This guide outlines the steps to progress from a provisional P1 licence (red Ps) to a provisional P2 licence (green Ps) in New South Wales (NSW). The process involves meeting specific requirements and adhering to NSW road rules. Download Form.
Prerequisites for a Provisional P2 Licence
To be eligible for your green Ps, you must meet the following criteria:
- Hold your P1 licence for at least 12 months: You must have held your provisional P1 licence (red Ps) for a minimum of 12 months. Any periods during which your licence was suspended do not count toward this requirement.
- Maintain a good driving record: Your driving record must be free of suspensions. If your licence is disqualified, you must reapply, and any time accumulated toward the 12-month requirement is void.
- Avoid convictions for specific offences: If you are convicted of using false documents to gain access to licensed premises or purchase alcohol while on your P1 licence, an additional 6 months will be added to the 12-month requirement.
Steps to Apply for Your Green Ps
Once you meet the prerequisites, follow these steps to obtain your provisional P2 licence:
- Check your eligibility:
- Ensure you have held your P1 licence for at least 12 months without suspensions.
- Verify that you have not been disqualified or convicted of offences that extend the P1 period.
- Apply for your P2 licence:
- You can apply online through the Service NSW website or in person at a Service NSW Centre.
- When applying, you may need to:
- Prove your identity.
- Pay the applicable licence fee.
- No additional tests required:
- Unlike the P1 licence, the P2 licence does not require additional tests such as the Hazard Perception Test (HPT) or a driving test.
- Receive your green P plates:
- Once approved, you will receive your provisional P2 licence and green P plates, which must be displayed clearly on the exterior of the front and back of your vehicle.
Provisional P2 Licence Conditions
With a provisional P2 licence, you must adhere to specific restrictions in addition to general NSW road rules:
- Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): Zero (no alcohol in your system).
- Demerit points: You are allowed up to 7 demerit points before facing suspension.
- Speed limit: Maximum speed of 100 km/h.
- Supervision: You are not permitted to supervise a learner driver.
- Mobile phone use: Mobile phones are not allowed unless the vehicle is parked.
- Vehicle restrictions: You must not drive vehicles with:
- 8 or more cylinders (diesel engines exempt).
- Turbocharged or supercharged engines (diesel engines exempt).
- Modifications that increase engine performance.
- Any other vehicle identified by Transport for NSW.
- Plate display: Green P plates must be clearly displayed on the front and back of the vehicle.
Failure to comply with these conditions may result in fines or loss of your licence. Also check below infograph for better understanding.
Progressing to a Full Licence
To move from your green Ps to a full NSW driver licence, you must:
- Minimum of 24 months of driving experience, which is free of any suspension.
- Remark that the suspension of unsafe driving behaviour will increase the P2 period by a further 6 months suspension at a time.
- In case of disqualification, it will have to re-apply and any hours earned that were towards the 24-month requirement will not count.
- Visit a Service NSW Centre to:
- Prove your identity.
- Pass an eyesight test.
- Pay the licence fee.
Additional Information
- Licence validity: The P2 licence lasts a year and a half or until you reach your full licence. You may renew it after 36 months in case you are yet to make any progress.
- Resources: To obtain more details, head to the Transport for NSW or one of the Service NSW Centres.
- Support programs: Determine whether you can participate in such programs as the Driver licensing access program which can provide assistance in getting your licence.
Tips for Success
- Also note your driving record regularly so that it is free of suspension.
- Get to know the NSW road rules in order not to be fined.
- Check the resources such as the Transport for NSW site to know the changes in the requirements of the licenses.
For the most current and accurate information, refer to the Service NSW website or visit a Service NSW Centre.