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Licence stages

How to get from L plates to P plates in NSW

Quick answer

How do you go from your Ls to your Ps in NSW?

Pass the Hazard Perception Test, then the on-road driving test, to get your red P1 licence. If you are under 25 you also need 12 months on your Ls, 120 logged hours and to be at least 17. After 12 months on red Ps you move to green P2, and after 24 months on green Ps you can get a full licence.

The four stages

  1. L

    12 months minimum if under 25

    Learner

    • Supervisor with a full licence beside you
    • 90 km/h maximum, zero alcohol
    • 120 hours logged, 20 at night (under 25)
  2. P

    12 months minimum

    Red Ps

    • 90 km/h maximum, zero alcohol, no phone use
    • Under 25: no more than one passenger under 21 from 11pm to 5am
    • Trailers up to 250 kg unloaded only
  3. P

    24 months minimum

    Green Ps

    • 100 km/h maximum, zero alcohol, no phone use
    • Cannot supervise a learner
    • Each suspension adds six months
  4. ✓

    Ongoing, renewed when it expires

    Full licence

    • Apply after 24 months on your P2
    • Pass an eyesight test
    • No novice speed or passenger limits

From L to red P, in order

  1. 1

    Build your hours

    Under 25s log 120 hours of supervised driving, 20 of them at night, in a paper log book or an approved app.

  2. 2

    Pass the Hazard Perception Test

    Under 25s can sit it after 10 months on their Ls. Once passed, you have 15 months to pass the driving test.

  3. 3

    Book the driving test

    You need to be 17, have held your Ls for 12 months and have your hours done. Submit an app log book at least 48 hours before.

  4. 4

    Pass on the road

    A testing officer assesses your driving. Fail and you wait at least 7 days to try again.

Under 25 or 25 and over

Under 2525 and over
Minimum time on Ls12 monthsNone
Log book hours120, 20 at nightNot required
Hazard Perception TestAfter 10 months on LsWhen ready
P1 peer passenger ruleAppliesDoes not apply
Time on P1 and P212 and 24 months12 and 24 months

Demerit points on your Ps

Red P1 drivers lose their licence at 4 demerit points, and any speeding offence is enough on its own. Green P2 drivers have a limit of 7 points, and every speeding offence carries at least 4.

Common questions

How old do you have to be to get your Ps in NSW?
If you are under 25 you must be at least 17 to sit the driving test, which is the last step to red Ps.
Do I still need a test to go from red to green Ps?
No. Once you have held your P1 for 12 months you apply for your P2, and most people can do it online.
Is there a test to go from P2 to a full licence?
No knowledge test is needed now. You apply after 24 months on your P2, prove your identity and pass an eyesight test.
What is the peer passenger rule?
If you are under 25 and on red Ps, you cannot carry more than one passenger under 21 between 11pm and 5am, unless you hold an exemption.

Sources

  • nsw.gov.au, Getting your driver licence checked 20 Oct 2026
    The four stages, the 12 month and 120 hour rule for under 25s, P1 for 12 months, P2 for 2 years, no DQT for a full licence.
  • nsw.gov.au, The Driving Test checked 20 Oct 2026
    Under 25s need to be 17, have passed the HPT, held Ls 12 months and logged 120 hours; 7 day wait after a fail; app log book submitted 48 hours before.
  • nsw.gov.au, Provisional P1 licence checked 20 Oct 2026
    90 km/h cap, 250 kg trailer limit, peer passenger condition for under 25s from 11pm to 5am, 4 demerit points, 12 months before P2.
  • nsw.gov.au, Provisional P2 licence checked 20 Oct 2026
    100 km/h cap, 7 demerit points, minimum 4 points for speeding, extra 6 months per suspension, 24 months before a full licence.
  • nsw.gov.au, Hazard Perception Test checked 20 Oct 2026
    Under 25s can sit the HPT after 10 months on their Ls; the driving test must be passed within 15 months of the HPT.
  • nsw.gov.au, Full driver licence checked 20 Oct 2026
    Apply after 24 months on P2 with proof of identity, an eyesight test and the licence fee.

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