Australian Driver Licence | |
---|---|
Type | Driver licence |
Issued by | States and territories |
Purpose | Identification |
Eligibility | All passed drivers of Australian states and territories |
Driver licences in Australia refer to the official permit required for a person to legally drive a motor vehicle in Australia. The issue of driver licences, alongside the regulation and enforcement of road use, are all managed by state and territory governments. [1]
As no Australia-wide licensing scheme exists, rules for the issue of licences vary by jurisdiction. Nevertheless, licences are generally recognised and valid in other states and territories. Since 1997, nationwide uniform arrangements have been in place for the regulation of full drivers licences for motor vehicles, as well as their renewal. [2]
Australia's lack of identity cards has led to driving licences becoming the de facto photo ID used in everyday situations. In 2017, the federal government proposed creation of a national drivers licence database that would involve state or territory governments handing over the identities of drivers in a stated bid to toughen national security laws. The national ID database would be used to monitor public events, but could be transferred to a national drivers licence system with agreement from the states. [3]
All states and territories in Australia have a uniform driver licence system. [4]
Class | Type | Description |
---|---|---|
C | Car licence | Covers vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass (GVM). GVM is the maximum allowed weight of the vehicle when loaded. The licence allows the holder to drive cars, utilities, vans, some light trucks, car-based motor tricycles, tractors and implements such as graders, vehicles that seat up to 12 adults, including the driver. |
R | Rider licence | Applies to motorcycle riders with any registrable motorcycle. |
RE | Restricted Rider licence | Covers motorcycles matching the LAMS (Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme) list of motorcycles of each state. Generally this means abiding by a power-to-weight ratio and a total engine size limit. Riders must hold this licence for 12 months before being permitted to upgrade to a R class motorcycle licence. |
LR | Light Rigid licence | Covers a rigid vehicle with a GVM of more than 4.5 tonnes up to 8 tonnes. Any towed trailer must not weigh more than 9 tonnes GVM. This class also includes vehicles with a GVM up to 8 tonnes which carry more than 12 adults including the driver. A holder of a LR licence is also permitted to drive vehicles in class C. |
MR | Medium Rigid licence | Covers a rigid vehicle with 2 axles and a GVM of more than 8 tonnes. Any towed trailer must not weigh more than 9 tonnes GVM. A holder of a MR licence is also permitted to drive vehicles in class LR and lower. |
HR | Heavy Rigid licence | Covers a rigid vehicle with 3 or more axles and a GVM of more than 8 tonnes. Any towed trailer must not weigh more than 9 tonnes GVM. This class also includes articulated buses. A holder of an HR licence is also permitted to drive vehicles in class MR and lower. |
HC | Heavy Combination licence | Covers heavy combination vehicles like a prime mover towing a semi-trailer, or rigid vehicles towing a trailer with a GVM of more than 9 tonnes. A holder of an HC licence is also permitted to drive vehicles in class HR and lower. |
MC | Multi-Combination licence | Covers multi-combination vehicles like road trains and B-double vehicles. A holder of an MC licence is also permitted to drive vehicles in class HC and lower. |
The medical standards for drivers of commercial vehicles are set by the National Transport Commission and Austroads.
The driver of a vehicle carrying paying passengers (such as a school bus or tourist coach) is required to hold a driver licence depending on the size of the vehicle as well as a "Public Passenger Vehicle Driver Authority" which is issued by the state or territory Ministry of Transport.
Some states issue driver's licences for particular transmissions only. Drivers with an automatic-approved licence are not able to drive manual-transmission vehicles, whereas manual-approved drivers are able to operate both. States such as South Australia have no such differentiation, and can drive both regardless of which they learnt with.
The official nomenclature for car licences varies in the states and territories, for example, "Driver's Licence" or "Driver Licence".
The official names for learners also vary, for example, "Learner Driver Licences" or "Learner's Permit", although they are commonly referred to as "L-platers".
