Prerequisites
To progress to your full (unrestricted) car licence you must:
- Have held your green Ps (provisional P2 licence) for at least 24 months
- Have a good driving record (no suspensions)
- Apply for your full licence
Periods in which your licence has been suspended do not count towards the 24-month requirement.
On top of this, provisional P2 drivers who get a suspension for unsafe driving behaviour must stay on their P2 licence for an extra 6 months for every suspension they receive. So 24 months plus 6 months for every suspension.
If you are disqualified from driving on your green Ps, you must reapply and any time accumulated towards the 24-month requirement is void.
Licence features
You can purchase a 1, 3, 5 or 10-year full (unrestricted) car licence. You must be licensed to drive legally and as such will have to continue to renew your licence while you wish to continue driving. This renewal process continues until you no longer require a licence or reach 75 years of age.
If you no longer require a licence you can return it to Roads and Maritime Services and get a NSW Photo Card to use for identification purposes.
From 75 years of age you will be required to pass an annual medical review. From 85 years of age you will also be required to pass a practical driving assessment every second year to keep your unrestricted licence. If you choose not to be tested you can take out a modified licence that will apply restrictions (e.g. distance from home, times during the day) to your driving.
A full car (class C) licence means you’re allowed to drive vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass and vehicles that seat up to 12 adults, including the driver. Apart from these vehicle restrictions, you must follow the road rules like all road users.
You will have a 13-demerit point limit and the general rules like a 0.05 BAC limit, speed limits and ensuring passengers wear a seatbelt or appropriate restraint apply.
If you held your green Ps (provisional P2 licence) before 20 November 2017, check out the resources available to help you pass the Driver Qualification Test and get your full (unrestricted) licence:
For comprehensive information on the full NSW licence and Driver Qualification Test, please refer to the Roads and Maritime Services website. The above information is a summary of this content and although current when published may now be outdated. To ensure you are accessing the most current and accurate information, use the RMS website or visit your nearest Service NSW centre.
L Plates (Learners)
Red P Plates (P1)
Green P Plates (P2)
Full Licence