Driver & TransportExamRoo practice revision sheet

Novice Driver Rules by State: Speed, Phone, Demerits

Learner and provisional rules compared for NSW, VIC, QLD, WA and SA

Based on: Transport for NSW, VicRoads, Queensland TMR, WA Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure, SA Department for Infrastructure and Transport•3 min read (Printable)•Sources checked 14 October 2026

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Learner and Provisional Speed Caps by State

Some states cap novice drivers below the posted limit. Where a state lists no cap, the posted speed limit applies as it does to every driver.

State	Learner (L)	First provisional stage (P1 / red P)	Later provisional stage (P2 / green P)
New South Wales	90 km/h maximum	90 km/h maximum	100 km/h maximum
Victoria	No separate cap in the L conditions (posted limit applies)	No separate cap in the P1 conditions (posted limit applies)	No separate cap in the P2 conditions (posted limit applies)
Queensland	No separate cap in the L rules (posted limit applies)	No separate cap in the P restrictions (posted limit applies)	No separate cap in the P restrictions (posted limit applies)
Western Australia	100 km/h maximum	Up to 110 km/h where that is the posted limit	Up to 110 km/h where that is the posted limit
South Australia	100 km/h maximum	100 km/h maximum	100 km/h maximum

Note: Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory are not covered on this sheet. Check the licensing authority in those jurisdictions.

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Demerit Point Limits by State

Reaching the limit (not just going past it) triggers a suspension, disqualification or choice notice in each state below.

State	Learner	Provisional	Full / open licence
New South Wales	4 points	P1: 4 points. P2: 7 points	13 points (professional drivers can apply for 14). Offences counted within a 3-year period
Victoria	5 points in any 12 months, or 12 in any 3 years	5 points in any 12 months, or 12 in any 3 years	12 points in any 3 years
Queensland	4 or more points in a continuous 1-year period (3-month suspension)	4 or more points in a continuous 1-year period (choose suspension or a good driving behaviour period)	12 or more points within 3 years
Western Australia	Novice drivers: 4 points in the first year of holding a licence (first-time learners count as Type 1)	Novice drivers: 4 points in the first year, then 8 points until two years licensed	12 or more points in a 3-year period
South Australia	4 or more points during the learner's permit period	4 or more points during the provisional licence period	12 or more points in any 3-year period

Mobile Phone Rules for Novice Drivers

NSW: learner, P1 and P2 drivers must not use a mobile phone at all while driving, even when stopped at lights or in traffic. This includes hands-free (Bluetooth) and phones in a holder.
NSW full licence: a phone may be used only for calls and audio via Bluetooth, or for calls, audio and driver's aids (such as maps) in a commercially manufactured holder fixed to the vehicle. It must never be held in the hand.
VIC: learner and P drivers must not touch or use voice controls on a hand-held or mounted phone. Simple audio and navigation adjustments are allowed only on a device built into the car.
QLD: learners under 25 and P1 drivers under 25 must not use hands-free kits, Bluetooth, wireless headsets or loudspeaker. P2 drivers and P1 drivers aged 25 and over may use a phone hands-free.
SA: learner and P1 drivers must not use any function of a mobile phone while driving. P2 drivers may use a phone within the general road rules.
WA: the handbook sets one phone rule for all drivers: calls only with the phone in a fixed mounting or operated without touching it, and no texts, emails or video messages while driving.

Note: Double demerit points: NSW and WA apply them in holiday periods (in NSW, for example, to speeding, seatbelt and phone offences). In Queensland they apply all year to repeat offences, such as a second phone offence within 12 months.

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