It is regrettable, but nonetheless true, that Learner and P-plate drivers are more likely to be involved in crashes. This makes sense - given that ‘L' and ‘P' drivers are our most inexperienced and thus most vulnerable motorists. This is why the Government introduced the graduated licensing scheme on 31 October 2005 to provide more structure and experience to trainee drivers.

What does this mean to Learner and P-plate drivers?
If ‘L' or ‘P' drivers are disqualified from driving their permit or licence will regress – that is, go backwards.

If you commit a driving offence, as outlined in the Driver's Handbook, you will lose your licence. In the past, if your licence or permit was cancelled, you could reapply upon conclusion of the disqualification period.

However, under these new laws, when you reapply for a licence or permit you will regress to an earlier licence stage. This means that you'll need to earn your licence or permit back, possibly at considerable cost and effort.

After disqualification Learner's Permit drivers go backwards to:

• passing the Learner's Permit Theory Test again, prior to being re-issued with a permit
• passing the Basic Rider Safe course if you are a motorcyclist.
• holding the permit for a total period of nine months. *

After disqualification P1 Provisional Licence drivers go backwards to:

• applying for a Learner's Permit (no theory test required)
• passing a practical driving test again (Vehicle on Road Test, Competency Based Training or Advanced Rider Safe), prior to being reissued with another P1 licence. **

After disqualification P2 Provisional Licence drivers go backwards to:

• being issued with a P1 Provisional Licence
• passing the Hazard Perception Test again before regaining their P2 licence.

These changes mean that ‘L' and ‘P' drivers who break road laws will be limited by learner or provisional driver conditions and gain longer driving experience before they attain a full licence. ***

Those drivers who drive safely and don't break the road rules will not be affected by these changes.

Frequently asked questions

I was disqualified on my Learner's permit, What are the new rules?
After completing your disqualification period you will be required to re-sit and pass the theory test to obtain another learner’s permitYou must hold the learner’s permit for a total of 9 months. This includes previous time spent on a learner’s permit excluding the Disqualification period. Motor bike permit holders will be required to pass the Basic Rider Safe course again.

Can my hours prior to the disqualification still be used?
Yes, providing they are recorded in the Log Book (Driving Companion).

What if I have dual class Learner's permits (C & R-Date)?
On completion of the Disqualification period you must repass a theory test, repass the Basic Rider Safe course, purchase 2 learner’s permits (one for each class), and hold both permits for a total period of 9 months.

My offence was on a Learner's permit, but I progressed to a P1 prior to the court hearing, will this affect my P1?
Yes, you will be required to reapply for a learner’s permit (theory test not required), and hold the permit for a continuous period of at least 3 months (nine months in total) after completing your disqualification. You will also be required to pass another practical test (RORT, CBT or Advanced Rider Safe) before being re-issued a P1 licence.

I was disqualified on my P1 Licence. What are the new rules?
You must reapply for a learner’s permit (theory test not required) after completing your disqualification, and pass the final practical test (VORT, CBT or Advanced Rider Safe) again before being re-issued a P1 licence.

What if I have dual class P1 Licence (C & R-Date)?
You must reapply for a learner’s permit for each class (theory test not required) after completing your disqualification, and you must pass one type of final practical test (either VORT, CBT or Advanced Rider Safe) before being re-issued a P1 licence for both class types.

I was disqualified on my P2 Licence, What are the new rules?
You must reapply for a P1 licence after completing your disqualification and pass a Hazard Perception Test again before being re-issued a P2 licence. The P1 licence must be held for at least 2 years before you can attempt the HPT.

I have a Full licence and a Learners permit for a different class, will Regression affect me?
Your full licence will not be affected by regression To regain your learner’s permit, you will be required to re-apply for the learner’s permit for that class(theory test not required).

Will I have to spend longer on my P’s?
If you are issued a P1 licence after your disqualification, your licence will be issued for 2 years and 6 months, plus any additional period set by the courts. The P1 conditions apply for at least 2 years before you may take the HPT to progress to a P2 licence. If you incurred any demerit points before you turned 19, your P1 licence will be issued until your 20th birthday of for 2 years and 6 months, whichever is longer, plus any additional period set by the courts.

If I appeal my disqualification, will Regression affect me?
If you successfully lodge an appeal against a provisionl licence disqualification, you will be required to reapply for a 3 year P1 licence. You will not be affected by regression, provided you apply for your licence within 14 days of the court hearing date.

* The total nine months required to hold a learner's permit can include time a person previously held a learner's permit, but does not include any time whilst disqualified.

** P1 Provisional licence must be held for a minimum period of two years.

*** P2 Provisional licence must be held for a minimum period of six months after completing the Hazard Perception Test.