<P> The Roads and Maritime Services is responsible for driver licensing in New South Wales . </P> <P> The minimum driving age in New South Wales is 16 years . The government introduced the Graduated Licensing Scheme in 2000 and therefore learners progress from a learner licence, to a provisional P1 licence, to a provisional P2 licence and finally to a full licence over an extended period of time . After obtaining a licence, a driver continues to be subject to restrictions during a three - year probationary period . </P> <Dl> <Dt> Learner Licence </Dt> <Dd> A learner licence is gained after: (a) the minimum driving age of 16 is met; (b) passing a touch - screen computer - based test Driver Knowledge Test; (c) provide identification; and (d) pass an eyesight test . Learners are permitted to drive accompanied by a supervising unrestricted licence holder . Learners are subject to numerous restrictions: (a) a maximum speed of 90 km / h; (b) a zero blood alcohol content limit; (c) cannot tow a trailer; and (d) and must conspicuously display black - on - yellow "L - plates" on the exterior of the vehicle while driving . Learners must complete at least 120 hours of driving practice including 20 hours of night driving and hold the learner licence for at least 12 months before a provisional P1 licence is issued . Since 16 December 2009, one hour with an instructor is equal to three hours of normal driving hours until a total of ten hours with an instructor . This equates to a maximum of 30 hours which can be accumulated at an advanced rate . Since 19 December 2009, learner drivers 25 years old and over are not required to complete a learner driver log book and are exempt from the twelve - month tenure . </Dd> <Dt> Provisional P1 Licence </Dt> <Dd> A provisional P1 licence (commonly called Ps and Reds) is gained after: (a) a minimum twelve months of holding a learner licence; (b) 120 hours (20 hours night drive between sunset and sunrise) of on - road driving experience; and (c) pass a driving test . The licence holder can drive unaccompanied but is limited to a maximum speed of 90 km / h, towing trailers of up to 250 kg and a zero alcohol content . Red - on - white "P - plates" must be displayed while driving . P1 drivers are limited to a total of four demerit points during the term of the licence, as compared to the thirteen - point limit on unrestricted licences . P1 drivers must hold the licence for one year before progressing to the next stage . In New South Wales the minimum age to be eligible for a provisional P1 licence is 17 . As of 1 July 2007, new laws for P1 drivers have been introduced, including a limit of one passenger under the age of 21 between 11 pm and 5 am, and instant suspension for three months for any speeding offence . Furthermore, it is also now a requirement that red "P - plates" be displayed on the outside of the vehicle . </Dd> P1 and P2 drivers are also prohibited from driving a vehicle with a power - to - weight ratio of or greater than 130 kilowatts per tonne as of 1 August 2014, replacing the previous law of being prohibited from driving vehicles with 8 or more cylinders and being turbocharged or supercharged (diesel vehicles exempt) If a P1 or P2 licence holder is disqualified by a court for a serious driving offence, they will have a one - passenger condition imposed on them at all times while on their P1 or P2 licence . It is also worth noting that any time a P1 or P2 licence is suspended or disqualified will NOT count towards the 12 months / 24 months needed for the holder to progress to a P2 / full licence . <Dt> Provisional P2 Licence </Dt> A provisional P2 licence (commonly known as Ps and Greens) is gained after one year and successful completion of a computerised hazard perception test . The driver is restricted to a speed limit of 100 km / h, a zero alcohol limit and a maximum of seven demerit points; however, they are eligible to upgrade the class of their licence, such as those for heavier vehicles . P2 drivers must conspicuously display a green - on - white "P - plate" on the exterior of the vehicle at all times . P2 drivers must hold the licence for two years before progressing to the next stage . From 1 December 2016, P2 licence holders will no longer be permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving or riding . <Dt> Full Licence </Dt> <Dd> A full, unrestricted licence is gained after two years and successful completion of another computerised test . Unrestricted drivers licences are coloured gold . </Dd> </Dl> <Dd> A learner licence is gained after: (a) the minimum driving age of 16 is met; (b) passing a touch - screen computer - based test Driver Knowledge Test; (c) provide identification; and (d) pass an eyesight test . Learners are permitted to drive accompanied by a supervising unrestricted licence holder . Learners are subject to numerous restrictions: (a) a maximum speed of 90 km / h; (b) a zero blood alcohol content limit; (c) cannot tow a trailer; and (d) and must conspicuously display black - on - yellow "L - plates" on the exterior of the vehicle while driving . Learners must complete at least 120 hours of driving practice including 20 hours of night driving and hold the learner licence for at least 12 months before a provisional P1 licence is issued . Since 16 December 2009, one hour with an instructor is equal to three hours of normal driving hours until a total of ten hours with an instructor . This equates to a maximum of 30 hours which can be accumulated at an advanced rate . Since 19 December 2009, learner drivers 25 years old and over are not required to complete a learner driver log book and are exempt from the twelve - month tenure . </Dd>

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