News

This change in the road rules brings P2 Drivers in line with P1 drivers regarding the use of mobile phones whilst driving.

The definition of 'use' is defined in Rule 300, Road Rules 2014. Use, in relation to a mobile phone, includes any of the following actions by a driver:

1. holding the body of the phone in her or his hand (whether or not engaged in a phone call), except while in the process of giving the body of the phone to a passenger in the vehicle,
2. entering or placing, other than by the use of voice, anything into the phone, or sending or looking at anything that is in the phone,
3. turning the phone on or off,
4. operating any other function of the phone.(This includes GPS and Navigation apps)

Additional Rules for P2 drivers:

• From 1 December 2016, P2 licence holders will no longer be permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving or riding. P2 licence holders will have the same restrictions as Learner and P1 licence holders.
• Have P plates displayed (green P on a white background) clearly on the outside of the front and back of the vehicle. The letter P on the plate must not be hidden. If you’re towing a trailer, a P plate must be on the back of the trailer
• Observe a maximum speed limit of 100 km/h, and observe the posted speed limit where it’s below 100 km/h
• Not exceed zero blood alcohol concentration. This means you cannot have any alcohol in your system when you drive a vehicle. It’s also illegal to drive under the influence of drugs
• Not supervise a learner driver
• Ensure all occupants, including yourself, are in a seat with a seatbelt or an approved restraint fitted, and each passenger is using the seatbelt or restraint.
   

Demerit points

Demerit points apply to P2 drivers. Your P2 licence will be suspended or refused if you reach or exceed 7 demerit points.

Speeding offences

If you commit any speeding offence you’ll receive a minimum of 4 demerit points. A suspension or refusal period also applies for any excessive speed offence (more than 30km/h over the speed limit).

Passenger conditions

If you’ve been disqualified for any driving offence committed on or after 11 July 2005, once you return from the disqualification period you must not carry more than one passenger at any time while driving. This condition will apply for 12 months. This is known as the ‘one passenger condition’.

You may apply for an exemption by attending a registry or service centre in person, completing the P1/P2 passenger or vehicle exemption form and paying the application fee.

Exemptions from the one passenger condition will only be granted in exceptional circumstances. You must provide reasons why your situation is exceptional.

If an exemption is granted, it will be limited to specific circumstances such as employment, and may also be limited to certain vehicles.

You must notify Roads and Maritime within 14 days if you have changed any circumstances which affect your exemption, including if you no longer require the exemption, or if the exemption letter needs replacing. A further fee may apply.