Jurisdiction | Driver licence issuing authority | Minimum age for learner permit | Minimum supervised hours to get Ps | Minimum age for P1 licence | Minimum age for P2 licence | Minimum age for full/open licence | Validity of full/open licence |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Australian Capital Territory | Access Canberra (Road Transport Authority) | 15 years, 9 months | 100 hours (aged under 25) [lower-alpha 1] 50 hours (aged 25+) [lower-alpha 2] | 17 years | 18 years | 20 years | 10 years or 5 years [lower-alpha 3] |
New South Wales | Transport for NSW | 16 years | 120 hours (aged under 25) [lower-alpha 4] | 17 years | 18 years | 20 years | 10 years, 5 years, 3 years, or 1 year [lower-alpha 5] |
Northern Territory | Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (Motor Vehicle Registry) | 16 years | None | 16 years, 6 months | N/A [lower-alpha 6] | 18 years, 6 months [lower-alpha 7] | 10 years, 5 years, 2 years, or 1 year |
Queensland | Department of Transport and Main Roads | 16 years | 100 hours (aged under 25) [lower-alpha 1] | 17 years | 18 years | 20 years | 5 years to 1 year [lower-alpha 3] |
South Australia | Department for Infrastructure and Transport | 16 years | 75 hours [lower-alpha 8] | 17 years | 18 years | 20 years | 10 years to 1 year [lower-alpha 3] |
Tasmania | Department of State Growth (Motor Vehicle Registry) | 16 years [lower-alpha 9] | 80 hours [lower-alpha 8] | 17 years | 18 years | 20 years | 5 years to 1 year |
Victoria | VicRoads | 16 years | 120 hours (aged under 21) [lower-alpha 4] | 18 years | 19 years | 22 years | 10 years or 3 years [lower-alpha 10] |
Western Australia | Department of Transport | 16 years | 50 hours (aged under 25) [lower-alpha 2] | 17 years | 17 years, 6 months | 19 years | 5 years or 1 year [lower-alpha 11] |
Jurisdiction | Plate style | Minimum age | Probationary period | Speed restrictions | Passenger/driving time restrictions | Mobile phone and device restrictions | Vehicle restrictions | Trailer restrictions |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Australian Capital Territory | 17 years | 1 year [lower-alpha 12] | Posted speed limit | One passenger between 11pm and 5am who is aged between 16 and 22 years except family members [lower-alpha 13] | Only navigation and playing audio, if mounted or inbuilt | No restrictions | Trailer must not exceed 750 kg GVM | |
18 years | 2 years | No restrictions | No restrictions | |||||
New South Wales | 17 years | 1 year | 90 km/h (56 mph) | One passenger under 21 between 11pm and 5am unless exempted [lower-alpha 14] | Not allowed at all | Power-to-weight ratio must not exceed 130 kW per ton, no significant engine modifications or other specifications, or data suggesting that it is a high risk for novice drivers [lower-alpha 13] | Trailer must not exceed 250 kg when unloaded | |
18 years | 2 years | 100 km/h (62 mph) | No restrictions [lower-alpha 15] | No restrictions | ||||
Northern Territory | 16 years, 6 months | 2 years [lower-alpha 16] | 100 km/h (62 mph) | No restrictions | Not allowed at all | No restrictions | No restrictions | |
Queensland | 17 years | 1 year [lower-alpha 17] | Posted speed limit | One passenger under 21 between 11pm and 5am except immediate family members [lower-alpha 18] | Not allowed at all [lower-alpha 19] | Power-to-weight ratio must not exceed 130 kW per ton, or engine has not been significantly modified to increase performance [lower-alpha 20] | No restrictions | |
18 years | 2 years | No restrictions | Hands-free use of mobile phones/devices allowed | |||||
South Australia | 17 years | 1 year | 100 km/h (62 mph) | Driving banned between 12am and 5am; cannot carry more than one passenger aged 16 to 20 years except immediate family members [lower-alpha 21] | Not allowed at all | Power-to-weight ratio must not exceed 130 kW per ton, or no engine modifications after manufacture to increase performance [lower-alpha 20] | No restrictions | |
N/A [lower-alpha 22] | 18 years | 2 years | No restrictions | Hands-free use of mobile phones/devices allowed | ||||
Tasmania | 17 years | 1 year | 100 km/h (62 mph) | Must not carry more than one peer passenger aged 16 to less than 22 excluding spouses/domestic partners or immediate family [lower-alpha 23] | Not allowed at all | No restrictions | No restrictions | |
18 years | 2 years [lower-alpha 24] | Posted speed limit | No restrictions | Hands-free use of mobile phones/devices allowed | ||||
