After getting the learner's permit, you have to start preparing for the P1 and P2 licence stages. The L plate can only be used for three years, as per the QLD government rule. Within this time, a learner has to upgrade to the next stage. Get admitted into a driving school, learn the traffic laws, practice driving, and keep a logbook. Once ready, you can take the practical driving test. With proper guidance and preparation, it won't take too long to get the p-plates. Then, you will be allowed to drive without being supervised.
How You Can Get P1 and P2 Licences
The process to get the licences is basically attending and passing the practical driving test. To pass the test, follow these tips and tricks:
Learn about the Eligibilities
Educate yourself about the requirements to be a P-plate holder. This will help in planning and preparation. For instance, you need to be at least 17 years old to attend the test. On the other hand, the L plate can be achieved at the age of 16 years old. In that case, a learner driver has to wait for the test till he is 17. Other eligibilities include:
- Hazard perception test
- 100-hour logbook
- Holding on the learner licence for at least 1 year for learners under 25. If you are 25 or over, then 6 months is okay.
Get Admitted to A Driving School
Driving schools have professional instructors to help with the preparation. They understand the weaknesses of a learner and how to overcome them. Their systematic approach ensures everything is learned. In Queensland, it's not mandatory to attend a driving school. Learning from friends or family members is alright, too. Yet, it's safe to learn from professionals. They'll guide you regarding road safety rules, driving skills, and tips for the practical test. This will smoothen the provisional licence process.
Driving Restrictions for Learner Drivers
As an L plate driver, you will have to follow some restrictions. Violating them will lead to demerit points, and 4 or more demerit points in a year may result in licence cancellation. The learner driver requirements for safe driving include:
- Carrying more than one passenger for drivers under 21 is prohibited. The exception is applied to immediate family members.
- Using mobile phones is completely illegal for L learners. Plus, you should also avoid hand-free, wireless handsets, too.
- There are also high-performance vehicle restrictions. Learner drivers cannot use those cars.
Keep A Logbook
The logbook is where you note all the supervised driving hours. It is a legal requirement to have 100 logbook driving hours. However, the number may vary depending on the state. Once you pass the theoretical test, you will be given a logbook. It can be either a paper book or a digital one. Make sure to have taken entries of all the supervised practices. If the book is lost, you will lose the record. The replacement fee for the new book is $18.
Learn Road Safety Rules for P-platers
P-platers are 3 times more prone to accidents, according to Mylicence. You have only started to learn the skills, so it's crucial to follow the safety laws strictly.
- Drive in low-risk areas for the first few weeks.
- Minimise driving at night initially as it requires more skills and expertise.
- Avoid driving after drinking, regardless of the amount.
- Avoid mobile phone usage while driving.
- Maintain a safe distance from other cars.
Practice Driving in Various Conditions
In Queensland, a 100-hour logbook is required for driving test preparation. Try driving on various road types. This will prepare you better for the test. Don’t forget to drive some hours at night, too. The night driving requirement for the test is at least 10 hours in Queensland, as per the government website.
Attend the Hazard Perception Test (HPT)
Before the driving test, you need to attend the hazard perception test. It does not involve any sort of driving. Instead, a series of video clips will be played on a digital screen. The videos will stimulate real driving situations. The goal is to identify potential hazards as they develop. The test is to ensure a learner can anticipate and respond to dangerous situations while driving. Your reaction time is considered during the test.
Take the Practical Driving Test
Once you feel ready and confident, book for the practical test. The practical driving assessment (PDA) includes driving skills and safety awareness. Make sure to maintain all the necessary safety measures. Attend the test early in a car that is in good condition, and you feel comfortable driving. No need to worry about the supervisors as they are there only to help you with the test.
Safe driving tips for P-platers
Getting a P1 licence is not the end. You have to then prepare for the next stage- P2. During this time, follow the road safety rules for P-platers for a smooth transition between the P1 and P2 licence stages.
- Follow the P-plate display rules. For P1 drivers, it’s red in colour. Whether you are riding a car or bike, it should be displayed on the vehicle. Government instruction for the measurement is at least 14.6cm by 14.6cm.
- Know about passenger limits for provisional drivers. P1 licence holders under 25 can only carry 1 passenger between 11 pm and 5 am. Even the passengers are not allowed to use cell phones or loudspeakers.
- The speed limit varies for P1 and P2 drivers. For P1 drivers, the maximum speed is 90 km/h, while P2 drivers are not allowed to drive faster than 100 km/h.
- No alcohol is allowed, and driving is allowed for provisional drivers.
- Though hands-free driving is allowed in Queensland, many states prohibit this.
Final Words
It’s not difficult to get a provisional licence when you have proper guidance. Learn from professional instructors for better preparation. Affordable Driving School Brisbane is the ideal choice for learning from experts. Our instructors have years of experience and ensure you are aware of all the necessary laws along with the driving skills. This will ensure you get the P licence without failing and get no demerit points.