P1 Licence Rules in Victoria: Red P Plates, Passengers, Phones and More

As well as the normal road rules, a P1 driver must:

• display red P plates on the front and rear of the vehicle, visible from 20 metres
• carry the probationary licence (or valid paper receipt) at all times
• have a zero BAC (see zero BAC rules)
• not drive a probationary prohibited vehicle (unless exempt)
• not touch or use voice controls on a phone or device (see phone rules)
• not tow a caravan, trailer or another vehicle, except for work at your employer's request, for agriculture-type work, or with a full licence holder who is authorised to drive that vehicle sitting beside you
• not carry more than one passenger aged 16 to under 22 (see the peer passenger rule)
• drive only automatics if you passed the test in an automatic
• have fewer than five demerit points in twelve months

If you do not have a good driving record, your P1 period is extended. The handbook warns that probationary drivers have a stricter demerit limit than other drivers.

Based on the Victorian Road to Solo Driving handbook and the VicRoads learner and probationary pages. Rules change from time to time, so check vicroads.vic.gov.au for the latest.