Victoria | 18 years | 1 year [lower-alpha 25] | Posted speed limit | Must not carry more than one peer passenger aged 16 to less than 22 excluding spouses/domestic partners and siblings/step-siblings [lower-alpha 23] | Only navigation and playing audio, if mounted or inbuilt | Power-to-weight ratio must not exceed 130 kW per ton, or no engine modifications after manufacture to increase performance [lower-alpha 23] | Not allowed [lower-alpha 26] | |
19 years | 3 years | No restrictions | No restrictions | |||||
Western Australia | 17 years | 6 months | Posted speed limit | Driving banned between 12am and 5am [lower-alpha 13] | Only to make or receive a phone call, listen to music/audio, or navigate | No restrictions | No restrictions | |
17 years, 6 months | 1 year, 6 months | No restrictions | ||||||
The driving age in the Australian Capital Territory is 17 years, but after obtaining a licence, a driver is subject to restrictions during a three-year probationary period.[ citation needed ]
The Road Ready course at a Road Ready Centre is a minimum of ten hours, during which an applicant learns the road rules, undergoes alcohol education and hazard perception training.
A Learner Licence is valid for two years.[ citation needed ] Learners must display black on yellow "L Plates" and drive under the supervision of a full Australian licence holder, who has held their licence for at least four years.[ citation needed ]Alternatively, a provisional licence may be obtained by recording driving experience in the same logbook, with a supervisor who has held an open licence for 12 months for the class of vehicle used. The difference in using this method to obtain a provisional licence is that the logbook only records time spent driving, and not the learner's ability to drive. While no minimum number of hours are required, Learners are advised when obtaining their Learner's Licence, that 50 or more practical hours are recommended before attempting the practical test. Using this method, provided the driver has held their Learner's licence for at least 6 months, they may book with RTA for the practical driving test.
If the driver has obtained a licence in an automatic transmission vehicle, an "A" is placed on the licence which restricts the licence holder to driving automatic transmission vehicles for 12 months. To remove the restriction before 12 months, the provisional driver must pass the practical driving exam in a manual transmission vehicle. [5] [6]
A Provisional Licence is valid for three years. [5] Provisional drivers must display red on white "P Plates" for three years unless: (a) they take an additional road safety program Road Ready Plus after six months of obtaining the Provisional Licence; or (b) they are over 26 years of age and held their licence for six months. [5] Provisional licence holders who have taken the Road Ready Plus (RRP) course, (commonly called a "P-off" course), or are over 26 years of age also get an additional four demerit point allowance. A "PC" condition is displayed on the licence, which indicates that the provisional driver can drive with "P plates not displayed".[ citation needed ] Provisional drivers must have a zero blood-alcohol limit.
No speed restrictions are imposed on ACT learner or Provisional drivers, and they are permitted to drive the posted speed limit. [6]The minimum driving age in New South Wales is 16 years. [7] 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. [7] After obtaining a licence, a driver continues to be subject to restrictions during a three-year probationary period.[ citation needed ]
These are ID cards issued for non-drivers by the Roads and Maritime Services.
The learner licence may be obtained at age 16. Learner drivers may not use a mobile phone and must be supervised by a full licence holder and may not drive faster than 80 km/h. After holding the learner licence for six months a provisional licence may be obtained. Once the provisional licence is obtained, it must be held for a minimum of 2 years before obtaining the full Northern Territory licence. [13]
Provisional drivers need to comply with all road rules and traffic laws and other restrictions: eg., the speed limit is 100 km/h, The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) must be zero, provisional drivers are not permitted to use a mobile phone in any form whilst driving, including hands-free devices and texting. Accumulating five or more demerit points within a 12-month period will trigger action against a provisional driver.
