Australian L plate rules: requirements, restrictions and supervised hours explained
Everything learner drivers need to know before progressing to P platesWhat are L plate rules in Australia?
An L plate (learner) licence is the first stage of Australia’s graduated licensing system. Drivers must be at least 16, log 50–120 hours of supervised driving depending on the state, maintain a zero blood alcohol concentration, and display L plates front and rear. A hazard perception test must be passed before progressing to a P plate licence.
What is an L plate licence and how does it work?
An L plate licence authorises a learner driver to practise on public roads under supervision. It is the entry point to Australia’s graduated licensing system, which builds driving skills progressively before a full licence is granted. Although the framework is consistent nationwide, requirements differ between states.
The general pathway is the same everywhere:
- Pass a written knowledge test at a government service centre
- Log the required hours of supervised on-road driving
- Pass a hazard perception test (all states except NT)
- Pass a practical driving test to progress to P1 plates
Two states have a preliminary step: Queensland offers an online pre-learning course (PrepL), and the ACT requires completion of an approved Pre-Learner Licence Course before the knowledge test can be sat. An eyesight check and identity documents are required in every state.
Drivers aged 25 and over have logbook hours waived entirely in NSW, WA and the NT. In NSW and Queensland, one hour with a professional driving instructor counts as three logbook hours. SA and Tasmania apply the same requirements regardless of age.
L plate driving rules: speed, alcohol, phones and towing
The following rules apply to all learner drivers across every state and territory:
- Zero blood alcohol concentration: no detectable alcohol at any time
- No mobile phone use while driving
- L plates displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle at all times
- Supervisor must hold a full Australian driver's licence and sit in the front passenger seat
- Towing permitted only in NT, Queensland and WA. L plates must also be displayed on the trailer
Speed limits and minimum L plate holding periods before applying for a P plate vary by state. See the table below for a full breakdown.
L plate rules by state: hours, speed and holding period
State | Hour (Under 25) | Night Hours | Max Speed | Min. Hold prior to P plate |
NSW | 120hrs | 20hrs | 90km/h | 52 weeks |
Victoria | 120hrs | 20hrs | Posted limit | 52 weeks (under 21) |
ACT | 100hrs | 10hrs | Posted limit | 52 weeks |
Queensland | 100hrs | 10hrs | 100km/h | 52 weeks |
Tasmania | 80hrs | 15hrs | 90km/h | 52 weeks |
SA | 75hrs | 15hrs | 100km/h | 52 weeks |
WA | 50hrs | 5hrs | 100km/h | 26 weeks |
NT | None (50 recommended) | - | 100km/h | 26 weeks |
For drivers aged 25 and over in NSW and Victoria, logbook hours are waived, while SA and Tasmania apply the same hour requirements regardless of age. NT has no minimum requirement at any age.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take the knowledge test online?
In NSW, the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) can be completed via an online interactive course or in person at a Service NSW centre. Queensland offers the PrepL online course before visiting a service centre. All other states require an in-person test.
Do you need a hazard perception test for L plates?
The hazard perception test is required before progressing from L plates to P plates, not to obtain L plates. It is required in all states except the NT. The earliest it can be attempted ranges from three months into the learner period in the ACT to 10 months in NSW.
Can an L plater tow a trailer or caravan?
Only in NT, Queensland and WA. Towing is not permitted on a learner licence in any other state. Where it is allowed, L plates must also be displayed on the trailer.
What happens if you drive unsupervised on L plates?
Driving unaccompanied on a learner licence is a serious offence. Penalties include fines, demerit points, and possible suspension or cancellation of the learner licence.
Penalties for breaking L plate rules
- Demerit points apply to learner drivers. Accumulating too many can lead to suspension or refusal of the learner licence
- Zero BAC violations can result in licence suspension, fines of $4000 or more, and mandatory fitting of an alcohol interlock device
- Mobile phone use while driving attracts demerit points and fines typically exceeding $400
- Driving unaccompanied or with an unqualified supervisor carries fines and licence consequences
- Incorrect or missing L plate display can also attract penalties
Quick summary: L plate rules Australia
- Minimum age: 16 years in all states and territories
- Pass a knowledge test to obtain the licence. A hazard perception test is required before progressing to P plates
- Log 50–120 supervised hours (state dependent). Hours are waived for drivers aged 25 and over in NSW, WA and NT
- Zero blood alcohol concentration and no mobile phone use at any time
- L plates displayed front and rear, with a supervisor in the front passenger seat
- Speed cap: 90km/h in NSW and Tasmania, 100km/h in most others, posted limit in ACT and Victoria
- Towing permitted in NT, Queensland and WA only
Disclaimer: L plate requirements vary between states and territories and are subject to change. Always verify current rules with your state or territory's licensing authority before applying.
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