As of 2025, there are no federal developments to the P-plate legislation for Australia. The social media campaign that claims there are national policies extending the terms of probation, and adding curfews and passenger restrictions, is false and has been proven wrong by fact checkers and professionals. The social media policies these claim are truly national policies; however, they are not.
Key Variations in P-Plate Rules by State
| State/Territory | Passenger Restrictions | Curfew Hours | Mobile Phone Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | One passenger under 21 (P1 under 25) | No full curfew | No use including hands-free |
| WA | One passenger limit (Tom’s Law) | Midnight – 5 am | Restricted; no use for P1 |
| QLD | No statewide curfew | None | Hands-free allowed for P2 |
| VIC | Limits similar to NSW | Partial curfews | Mobile use banned for P-plates |
The P-Plate regulations are to be handled by the states, not the Commonwealth.
As has been noted before, there are no changes to the P-Plate restrictions being introduced by the federal government. Driving legislation is within the jurisdiction of the states and territories of Australia. Each of them has developed its own distinct policies governing probationary driving. For instance, new restrictions on the number of passengers and curfews, developed by New South Wales (NSW) and Western Australia (WA), are not national policies. They are state regulations intended to enhance the safety of novice drivers on the roads.Analyzing the Miscommunication
New violations circulating on social media sites particularly on TikTok wrongly claim that there are new restrictions such as:
- Gradually the P1 license period to 18 months across Australia
- National restriction on driving from 11 pm to 5 am
- P-plate drivers having only one non-family member as a passenger
- Mobile phone restrictions, including hands-free devices, are tighter
- Fines and demerits are increased
- Learners are to be supervised for 150 hours of driving
These fabricated claims do not correspond with any imminent government announcements or changes in law, any of which spawned from ludicrous automated systems. Legitimate organizations focused on roadway safety and governmental transport agencies assert that there are no drastic modifications being proposed at the country level for the year 2025.
Real Updates: Tom’s Law and New Provisional License Restrictions
for the first six months of driving. These rules aim to lower the chances of a crash by minimizing active driving distractions and reckless behavior commonly associated with novice drivers. Tom’s Law brings the provisional limitations of WA in line with more restictive policies in NSW and Victoria.
Staying Informed and Safe
For clarity’s sake, drivers and their families are strongly urged to check the official websites of the state’s transport department and vetted local driving schools for the most current provisional license information. Like any other form of misinformation, viral false claims must be corrected to dispel unwarranted fears and help younger drivers appreciate their actual legal responsibilities for the sake of everyone’s safety.
FAQs
1. Is the federal government changing p-plate laws in 2025?
No. All p-plate laws are still the responsibility of the states and territories and there are no federal government changes.
2. What is Tom’s Law in Western Australia?
Tom’s Law restricts Red P-plate drivers to one passenger and imposes a curfew during the first six months from 12am to 5am.
3. Are P-platers banned from using mobile phones?
Most states prohibit all mobile phone use for P1 drivers, including hands-free, but the restrictions for P2 drivers vary by state.
4. Where can I find the official P-plate rules?
The most reliable and up-to-date P-plate rules can be found on the webpage of the transport department for your state or territory.
The distinction made between fact and the many misconceptions around P-plate laws in Australia cuts to the core of the problem in the defense against misinformation to novice drivers. Informed novice drivers need to be able to follow the existing road safety laws that limit their license usage. Precise disinformation is better than unverified state government updates that still circulate online.
