P-plates the new rules

The Government will introduce most of these reforms from July.

Effective immediately, firstyear P-plate drivers caught speeding will lose their driver’s licence for at least three months under the Government’s P-plate zero tolerance program.

More than 18,000 P1 drivers were caught speeding during the 2005-06 financial year.

A peer restriction scheme for all first-year red P plate (P1) drivers will be introduced from July and P1 drivers will be banned from all mobile phone use while behind the wheel.

A tougher driving test for learner drivers getting their P-plates will be introduced later this year, focusing on hazard perception and driver reactions.

Learner drivers will sit a longer and more vigorous test with almost twice as much time on the road.

P1 drivers will only be able to carry one passenger under the age of 21 between 11pm and 5am. Exemptions will apply for P1 drivers with work commitments; those who need to carry family members; those engaged in community work like the rural fire service; older P1 drivers aged 25 years and over; and in emergency situations.

Changes already announced to young driver laws will also come into force from July and will see all young drivers in NSW spend a minimum of four years on the graduated licensing system.

NSW Police will conduct an enforcement campaign targeting P-plate drivers.