Introduction
Learning to drive is an exciting and important milestone in life, but it can also be a bit overwhelming, especially for new drivers. If you’re planning to get your driver’s license in Queensland, it’s important to understand the Graduated Licensing System, which is designed to ensure that all new drivers gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to become safe and responsible drivers.
What is the Graduated Licensing System?
The Graduated Licensing System (GLS) is a system that allows new drivers to gain driving experience gradually while ensuring that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to drive safely on Queensland’s roads. The GLS is made up of three stages: the Learner stage, the P1 (provisional 1) stage, and the P2 (provisional 2) stage.
The Learner Stage:
The Learner stage is the first stage of the GLS, and it is designed for new drivers who have never held a driver’s license before. To obtain a Learner license, you must be at least 16 years old, pass the online learner assessment PrePL written road rules test, and pass a basic eyesight test. Learner drivers must display L plates on their vehicles at all times, and they must be accompanied by a licensed driver who has held a full driver’s license for at least one year. Learner drivers are not allowed to drive above 90 km/h, and they must not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For more information on PrePL visit https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/getting/learner/prepl/prepl/prepl-online-learning-and-assessment
The P1 Stage
The P1 stage is the second stage of the GLS, and it is designed for drivers who have held a Learner’s license for at least 12 months and have passed a practical driving test. To obtain a P1 license, you must be at least 17 years old, pass a practical driving test, and pass a hazard perception test. P1 drivers must display red P plates on their vehicles at all times, and they must not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. P1 drivers are also subject to a number of other restrictions, including a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h, a zero blood alcohol limit, and a ban on using mobile phones while driving.
The P2 Stage
The P2 stage is the final stage of the GLS, and it is designed for drivers who have held a P1 license for at least 12 months and have passed a practical driving test. To obtain a P2 license, you must be at least 18 years old and pass a practical driving test. P2 drivers must display green P plates on their vehicles at all times, and they must not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. P2 drivers are subject to fewer restrictions than P1 drivers, but they must still follow certain rules, such as a maximum speed limit of 100 km/h, a blood alcohol limit of 0.05, and a ban on using mobile phones while driving.
Benefits of the Graduated Licensing System
The Graduated Licensing System is designed to ensure that new drivers gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to become safe and responsible drivers. By gradually introducing new drivers to the road, the GLS helps to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, and it also helps to improve the overall safety of Queensland’s roads. Additionally, the GLS helps to instill good driving habits in new drivers, such as obeying traffic laws and driving defensively.
Understanding Queensland’s GLS system is crucial for young drivers who want to obtain their licenses and become safe, responsible drivers. It’s important to follow the rules and restrictions in each phase of the GDL system to ensure a smooth progression to an unrestricted license. By adhering to the GDL system, drivers can gain valuable experience and skills on the road, which will ultimately make them better, safer drivers in the long run.
