Changes coming to the Graduated Licensing Scheme from 20 November 2017
Important information for learner, P1 and P2 drivers.
From Monday, 20 November 2017, there are some changes for learner, P1 and P2 drivers:
Learner drivers will have to pass the Hazard Perception Test before they can attempt the driving test
P1 drivers will no longer have to pass the Hazard Perception Test to apply for a P2 licence. As long as you pass the Hazard Perception Test before you were issued your P1 licence, and you’ve held your P1 licence for at least 12 months, you can apply for your P2 licence without taking a test
The Driver Qualification Test is being removed, so after 20 November 2017 if you’ve had your P2 licence for at least 24 months, you can apply for your full licence without doing a test. This is only for P2 licences issued from 20 November. See P2 for more information.
If your P2 licence is suspended for getting too many demerit points, or for a higher risk offence like speeding by 30km/h or more, you will need to spend an extra 6 months on your P2 licence. Also remember that any time spent suspended does not count towards the 24 months you need before you can apply for your full licence. You’ll need to complete an extra 6 months for every suspension received while on your P2 licence.
I already have my learner, P1 or P2 licence – how will the changes affect me?
Learners
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.
This applies to all learner licence holders, even if you’re 25 or older.
Under 25s: You need to hold your learner licence for at least 10 months before you can sit the Hazard Perception Test.
25 or over: You can take the Hazard Perception Test at any time before you book your driving test.
Remember 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
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
If you got 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.
You are not subject to the extra 6 month period if your P2 licence is suspended.
If you renew your P2 licence on or after 20 November 2017 and are suspended for unsafe driving you will need to do an extra 6 months on your P2 licence before applying for a full unrestricted licence. P2 licences issued after 20 November do not need to do the DQT.
Do these changes apply to riders?
No. These changes only apply to car learner, P1 and P2 licences.
See Rider licences for information on how to get a motorcycle rider licence.
I’m over 25 – do these changes apply to me?
Yes, these changes apply to you even if you’re 25 or older.
The only exception for learners aged 25 and older is that you don’t need to complete 120 hours driving on your learner licence.
Reminder: ALL mobile phone use is banned for novice drivers and riders
Learner, P1 and P2 drivers and riders must not use any function of a mobile phone while driving or riding, or when stationary but not parked. This includes using hands-free or speaker mode, or to use GPS functions.
You must be safely parked out of the line of traffic to use a mobile phone.
If you are caught using your phone in any way while driving or riding, you will be fined, and get 4 demerit points.
More information about using mobile phones while driving or riding.
What is the reason for these changes?
Transport for NSW recently led an Austroads project to develop a best practice model for graduated licensing. This work identified features that should be included in a best practice graduated licensing scheme. This model has since been endorsed by all Australian States and Territories.
The changes we are making in November 2017 will align the NSW system with this new model, and better prepare novice drivers for real world road hazards. These changes will also help drive the road toll towards zero.
By taking the Hazard Perception Test, learner drivers will be more prepared for common crash scenarios before they start driving unsupervised.
The new suspension rules for P2 drivers will make sure that novice drivers have a good driving record before they can apply for a full licence. The extra 6 months a suspended driver will need to spend on their P2 licence restrictions will encourage safer driving behaviour. Restrictions applying to P2 licence holders are speed, a zero blood alcohol level and bans on high performance vehicles.
Road Users Handbook
Road Users Handbook
View or download the Road Users Handbook.
Austroads Learning to Drive
View or download the Austroads Learning to Drive handbook
View or download the Austroads Learning to Drive handbook
Share this page: Facebook Share Tweet Google Plus Share