Provisional drivers must display approved P-plates that are clearly visible to the front and rear of the vehicle and which do not obstruct the driver's vision. P-plates must have the letter ‘P’ in red on a white background. The plate must be a minimum of 150mm wide and 150mm tall. P-plates must not be displayed when the person driving the vehicle is not a provisional driver.To get a Provisional Licence (also called a probationary licence and commonly referred to as Ps), you must have held a learner's permit for at least 12 months, be at least 17 years of age or have an equivalent interstate or overseas driver's licence and be at least 17. If you had a learner's permit, you must also have a log book showing you have had at least 75 hours of driving experience (including a minimum of 15 hours of night-time driving), all of which must have been signed by the Qualified Supervising Driver. All applicants must pass a vehicle on-road driving test (VORT) or be signed off on several points by a driving instructor in a competency-based training course. Drivers are then issued with a P1 licence. P-platers must drive at a maximum speed limit of 100 km/h (even where the posted speed limit is higher), no alcohol or party drugs can be in the system, and the driver cannot accrue more than 4 demerit points. They must also display red P plates (shown on left).
Drivers who obtain a P1 provisional licence on or after 4 September 2010 must not drive a high-powered vehicle if they are under the age of 25. High powered includes vehicles with engines of eight or more cylinders, vehicles with turbocharged or supercharged engines (excluding diesel powered vehicles), vehicles that have been modified to increase engine performance, nominated high-performance vehicles, and vehicles that are over a certain power-to-weight ratio. High-powered vehicle restrictions do not apply to drivers over 25 years of age. P plates of any kind are not displayed when on the P2 licence, and it is illegal to display P2 plates from other states.
A driver must have held a provisional licence (combined P1s and P2s) for at least 3 years (one year on P1 and 2 years on P2) before becoming a fully licensed driver. Fully licensed drivers have their restrictions on alcohol relaxed to 0.05 per cent blood alcohol concentration and may drive at the full speed limit (which is 110 km/h on many country roads).Note: Drivers on their provisional or learners licence follow their own state's imposed limits while driving in other states. While driving on a SA licence in states with a provisional and learner licence imposed maximum speed limit less than 100 km/h, drivers are able to still drive at 100 km/h, while local P and L platers are subject to their own state's restrictions, such as 90 km/h in New South Wales. This means that South Australian provisional or learner drivers may be pulled over more frequently than local drivers. [20]
This section needs to be updated.(March 2023) |
Note: there are no vehicle restrictions in Tasmania.
The minimum driving age in Victoria is 18 years. A learner can drive at the age of 16 under the supervision of a fully licensed driver since 1966. After obtaining a licence, a driver continues to be subject to restrictions during a 4-year probationary period.
'L' plates must be displayed while driving, and must not tow a trailer. There are no special speed or vehicle restrictions.
They are allowed to use securely mounted devices only for navigation and playing audio if they are set up before the trip. They must not touch any portable or mounted devices during a drive, and for portable devices they are also not allowed to operate, look at or touch it with any body parts. For inbuilt devices, they are allowed to briefly touch it to adjust navigation settings, climate controls and audio functions while driving.
Learner permits, P1 and P2 probationary licences may incur a maximum of 5 demerit points in any 12 month period, and 12 points in any 3 year period. [23]
An applicant for a Driver Licence must have held a Learner's Permit for at least 12 months if the applicant is under 21 years at the time of applying; 6 months if the applicant is between 21 and 24 years; and 3 months for applicants aged over 25 years. If a driver obtained their Learner's Permit after 1 July 2007, and are under 21 years of age, they must have logged 120 hours of practice, including 20 hours at night.
Probationary drivers must drive with a zero BAC, and are not permitted to drive 'high powered vehicles' (formerly those powered at more than 125 kW/tonne or 3.5 litres/tonne; now all petrol turbocharged and supercharged cars and any car of more than 6 cylinders, refer below). If the driver was tested in an automatic vehicle, the driver will have an "A" condition applied to their licence and are not permitted to drive a manual transmission vehicle during the probationary period. The "A" condition can be lifted anytime during the probationary period(s) by taking the practical drive test in a manual transmission vehicle.
