Queensland P plates: red for P1, green for P2

Where do Queensland P plates go?

Each plate must be at least 14.6 cm by 14.6 cm, with a capital P in red for P1 or green for P2 on a clear white background. The P has to be visible from 20 m at the front and rear of a car, or the rear of a motorcycle. You can buy plates at service stations, major retailers and some car parts shops, or print TMR's templates on a colour printer.

If you're not a P1 or P2 driver and you drive a car with P plates still on it, you may be fined.

How long are you on red Ps?

At least a year. You move to a P2 once you've held your P1 for a year and you're 18 or older. If you pass the practical test at 25 or older, you skip red Ps and start on green.

There's no early way off red Ps that TMR describes. It does consider a provisional licence before 17 in very rare special-need cases, and even then you need an approved logbook, the hazard perception test and the practical test first.

Rules on a P1 licence

If you're under 25, between 11 pm and 5 am you can carry only one passenger under 21 who isn't immediate family. You also can't use a phone at all while driving: no hands-free, Bluetooth, headsets or loudspeaker, and your passengers can't use loudspeaker either.

Rules on both P1 and P2

Your alcohol limit is zero on either P licence, whatever your age. If you're under 25, you can't drive a high-powered vehicle. For a car built from 2010, that means more than 130 kW per tonne, or an engine change that needs approval. TMR has an online checker for any car you're not sure about.

On a P2, or a P1 if you're 25 or older, you can use a phone hands-free, for example in a cradle fixed to the car, as long as it doesn't block your view.

The late night driving restriction

This one only applies to some drivers. It bans driving between 11 pm and 5 am for a year, and it can be put on you after a suspension for demerit points or a high speed offence, committed while you were under 25 and on a provisional or probationary licence, or unlicensed. It stays even if you upgrade to an open licence. You can apply for an exemption in specific circumstances, for $51.45 as at 1 July 2026.