Understanding Australian Driving Licences

By Brad East

Australian driving licences may seem easy to understand. But what seems like a simple system is a little more complicated than many people imagine.

When understanding Australian driving licences, it is important to remember that each licence varies from state to state with different conditions applied to provisional holders and full age restrictions.

This means that earning a licence in one state might not grant you the same rights as in another. Therefore, understanding the different conditions of each type and state is important – particularly if you move interstate. So what do you need to know about understanding licences?

Types of licences

No matter where you go in Australia, the licence system structure is the same. As you progress and get more experience, the tiers are broken down into the following levels:

Learners – drivers yet to pass the licence test
Provisional – drivers who just passed their test
Full-experienced drivers who have passed their test over several years

These basic tiers are designed to give drivers an understanding of what they can and can’t do on the road. Not only that, it gives a signal to other motorists and law enforcement about what to look for when passing other motorists.

These licence types are generally granted to those driving regular cars Alongside these licence types, there are also other licensing categories designed for other vehicles. Some of these other types include:

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Riders Licence (R) – Given to riders of motorbikes or other motorised two-wheeled vehicles
Rigid Vehicle Licence (LR/MR/HR) – Given to those driving large and heavy vehicles. Includes buses and vans.
Heavy/Multi Combination Licence (HC/MC) – Issued to those driving trailered lorries, heavy goods vehicles or road trains.

By acquiring these different licences, it gives motorists the need to drive whatever vehicle they need without any interruption and in a safe means.

Different state variations

Whilst Australia’s driving system runs seamlessly nationwide, each state looks after their transport matters. This includes all matters involving licences. What this means is that each state has their conditions as to who qualifies for what licence.

So this means that someone who holds a licence in New South Wales may face different conditions if they apply for a licence in Queensland or Victoria. This makes a big impact when understanding Australian driving licences and how they work. So how do they differ from state to state?

New South Wales

Learner drivers under 25 must have 120 hours of supervised hours before applying for their exam
Red Provisional drivers must drive no faster than 90km/h until either 18 years of age or 12 months after passing the exam
The power-weight ratio for provisional drivers must not exceed 130kW/ton
When towing trailers, provisional drivers must not exceed a weight limit of 250kg

Victoria

Learner drivers under 21 must have 120 hours of supervised hours before applying for the exam. Learner drivers cannot apply for their exam until they turn 18
All new drivers must complete three years on their probationary licence
The power-weight ratio for provisional drivers must not exceed 130kW/ton
Drivers can use mobile devices for navigation if mounted safely

Queensland

Learner drivers under 25 must have 100 hours of supervised hours before applying for their exam.
Drivers must remain on provisional licence for two years after passing the exam
Drivers on red provisional plates are not allowed to use mobile devices. Green provisional plates are allowed to use hands-free devices.

South Australia

Drivers must log 75 hours of supervised hours before applying for an exam
Drivers on any provisional licence can only travel at a maximum speed of 100km/h
Drivers on red provisional licences are not allowed to drive between midnight and 5 am
Drivers on full licenses cannot drive high-performance vehicles without a U-class licence

Western Australia

Learner drivers must log 50 hours of supervised driving before taking the exam
All red-provisional licence holders are banned from driving between 12 am-5 am
All provisional/full licence holders are allowed to use hands-free devices
No power restrictions on vehicles

ACT

Learner drivers can apply for learning permit from 15 years & 9 months
All learners must log a minimum of 50 hours. Learner drivers under 25 must log 100 hours of supervised hours
Drivers on a red provisional licence must not tow more than 750kg in a trailer.

Tasmania

All drivers on a learner permit must log 80 hours of supervised driving before taking the exam
Red provisional licence holders are limited to a speed limit of 100km/h.

Northern Territory

Learner drivers cannot apply for their permit until 16 years and 6 months
Drivers do not need any minimum amount of hours logged before taking the exam
Provisional drivers are limited to a speed of 100 km/h

FAQs

Can drivers rely on licences if living interstate?

If drivers are on a full licence, their licence can be transferred between states and be reissued by the state licensing authority. Those on a provisional licence will be susceptible to each state’s rules depending on where they live at the time.

Do all provisional licences mean the same?

No. If a driver passes their exam before they turn 18, most states issue them a red provisional licence for a minimum of 12 months. Drivers the upgrade to a green provisional licence after successfully coming off their red probationary licence.

Are all licensing rules regulated nationally?

No – all licensing rules are regulated by their state body. This means that rules are different between each state as are the penalties applied to those who break licencing regulations.