There are no speed restrictions, however trailers may not be towed except for work purposes. P1 drivers have a peer passenger restriction which sees P1 drivers only able to carry no more than one passenger aged between 16–21 years old (excluding family members; exemptions may also be allowed by VicRoads for other reasons) at any time. They must not operate, look at, or touch any portable devices, unless if it is mounted where they can only be used for navigation and playing audio provided that it is set up before the trip. During a drive, they are not allowed to touch the mounted device, while for inbuilt devices it is allowed to adjust navigation settings, climate controls and playing audio functions briefly.
On 1 July 2008, what is considered a high power vehicle was redefined. P plate drivers were no longer allowed to drive cars with engines larger than a V6, cars that have a turbo or supercharger (unless it is a diesel). A shortlist was produced of cars that comply with these restrictions but are still considered powerful and therefore banned. The list includes BMW M3 and Porsche 911. There have been many complaints about this system as several slower cars have been banned, such as the Peugeot 308, but faster cars such as VW Golf R32 and BMW 130i were still permitted.
On 1 July 2014, the rules were again modified, to distinguish between vehicles manufactured before 1 January 2010, and those manufactured after. Probationary drivers are now permitted to drive any vehicle manufactured after 1 January 2010 that does not have a power-to-mass ratio of greater than 130 kilowatts per tonne, and does not have a modified engine for increased performance. Vehicles manufactured before 1 January 2010 remain subject to previous restrictions, which include a restriction on engines larger than a V6, and cars that have a turbocharger or supercharger. [24]
After 1 July 2008, those aged over 21 years when applying for a licence qualify as P2 drivers after passing the computerised Hazard Perception Test and a practical driving test, as well as an eyesight test. [25]
On 31 March 2023, new road rules are introduced where P platers are now allowed to use mobile phones or other portable devices for navigation and playing audio only if they are mounted and set up before the trip. They must not touch any portable or mounted devices during a drive, and for portable devices they are also not allowed to operate (both physical and voice control), look at or even touch it with any body parts (except in pockets or holding porches attached to clothes). For inbuilt devices, they are allowed to briefly touch it to adjust navigation settings, climate controls and playing audio functions while driving. [26]The same P1 restrictions apply, except P2 drivers may tow trailers. As of 31 March 2023, P2 drivers can only use securely mounted portable devices while driving, provided that they are set up before the trip and only playing audio or navigation function is used. The peer passenger restriction does not apply to P2 drivers. They must display the white-on-green 'P-plates', rather than the red. If a person is over 21 when licensed they go straight onto the P2 licence for three years.
P2 licences last for 3 years, making the minimum age of receiving a full licence 22 years, up from 21 years for drivers who obtained their Probationary Licence before 1 July 2008. The minimum age for obtaining a P2 Licence is 19 years. All drivers who obtained their Probationary Licence before 1 July 2008 qualify as P2 drivers and must display the green 'P' plates.This section needs to be updated.(January 2019) |
The driving age in Western Australia is 17 years. A learner can drive at the age of 16 under the supervision of a fully licensed driver. After obtaining a licence, a driver continues to be subject to restrictions during a 2-year probationary period.
Note: there are no vehicle restrictions in Western Australia.
As of 1 December 2010, the Western Australian Government introduced a new Graduated Demerit Point system for Novice Drivers (which includes L- and P-plate drivers). [29] Under this system, a driver may accrue less than 4 demerit points within the first year of their provisional licence, and less than 8 points within the second year, before losing their licence. These limits include demerit points accrued before these 1- and 2-year periods.
The provisional licence automatically converts into a full driver's licence after the 2-year probationary period. Drivers with full driver's licences must drive with a blood alcohol content less than 0.05%, may accrue less than 12 demerit points before being disqualified, and may drive at up to 110 km/h (the maximum speed limit in the state). 'P' plate drivers may also drive up to 110 km /h, where permitted by the state.
