Rule the road.
A state by state guide for P-Platers getting their start on the road
Getting your licence is a rite of passage that every teenager dream of – catching the bus to school becomes a distant memory and weekends spent with friends more tangible. It’s this freedom that makes life that much sweeter. But with great power, comes great responsibility – and lots of road rules too. Here at Hyundai, we’re going to break down everything you need to know as a newbie on the road; state, by state.
NEW SOUTH WALES (NSW).
NEW SOUTH WALES (NSW).
NSW takes the cake for the strictest P Plate legislation in the country. Staying safe has never been so critical, which is why P1 drivers can’t exceed a speed limit of 90 km/h and 100 km/h for P2 drivers. Hyundai’s i30 has been fitted with some of the most advanced safety features*, like Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go that automatically maintains a safe distance to the vehicle ahead.
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY (ACT).
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY (ACT).
Not far away in the ACT, drivers can obtain their provisional licence when they turn 17, after holding their learner for six months. They are required to hold this licence for three years before transferring to an unrestricted class. Interestingly, drivers in the ACT can obtain their licence one of two ways, either by passing a practical driving test or by completing a logbook with an accredited driving instructor.
QUEENSLAND (QLD).
QUEENSLAND (QLD).
QLD follows a similar process as NSW for P1 and P2 drivers. Drivers are required to record 100 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours of night driving) and must be at least 18 years old and pass the Hazard Perception Test before transitioning from P1 to P2. Unlike NSW, P2 licence holders are permitted to use handsfree functions on their mobile phones, which is where features included in the i30, like Apple CarPlay1 and Android auto2 compatibility come in handy.
NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT).
NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT).
Although drivers in NT can qualify for their P Plate licence at 16 and six months, they follow similar laws for mobile phone usage to NSW, with handsfree and loudspeaker prohibited on a provisional licence. Drivers are required to pass a practical driving test, and it is recommended, but not enforced to log at least 100 hours of supervised driving experience before attempting the exam.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND WESTERN AUSTRALIA (SA, WA).
SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND WESTERN AUSTRALIA (SA, WA).
SA and WA are the two states that have an enforceable driving curfew for P1 licence holders – restricting drivers from being on the road between midnight and 5am. In WA, this is only for the first six months, however for drivers in SA, the law is applicable for any provisional driver under 25. P1 drivers in SA are also only permitted a maximum of one passenger aged 16-20 at any time of the day or night, excluding immediate family members or when a qualified supervising driver is seated within the car.
VICTORIA (VIC).
VICTORIA (VIC).
VIC takes novice driver safety seriously. Not only do young drivers have to be a year older than is required in most states to get their P1 licenses, but drivers under the age of 21 must hold their provisional licenses for four years. Similarly, to SA, P1 drivers in VIC are also only permitted to carry one passenger between the age of 16 and 22 at any time.
TASMANIA (TAS).
TASMANIA (TAS).
Penalties for road law violations in Tasmania are very strict, and irresponsible novice drivers can be required to ‘restart’ their provisional licenses from scratch if they commit any of the following offences; failing to wear a seatbelt, using a mobile device, speeding 10 km/h or more over the speed limit and failing to display P Plates.
Disclaimers.
*Available on selected models and variants only. For details, please visit www.hyundai.com/au.
1 - Apple CarPlay™ requires iPhone 5 or subsequent model (lightning cable) in order to operate. Apple and iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
2 - Android™ Auto requires a device with Android 5.0 operating system or subsequent version in order to operate. Android™ is a registered trademark of Google.