Demerits points for learner and provisional licence holders

How many points?

How many points do I have on my Learner/P licence? I often get this question from my students

The simple answer is, It should not concern you. If you drive below the speed limit and obey the road rules the Highway Patrol Officers will leave you alone, their job is to keep us safe. As simple as that. But I do like to be thorough in passing on knowledge so, here I go. And remember you wanted this (classic line from the movie Jack Reacher)

"The majority of drivers, including learners and provisional drivers, are able to drive safely and in accordance with the law. However, drivers under 25 years of age continue to be over-represented in road crashes. The inclusion of learner and provisional licence holders in the demerit points scheme will further encourage safe driving by young people and help reduce the trauma caused by road crashes to individuals and their families and friends." This is where I don't agree 100% with the scheme, drivers are penalised for doing the wrong thing but there is no encouragement for doing the right thing. We should be looking for drivers that are doing the right thing on the roads and encouraging those behaviours not just targeting the individuals in the wrong. We all like to be caught doing the right thing in everyday life and it doesn't take much, sometimes just a pat on the back and some words of encouragement is all that's needed to make a lasting impression. Rant over...for now.

Learner and P1 drivers

If you commit enough demerit point offences within a 3 year period that you reach or go over 4 demerit points, your learner or P1 licence will be suspended, for 3 months.

P2 drivers

If you commit enough demerit point offences within a 3 year period that you reach or go over 7 demerit points, your P2 licence will be suspended, for 3 months.

Heavy penalties apply

Heavy penalties, including a jail sentence and disqualification from driving, may be imposed by a court if you are convicted of driving while your licence is suspended or refused.

Speeding offences for learner and P1 drivers

All speeding offences committed by a learner or P1 driver attract at least 4 demerit points.

This means that if you commit any speeding offence while on your learner or P1 licence, you'll be suspended, or refused renew your learner licence, for 3 months.