P-Plate Rules QLD | Complete Guide to P1 and P2 Licence Restrictions

What Are P-Plates in QLD?

In Queensland, there are two stages to the provisional licence system:

• P1 Licence (Red P Plates): Typically issued for 12 months. Most P1 drivers are under 20.
• P2 Licence (Green P Plates): Held for a minimum of two years after completing your P1 period.

Each stage comes with its own set of rules, restrictions, and expectations designed to help you become a safer driver before getting your open licence.

Key Rules & Restrictions

• On a car, you must show P plates front and rear.
• On a motorcycle, you only need it at the rear.
• Make sure they’re clearly visible with no dirt or obstruction.
  

Zero Alcohol & No Drugs

You must maintain a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.00 while driving. That means no alcohol at all in your system, even if you think you’re fine or only had one drink. Police can breath-test you at any time, and if your BAC shows anything above zero, you’ll lose your licence on the spot. Queensland takes this rule seriously because young drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in alcohol-related crashes.

Driving under the influence of any illegal drug is also banned, but what some P-plate drivers forget is that prescription or over-the-counter medication can also get you in trouble if it affects your ability to drive. This includes painkillers, anxiety medication, and even strong antihistamines that make you drowsy. If a label says “do not drive or operate machinery,” take that seriously.

The safest move is simple: If you’ve had a drink, taken medication that might cause side effects, or you’re not feeling alert, don’t drive. Call a parent, a friend, or book a rideshare. It’s not worth risking your licence, your car, or someone’s safety.

Mobile Phone Use

If you hold a P1 licence and you’re under 25, you can’t use your phone at all while driving. No hands-free, no voice control, no touching, and not even glancing at it while stopped at the lights. Queensland’s laws are strict for a reason as distraction is one of the biggest causes of crashes among young drivers.

If you’re on a P2 licence, or a P1 licence and over 25, you’re allowed to use your phone hands-free, as long as it doesn’t block your view and you never touch it while the car’s running.

Passenger & Night-Time Limits (P1)

If you're on P1 and under 25:

• Between 11pm and 5pm, you can carry only one passenger under 21 who isn’t an immediate family member.
• At other times, you’re not limited in passenger numbers (subject to vehicle capacity).

P2 drivers don’t have those passenger or night driving limits.

High-Powered Vehicle Restrictions

One of the trickiest rules: the power-to-weight ratio limits and “high-powered vehicle” rules.

• For cars made from 1 January 2010 onward, a car is classed as high-powered if it exceeds 130 kW per tonne.
• For older cars (pre-2010), different rules apply:
  • Vehicles with 8 or more cylinders, or turbocharged/supercharged petrol engines (unless diesel), or outputs over 210 kW are generally banned.
  • Rotary engines over 1,146 cc also face restrictions.
• Some exemptions exist, especially if you need a high-powered car for work or if your only vehicle meets certain criteria. You’ll need to apply and carry an exemption certificate. 

Source: QLD Government

👉🏼 Check out our list of the best p-plate cars for Queensland drivers.

Queensland uses a strict demerit point system. If you accumulate 4 or more points during your provisional period, you’ll likely face:

• A suspended licence
• Extended P plate duration
• Mandatory driver behaviour courses

Infractions like speeding, phone use, or driving a banned vehicle are taken seriously. So is drinking and driving. A single mistake could mean starting all over again on L plates.

Frequently Asked Questions