WA has two classes of drivers licence: C which enables one to drive any vehicle weighing less than 4.5 tonnes C-A which enables one to drive any vehicle fitted with an automatic transmission and weighing less than 4.5 tonnes. Refer [30]
Drivers who have accrued 12 or more demerit points can choose to continue driving on a 12-month Good Behaviour Period. If more than two demerit points are accrued during the 12-month period (even on different fines), the licence is lost for twice the original disqualification period; usually 6 months (3 months x 2).
Australia does not have a national identity card, and driver's licences are commonly used as a means of photo identification. Photo cards are also available, especially for non-drivers. Beside identification, these may be used as proof of age for entry to venues which have age restrictions, such as premises where alcohol is sold.
Licences and photo cards are hologrammed, and contain a photograph, signature, the holder's address, and date of birth.
Electronic online identification can be (partly) established using a driver's licence for online applications for some services such as SIM card activation, and opening bank accounts.
The Australian Attorney-General's Department provides a document verification service that allows for validation of some licences. [31]
Many issuing authorities such as NSW allow for an online check of the validity of a driver's licence. [32]
The Digital Driver Licence [33] was first trialled in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, Dubbo and Albury before being rolled out statewide in October 2019. [34] Under the system, Digital Driver Licences are available through the Service NSW app. [35] The app allows licences to show dynamic content including demerit points, expiry date, suspension details and licence conditions. Drivers will continue to receive a physical licence card for backup purposes in addition to interstate and overseas usage.
South Australia became the first state to officially roll out digital driver's licences [36] via its mySA GOV smartphone app in October 2017. [37] [38] The app allows licences to show dynamic content including demerit points, expiry statuses and licence conditions. [39]
In 2020, Queensland trialled digital licences in the Fraser Coast Region. [40] During the Fraser Coast test, users reported a 94 per cent satisfaction rating. [41] The Queensland Government has announced plans to host another trial in Townsville in 2022 [42] and a state-wide roll out in 2023. [43]
With the exception of the Northern Territory and Victoria, visitors with a temporary visa (other than a permanent visa) from other countries are conditionally permitted to drive with their current overseas drivers licence for the length of their stay. Conditions vary for every state and territory. Generally, drivers must carry their overseas licence with them. A certified translation or International Driving Permit is only required if the licence is not in English, and the original licence must be carried regardless. In NSW, once a driver becomes a permanent resident a local licence should be obtained generally within three months. [44] In Victoria, a resident who is planning on staying for more than 6 months is not permitted to drive with an overseas licence for more than six months (calculated using the visa grant or Australia entry date, whichever is later). [45]
Interstate visitors are permitted to travel on their current Australian or New Zealand licence. They must obey the local road rules of that state. The differences in state laws have generated much confusion to visiting drivers, with many pushing for uniform federal road rules. [46]
Interstate visitors on their L or P plates must follow the licence conditions set of their home state rather than conditions placed upon licence-holders of the state which they are visiting i.e, a driver holding an SA provisional licence who is visiting New South Wales is able to legally drive at 100 km/h, whereas a NSW P1 driver is restricted to 90 km/h. [20]
Drivers who move interstate must apply for a new driver's licence within three to six months of moving depending on the state they are moving to. [47] [48] [49] [50] [51] [52] [53] [54] Unless a driving test is required, there is no charge for a conversion from a current interstate licence. Usually, licences are converted in the same day, to the same or equivalent class, or, in the case of the conversion of a non-GLS licence to a GLS system, a P1 or P2 licence is issued, depending on the length of time that the holder of the licence has been driving. The licence may need to be confirmed by obtaining a letter from the interstate licence issuing authority (on their letterhead) confirming the licence details (including first issue date) and status.
Drivers moving states may be eligible to upgrade their licence class, due to the varying age rules that apply in each state. For example, a Victorian learner driver who moves to NSW may be eligible to sit the driving test to obtain a P1 licence. However, drivers who are under 18 will not be able to obtain the same licence class in Victoria, where one must be at least 18 to do so. Another example is a Victorian over 25 moving to Tasmania, SA, QLD or WA will be able to obtain a full licence after having held their Ps for 12 months in Victoria despite the fact that the probationary period for over-21-year-olds in Victoria is 3 years.
