especially if the car is relatively new or valuable, Comprehensive Car Insurance can cover a wider range of potential damages and losses. Drive Less Pay Less can be an option if the car is driven not that often, as it can offer some potential savings.* You can compare all Everyday Car Insurance cover options for more information.
Above is a limited summary only. Please read the Car Insurance Product Disclosure Statement for full terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that apply.
Frequently asked questions about car insurance for P-platers.
Insurers usually consider P-platers and young drivers (generally under 25) to be a higher risk due to their limited driving experience and statistically higher involvement in accidents. This higher risk can translate to higher premiums.
Like all drivers in Australia, P-platers must have Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance (also known as a Green Slip in NSW). This is included with your vehicle registration in most states/territories. CTP covers injuries or death to other people if you're at fault in an accident. For damage to vehicles or property, you'll need additional optional cover like Third Party Property Damage or Comprehensive insurance.
In many cases, a P-plater can be added as a listed driver on a parent's policy, if they are not the primary driver of the car. This could be cheaper than a separate policy. However, be aware that the premium for the parent's policy may likely increase. Also, an additional "young driver excess" may apply if the P-plater is involved in a claim.
It's crucial to be honest with the insurer about who the main driver is to avoid "fronting," which can invalidate the policy.
"Fronting" is when an older, more experienced driver is listed as the main driver of a car, even though a younger, higher-risk driver (like a P-plater) is the one who primarily uses it.
This is considered insurance fraud. If a claim is made and the insurer discovers fronting, the claim can be rejected, and the policy may be cancelled.
Common exclusions can include:
Damage if the driver was breaking the law (e.g., speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, using a mobile phone illegally).
Damage if the driver wasn't complying with their licence conditions (e.g., P-plate restrictions like passenger limits or prohibited vehicles).
Damage due to intentional acts or reckless behaviour.
Mechanical failures or wear and tear.
Unauthorised modifications to the vehicle.
Claims if the policy details (like who the main driver is) were misrepresented.
This is just a summary only. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement for full terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that apply.
Why pick Everyday Car Insurance?
* Benefits are subject to the terms and conditions including the limits and exclusions of the insurance policy. Eligibility for Drive Less Pay Less is determined by your individual circumstances, including the kilometres selected and other risk factors and underwriting criteria.
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* Savings between $0 to $320 derived from premium comparisons between Everyday Comprehensive car cover option and Drive Less Pay Less option. Calculations based on profiles of existing Everyday Car Insurance customers who drive 15,000km or less annually. Current as at 06 March 2024. Eligibility for Drive Less Pay Less and actual savings is determined by your individual circumstances, including the kilometres selected and other risk factors and underwriting criteria. Minimum premiums may reduce savings. Kilometres can be increased to a limit of 15,000km per period of insurance for an additional premium. In the event of a claim, if the end odometer reading is exceeded, an additional Outside odometer excess will apply.
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Cover and benefits are subject to eligibility criteria and terms and conditions, including the limits and exclusions of the insurance policy. Any advice provided is general only and may not be right for you. Before you purchase this product you should carefully read the Car Insurance Product Disclosure Statement and consider the Target Market Determination to decide if it is right for you.
