If you’re a new driver (or a parent of one), 2025 brings clarity—not a national overhaul, but important state-level updates plus tougher enforcement in some places.
The big confirmed change is in Western Australia (passenger limits for red P drivers), while NSW continues strict mobile-phone bans for L/P drivers with higher fines.
Other states keep their own zero-BAC, phone, speed, and passenger rules. Always check your state page before you drive.
Key Updates You Should Know
- WA (Tom’s Law): Red P drivers can travel with only one passenger at all times; the midnight–5 am curfew for new P drivers remains. Applies to current and future red P drivers.
- NSW phone rules & penalties: L, P1, P2 drivers still cannot use a phone at all (including GPS, CarPlay, Bluetooth). Phone offences attract $423 and 5 demerit points (higher in school zones). A 2024–25 proposal to allow over-25 P-platers to use a phone for navigation was defeated in Parliament, so the total ban remains. Speed limits for P drivers stay capped: P1 90 km/h, P2 100 km/h.
- VIC: Ongoing debate about lowering probationary age to 17—not implemented; Victoria still requires 18. Standard P1/P2 restrictions (zero BAC, phone ban) continue.
- QLD: Night passenger cap for P1 under 25: between 11 pm–5 am, only one passenger under 21 (non-immediate family). L and P1 under 25: no phone use at all; P2 (and P1 25+) may use hands-free within strict rules.
- SA/TAS/ACT: Strong phone bans for novices + peer-passenger rules at night on P1 (details vary by state).
At-A-Glance: P-Plate Rules In 2025
| State/Territory | Phone Use (L/P) | Passenger Limits (typical) | Speed/Other Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Total ban for L/P (no GPS/CarPlay/Bluetooth). $423/5 pts penalty. | Under-25: late-night passenger limit applies if on a Good Behaviour period; general peer caps apply in some cases. | P1 90 km/h, P2 100 km/h; zero BAC. |
| VIC | No phone for P1/P2; zero BAC. | Standard P1/P2 rules; no new 2025 change to P-plate age (still 18). | Display plates; check VicRoads for exemptions. |
| QLD | L & P1 <25: no phone; P2/P1 25+: limited hands-free. | 11 pm–5 am: only one passenger <21 (non-immediate family) for P1 <25. | Zero BAC; high-powered vehicle limits for P1. |
| WA | Standard L/P phone bans. | Tom’s Law: Red P = one passenger at all times; midnight–5 am curfew for new P drivers continues. | Applies to current and future red P drivers. |
| SA | No phone on P1 (and L). | P1 <25: no driving midnight–5 am; max one passenger 16–20 (excl. immediate family). | Zero BAC. |
| TAS | L & P1: phone ban (music/GPS only if set before trip with no interaction). | Peer passenger restrictions on P1. | P1 max 100 km/h; zero BAC. |
| ACT | Phone restrictions for L/P. | Late-night peer passenger limits during P1. | Two-stage provisional (P1 then P2). |
| NT | Phone and zero-BAC novice rules apply; single provisional stage. | Passenger rules vary; check NT guidance before travel. | Display plates as required. |
Note: There is no nationwide overhaul of P-plate rules in 2025.
Beware viral posts claiming sweeping federal changes—they’re false. Rules remain state-based.
Practical Tips For Safer Young Drivers
- Keep your phone out of reach or in Do Not Disturb.
- Know your passenger and curfew limits before night trips.
- Respect state speed caps for P1/P2 (especially in NSW).
- Plan routes ahead so you don’t touch devices while driving.
Australia’s P-plate system in 2025 stays state-driven with one major confirmed shift—WA’s Tom’s Law—and tougher enforcement elsewhere (notably NSW phone penalties).
If you’re a young driver, the safest—and cheapest—strategy is simple: zero BAC, no phone, follow passenger limits, and know your state’s rules before you start the engine.
That’s how we keep new drivers (and everyone around them) safer on the road.