Most states do not allow a person to have an interstate commercial driving job if the person does not "reside" in that state. For example, a person with a Queensland Driver's Licence and Driver's Authority [55] (a variation of the wording Driver's Accreditation) cannot obtain a commercial driving job in South Australia [56] unless that person registers a "residential" address in South Australia, even though they may not live there, and swap over the Driver's Licence and obtain a new Driver's Accreditation.
Each state has a demerit points system that leads to the suspension of a driver's licence if the demerit point threshold is reached. The rules vary, but road authorities share information about interstate offenses.
In all states, drivers holding a full, unrestricted licence will be disqualified from driving after accumulating 12 demerit points or more within a three-year period, except in New South Wales, where drivers are allowed 13 points in a three-year period. Those who can prove they are professional drivers are allowed an additional point. The minimum suspension period is three months, plus one further month for every extra four demerit points beyond the licence's limit, with a cap in most states of five months (for 8 points or more over the suspension trigger; e.g. 20 points or more on a full licence). An alternative to initially accepting the suspension, a driver can apply for a "good behavior" period of 12 months. In most states, drivers under a good behavior period who accumulate one or two further points (except in Victoria, which does not allow any further offences) have their licence suspended for double the original period.
Most states also provide for immediate suspension of a licence, instead of or in addition to demerit points, in certain extreme circumstances. These generally include offences for driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, or for greatly excessive speed.
In some circumstances, driver's licences can be cancelled, either immediately or by court order, such as for anti-social driving activity, popularly known as hooning.
Drivers on their learner's or provisional licence who accrue more than 4 demerit points can sometimes enter a "good behavior" system, in which they are given a licence with 1 maximum demerit point for a certain amount of time.
An L-plate is a square plate bearing a sans-serif letter L, for learner, which must be affixed to the front and/or back of a vehicle in many countries if its driver is a learner under instruction, or a motorcycle rider with provisional entitlement to ride restricted motorcycles.
A commercial driver's license (CDL) is a driver's license required in the United States to operate large and heavy vehicles or a vehicle of any size that transports hazardous materials or more than 15 passengers.
Graduated driver licensing systems (GDLS) are designed to provide new drivers of motor vehicles with driving experience and skills gradually over time in low-risk environments. There are typically three steps or stages through which new drivers pass. They begin by acquiring a learner's permit, progress to a restricted, probationary or provisional license, followed by receipt of a full driver's license. Graduated drivers' licensing generally restricts nighttime, expressway, and unsupervised driving during initial stages, but lifts these restrictions with time and further testing of the individual, eventually concluding with the individual attaining a full driver's license.
A driver's permit, learner's permit, learner's license or provisional license is a restricted license that is given to a person who is learning to drive, but has not yet satisfied the prerequisite to obtain a driver's license. Having a learner's permit for a certain length of time is usually one of the requirements for applying for a full driver's license. To get a learner's permit, one must typically pass a written permit test, take a basic competency test in the vehicle, or both.
Many countries have adopted a penalty point or demerit point system under which a person’s driving license is revoked or suspended based on the number of points they’ve accumulated over a specific period of time, points are given for traffic offenses or infringements committed by them in that period. The demerit points schemes of each jurisdiction varies. These demerit schemes are usually in addition to fines or other penalties which may be imposed for a particular offence or infringement, or after a prescribed number of points have been accumulated.
In Canada, driver's licences are issued by the government of the province or territory in which the driver is residing. Thus, specific regulations relating to driver's licences vary province to province, though overall they are quite similar. All provinces have provisions allowing non-residents to use licences issued by other provinces and territories, out-of-country licences, and International Driving Permits. Many provinces also allow non-residents to use regular licences issued by other nations and countries. Canadian driver's licences are also valid in many other countries due to various international agreements and treaties.
