Green P Plates: A Step-by-Step Guide to Your P2 Licence
Getting your green P plates, also known as a P2 provisional licence, is a big milestone on the road to becoming a fully licensed driver in Western Australia. It’s the final step before your full licence, offering more freedom but also more responsibility behind the wheel.
If you’re currently on your red P plates (P1) or preparing to make the move, it’s important to know what changes and rules apply. From driving restrictions to alcohol limits, understanding the expectations for green P-plates helps you stay safe and on the right side of the law, so let’s dive in.
What is a P2 Licence?
More commonly known as green P plates, P2 is the second stage of the provisional licensing system in WA. After completing your time as a P1 red plate driver, you automatically move to P2 licence rules, with no separate application or driving test required for this step.
P2 drivers must always display green P plates and follow rules that support safer, more responsible driving. This stage usually lasts 18 months or until you turn 19, whichever takes longer. You’re still a provisional driver, but with fewer restrictions, letting you build real-world experience with greater independence.
Difference between P1 and P2 licences
Understanding your responsibilities on the road starts with knowing your licence. The red P stage is the first part of the provisional period and comes with tighter rules to help keep new drivers safe. For instance, driving is restricted between midnight and 5 AM unless it's for work or education. There are also limits on carrying passengers aged 16 to 19 at night, unless you have a qualified driving supervisor along for the journey.
After about six months, you progress to the next stage, where those night-time and passenger restrictions no longer apply. This means more freedom behind the wheel, but you’re still classed as a provisional driver. You’ll need to keep displaying your plates and maintain a zero alcohol limit. This stage marks a gradual shift toward full independence as you gain more on-road experience.
P2 Licence Rules in Western Australia
Although the second stage offers more freedom than the first, discovering “what is a P2 licence” means understanding it has its own set of key rules. These are in place to help keep you and others safe as you continue building experience and confidence behind the wheel.
Zero Blood Alcohol Content
What is the alcohol limit on Green P’s? One of the most important rules for P2 drivers is the zero alcohol limit. Under the law, P2 licence holders must maintain a 0.00% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) while driving, regardless of whether they’re a legal adult. A single standard drink can put you over the legal limit, so it’s crucial to remember how much you can drink on Green P’s, and that drinking and driving is never allowed for P2 drivers.
Demerit Points
As a P2 driver, accumulating more than 8 demerit points can result in a licence suspension. This limit is a bit more lenient than for P1 drivers, but still requires careful attention to the road rules.
P Plate Display
You must display green P plates on the front and back of your vehicle while driving, and they have to be clearly visible at all times.
Obeying General Road Rules
As with any driver, P2 holders must obey all WA road laws, which include speed limits, mobile phone restrictions, and seatbelt use. Breaches will not only carry the standard penalties, but can also delay getting your full licence.
What is the alcohol limit on Green P’s?
One of the most important requirements for P2 provisional licence holders is the absolute zero alcohol limit. If you're driving with a green P plate in Western Australia, your blood alcohol content (BAC) must be 0.00% at all times.
So, how much can you drink on Green P's? The short answer is none. Even one standard drink could put you over the legal limit. This rule exists because even small amounts of alcohol can affect your judgment, reaction time and coordination, especially for inexperienced drivers.
Some people think one drink might be fine or that there’s a similar allowance as with full licence holders. But for provisional drivers, the law is simple: no alcohol before driving. Driving with any detectable alcohol in your system as a P2 driver can result in:
How Long From P2 to Full Licence?
Once you've earned your green plates, you’re on the final stretch toward your full driver's licence in Western Australia. To be eligible for a full licence, you must hold your P2 licence for at least 18 months or until you turn 19, whichever is later. This means that if you start your P2 phase at age 17, you'll need to wait until you're 19 before moving on.
To successfully move from a P2 to a full licence, you must:
- Complete the minimum time requirement
- Avoid any suspensions, cancellations, or disqualifications during your provisional period
- Maintain a clean driving record wherever possible
There’s no additional test required to move to a full licence, so how long from P2 to full licence depends on whether you meet the criteria and your record is clean. If so, the transition is automatic when your P2 driving licence expires. This stage is about building experience and proving you can consistently drive safely and responsibly.
Supporting your driving journey
At EV Driving School, we know that becoming a confident, safe driver is more than just passing tests; it’s about building the skills needed for a lifetime of safe driving. We offer tailored lessons for every stage of the WA system, from P plate preparation to learning P2 licence rules.
Our experienced instructors help you master the road rules, develop practical skills, and understand the expectations for a P2 provisional licence. Whether you're just getting behind the wheel, transitioning to green P plates, or refining your driving for your full licence, we’re here to guide you with personalised, expert instruction.
Get in touch today to book your next driving lesson with EV Driving School, and continue your journey to a full licence.