For provisional P1 drivers, there are specific restrictions concerning the passengers they can carry, which vary slightly by region but share common themes:
- In Queensland and New South Wales, if the P1 driver is under 25 years old and driving between 11 pm and 5 am, they can carry only one passenger under the age of 21 who is not an immediate family member. Immediate family members include siblings, children, spouses, stepparents, guardians, and others in closely related familial roles. Exemptions can be applied for certain conditions such as employment or volunteering duties requiring transporting passengers at these hours.
- In South Australia, P1 drivers under 25 must not drive with more than one passenger aged 16 to 20 years (excluding immediate family members) unless there is a qualified supervising driver present or an exemption applies. Driving is also restricted between midnight and 5 am.
- Western Australia has a rule from December 2024 that red P-plate drivers may have only one passenger at all times, with exemptions for immediate family and work-related requirements supported by employer letters.
In summary, provisional P1 drivers typically face passenger restrictions to limit carrying multiple young passengers late at night, mainly to reduce peer distraction and improve safety. Immediate family members are often exempt, and employment-related exemptions exist in some areas. These restrictions are enforced with conditions on time of day and number/age of passengers allowed. Thus, P1 provisional drivers must generally carry no more than one passenger under a certain age, especially late at night, unless exceptions apply.
