How licensing works in Queensland
Queensland uses a graduated licensing system. You start with a learner licence, then move to a P1 provisional licence (red P plates), then P2 (green P plates), and finally an open licence. Each step has rules that keep new drivers safer while they learn.
| Stage | Minimum age | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Learner licence | 16 | Pass PrepL or the written road rules test. Valid for 3 years. |
| P1 (red P) | 17 | Hold your learner licence 1 year, log 100 hours (under 25), pass the hazard perception test and the practical driving test. |
| P2 (green P) | After P1 | Hold P1 for at least 1 year. Drivers aged 25 or over go straight to P2. |
| Open licence | After P2 | Complete your P2 period. |
PrepL and the written road rules test
Before you can get a learner licence, you must pass PrepL or the written road rules test. Both have 30 multiple-choice questions.
PrepL (online)
- An online course that mixes learning and assessment. It takes about 4 to 6 hours.
- Work at your own pace on a phone, tablet or computer. You have 12 months from enrolment.
- You can enrol from 15 years and 11 months, so you can get your licence on your 16th birthday.
- You need 90% (27 of 30) to pass.
Written road rules test (in person)
You sit this test at a transport and motoring customer service centre once you are 16. Bring proof of identity and pay the test fee. The test has two parts, and you must pass both:
| Part | Questions | To pass |
|---|---|---|
| Giving way | 10 | At least 9 correct |
| Road rules and licence requirements | 20 | At least 18 correct |
- You can take the test only once a day, and you pay each time.
- A pass is valid for 5 years.
Give way: slow down and stop if needed to let other traffic go first. Stop: stop completely at the line, then give way.
Rules for learner drivers
- Supervisor: must sit beside you and must have held an open licence for that vehicle class for at least 1 year.
- L plates: black L on yellow, at least 14.6 cm square, visible from 20 metres at the front and rear. Getting this wrong costs you 2 demerit points.
- Alcohol and drugs: no alcohol at all, and do not drive affected by illegal or prescription drugs.
- Demerit points: 4 or more in 12 months means a 3-month suspension.
Mobile phones
No driver may hold a phone or rest it on their body while driving, even when stopped in traffic. If you are a learner under 25, you also cannot use hands-free kits, Bluetooth, wireless headsets or loudspeaker. While you drive, your supervisor and passengers must not use a phone on loudspeaker.
Logbook
- Learners under 25 record at least 100 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night (sunset to sunrise).
- Use the Queensland Learner Logbook app, an approved app, or a paper logbook.
- A trip with an accredited driver trainer can count as triple time. A night lesson counts as triple time or as night hours, not both.
- Submit your logbook at least 12 business days before your driving test.
- Learners aged 25 or over do not have to log hours, but it is recommended.
Your P1 and P2 licence
To get a P1 licence you must be at least 17, hold your learner licence for at least 1 year, log 100 hours if you are under 25, pass the hazard perception test and pass the practical driving test. You must hold P1 for at least 1 year before moving on.
Key P rules
- Zero alcohol on your P1 licence.
- Red P plates for P1, green P plates for P2.
- Late-night passengers: P1 drivers under 25 can carry only 1 passenger under 21 (not immediate family) between 11 pm and 5 am.
- Phones: P1 drivers under 25 cannot use hands-free, Bluetooth or loudspeaker. P2 drivers and P1 drivers aged 25 or over may use hands-free if the phone does not block their view.
- High-powered vehicles: P1 and P2 drivers under 25 must not drive them without an exemption. For cars built from 2010, that means more than 130 kW per tonne or an approved engine change.
- Demerit points: P1 drivers with 4 or more points in 1 year must choose between a suspension and a good driving behaviour period.