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New rules for Learner Drivers and holders of Provisional Licences

From 20 November 2017, new rules will take effect in relation to Learner, Provisional One (P1) and Provisional Two (P2) drivers.

The following rules will apply:

  1. Learner drivers will have to pass a Hazard Perception Test before progressing to their P1 licence;
  2. P1 licenced drivers will no longer have to pass the Hazard Perception Test to progress to a P2 licence however, they must have held a P1 licence for at least 12 months before they can apply for a P2 licence without taking the Hazard Perception Test;
  3. P2  drivers will no longer need to pass the Driver Qualification Test to progress to an unrestricted licence provided that they’ve held their P2 licence for at least 24 months; and
  4. Each time a P2 driver receives a suspension of their driver’s licence six months will be added to the period in which they must remain on their P2 licence.

I already have my learner, P1 or P2 licence – how will the changes affect me?

Learner:-

  1. If you already have a learner licence, and you haven’t progressed to a P1 licence by 20 November 2017, you will need to pass the Hazard Perception Test before you can book your driving test for your P1 licence. This applies to all learner licence holders, even if you’re 25 or older.
  2. Also note that the Hazard Perception Test (HPT) for learners does not last forever. If you wait more than 15 months without passing the driving test, you’ll have to do the HPT again.

P1 Licence holders

If you got your P1 licence before 20 November 2017, you will need to pass the Hazard Perception Test before you can apply for your P2 licence. This applies whether you apply for your P2 before or after 20 November 2017.

If you renew your P1 licence you’ll still need to pass the Hazard Perception Test before you can apply for your P2 licence but only if you haven’t done one earlier.

Remember you need to hold your P1 licence for at least 12 months before you can apply for a P2 licence.

P2 Licence holders

If you go your P2 licence before 20 November 2017, you will need to pass the Driver Qualification Test before you can apply for a full licence. This applies whether you apply for your full licence before or after 20 November 2017.

If you or anyone you know needs assistance or more information regarding Demerit Points Schemes or any traffic offence issues please feel free to contact Oliver Hagen or Ken Gray on (02) 4731 5899 or email us at litigation@batemanbattersby.com.au.

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New rules for Learner Drivers and holders of Provisional Licences

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