Driving Licence in NSW

New South Wales
The driving age in New South Wales is 17 years. A learner can drive at the age of 16 (for cars), under the supervision of a unrestricted licensed driver, or 16 years and 9 months (for motorcycles). Once obtaining a licence, a driver is subject to restrictions during a 3 year probationary period.
Learner Driver Licence
The minimum age for a Learner Driver Permit is 16 years. Since the introduction of an enhanced graduated licensing scheme in 2000, new drivers must proceed through 3 different stages before gaining a full, unrestricted licence.
A learner driver licence is gained after passing a computerised knowledge test. Learner drivers are permitted to drive accompanied by a supervising unrestricted licence holder. Learner drivers and supervising drivers are subject to numerous restrictions. For learner a maximum speed of 80 km/h, a zero blood alcohol content limit, cannot tow a trailer, and must conspicuously display black-on-yellow 'L-plates' on the exterior of the vehicle while driving. As of July 1, 2007, learner drivers must complete at least 120 hours of on-road driving experience including at least 20 hours of night driving (verified by a log book completed by the supervising driver), and must hold the permit for at least 12 months, before they may apply for a provisional licence, stage 1.
Provisional licence, stage 1 (P1 - red)
A Provisional P1 licence (commonly called Ps and Reds) is gained after a minimum twelve months of holding a Learner Licence, 120 hours of on-road driving experience, and successful completion of an on-road practical driving examination. The licence holder can drive unaccompanied, but is limited to a maximum speed of 90 km/h, towing trailers of up to 250 kg, and a zero alcohol content. They must display red-on-white 'P-plates' while driving. P1 drivers are limited to a total of four demerit points during the term of the licence, as compared to the 12-point limit on unrestricted licences. P1 drivers must hold the licence for one year before progressing to the next stage.
In New South Wales the minimum age to be eligible for a P1 Licence is 17. As of 1 July 2007, new laws for P1 drivers have been introduced, including a limit of one passenger under the age of 21 between 11pm and 5am, and instant suspension for 3 months for any speeding offence. Furthermore, it is also now a requirement that red 'P-plates' be displayed on the outside of the vehicle.
Provisional licence, stage 2 (P2 - green)
A Provisional P2 licence (commonly known as Ps and Greens) is gained after one year and successful completion of a computerised hazard perception test. The driver is restricted to a speed limit of 100 km/h, a zero alcohol limit, and a maximum of six demerit points; however, they are eligible to upgrade the class of their licence, such as those for heavier vehicles. P2 drivers must display a green-on-white 'P-plate' at all times. P2 drivers must hold the licence for two years before progressing to the next stage.
Full, Unrestricted Licence
A full, unrestricted licence is gained after two years and successful completion of another computerised test. Unrestricted drivers licences are coloured gold.
There are several common complaints about the NSW licensing scheme. The relatively high number of road accidents and traffic offences (such as speeding and drink-driving) involving P-plate drivers has prompted calls for further driving restrictions, such as curfews and passenger restrictions, as implemented in other countries. Also, the blanket speed restrictions on Learner and Provisional drivers can pose problems on country roads and freeways, where learner drivers are restricted to 80 km/h while other drivers may travel up to 110 km/h. Another common complaint is that it takes too long to progress to your full license. In Queensland and Victoria, this problem is avoided by not imposing speed restrictions on newly licensed drivers. There has been some criticism, especially amongst holders of provisional licenses, that the new laws punish the majority whilst it is only the minority that are the offenders.
Northern Territory
The learner licence may be obtained at age 16. Learner drivers may not use a mobile phone and must be supervised by a full licence holder and may drive faster than 80 km/h. After holding the learner licence for six months a provisional licence may be obtained.