In India, a driving licence is an official document that authorises its holder to operate various types of motor vehicles on highways and some other roads to which the public has access. In various Indian states, they are administered by the Regional Transport Authorities/Offices (RTA/RTO). A driving licence is required in India by any person driving a vehicle on any highway or other road defined in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This act sets limits on the minimum age for vehicle operation ranging from 16 to 20, depending on specific circumstances. A modern photo of the driving licence can also serve many of the purposes of an identity card in non-driving contexts, such as proof of identity or age.
In Pakistan, the driving licence is the official document which authorises its holder to operate various types of motor vehicles on publicly accessible roads. Driving licences can be obtained by submitting an application to any licensing authority in the applicant's district.
A driving licence in Singapore is required before a person is allowed to drive a motor vehicle of any description on a road in the country. Like many other countries in the world, an individual must possess a valid driving licence before being permitted to drive on the road, and driving licence holders are subject to all traffic rules.
The New Zealand driver licence system is a graduated system that has been in place since 1988. It consists of three phases for a car licence, each with varying levels of conditions.
In Ireland, a driving licence is an official document which authorises its holder to operate various types of motor vehicle on roads to which the public have access. Since 29 October 2013, they are issued by the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS). Based on the European driving licence standards, all the categories of licence available and the physical licence meet the 2006 EU standards.
In the United Kingdom, a driving licence is the official document which authorises its holder to operate motor vehicles on highways and other public roads. It is administered in England, Scotland and Wales by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and in Northern Ireland by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA). A driving licence is required in England, Scotland, and Wales for any person driving a vehicle on any highway or other "road", as defined in s.192 Road Traffic Act 1988, irrespective of the ownership of the land over which the road passes. Similar requirements apply in Northern Ireland under the Road Traffic Order 1981.
The legal definition of a motorcycle for the purposes of registration, taxation and rider licensing in most countries is a powered two-wheel motor vehicle. Most countries distinguish between mopeds up to 49 cc and the more powerful, larger, vehicles known as motorcycles. Many jurisdictions include some forms of three-wheelers as motorcycles.
A driving licence is required in Malaysia before a person is allowed to drive a motor vehicle of any description on a road in Malaysia under the Road Transport Act 1987, section 26(1). Under section 26(1) of the Road Transport Act, an individual must possess a valid driving licence before being permitted to drive on the road, or can be prosecuted under section 26(2). Upon conviction, the miscreant is liable to fines or jail or both. Driving licence holders are subject to all traffic rules stated in the Road Transport Act 1987.
Kyleigh's Law (S2314) is a motor vehicle law in New Jersey that requires any driver under age 21 who holds a permit or probationary driver's license to display a $4 pair of decals on the top left corner of the front and rear license plates of their vehicles. The decals were mandatory as of May 1, 2010. This law prohibits drivers under the age of 21 from driving between 11:01 pm and 5:00am. If pulled over, a first or second offense can subject the driver to a $25 fine, whereas a third offense earns 2 points on the driver's license, and a 4th offense puts the teen driver on probation and takes away their license for up to 6 months. This law is in effect in New Jersey as of May 2010.
Driving licences in Hong Kong are issued by the Transport Department. A full driving licence is valid for 10 years and is compulsory in order to drive a motor vehicle. Most driving licences are issued after the applicant passed a driving test for the respective type of vehicles. They may be issued without a test if the applicant is a holder of an overseas driving licence issued on passing a driving test in an approved country.
Driving licence in Thailand is a document that allows the holder to drive on any roads in the Kingdom of Thailand. The minimum age to drive a motor vehicle is 18, and to drive a motorcycle is 15. Driving licence is issued and administered by the Department of Land Transport, Ministry of Transport and its branches, land transport offices across Thailand.
A driver's license, driving licence, or driving permit is a legal authorization, or the official document confirming such an authorization, for a specific individual to operate one or more types of motorized vehicles—such as motorcycles, cars, trucks, or buses—on a public road. Such licenses are often plastic and the size of a credit card.
In Italy, the driving licence is a governmental right given to those who request a licence for any of the categories they choose. It is required for every type of motorized vehicle.
A Lebanese driving licence is a driving licence issued by the government of Lebanon. It authorises its holder to operate various types of motor vehicles on highways and some other publicly accessible roads. It is issued by each individual district.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)