Did you know that speeding leads to almost 41 per cent of road fatalities and 24 per cent of serious injuries in Australia each year? Despite posted speed limits and constant reminders from their Sydney driving school instructors and parents, many younger drivers, especially male drivers, prefer to go beyond the speed limits when driving. In a structured licensing system like Australia’s driver licensing system, speed limits are decided after great deliberation and consideration. It is kept to enhance road safety and help new drivers gain confidence in their driving skills. That’s why in Australia, even Learners (L-platers) and Provisionals (P-platers) have specific speed limits. Whether you’re a novice taking your first driving lessons or a seasoned driver refreshing your skills in a Safer Drivers Course, knowing the speed limits is crucial. This post offers a concise summary of the speed limit variations in the different states of Australia for both L-platers and P-platers.

General Speed Limits in Australia

Some general speed limits for all drivers are as follows:

• Urban areas in Australia have a general speed limit of 50 km/h, unless specified otherwise.

• Rural areas and other roads are 100 km/h.

• School zones have reduced speed limits, usually around 40 km/h.

Learner (L) Phase:

Learner drivers are the new drivers still learning the ins and outs of driving. So, the rules surrounding their use of the roads are also strict, so that they learn to be compliant and stay safe from the beginning. While they must drive on the roads to complete their logbook hours, they must display their L plates and have a fully licensed driver supervising them.

However, speed limits in Australia often vary from state to state. Here’s a list of state-wise speed limits for L-platers:

1. New South Wales (NSW): In NSW, the maximum speed limit for L-platers is 90 km/h. Going above this speed limit can lead to penalties.

2. Victoria (VIC): Victoria specifies the maximum speed limit for L drivers as 90 km/h.

3. Queensland (QLD): In Queensland, L drivers have a bit more freedom, with the speed limited to a maximum of 100 km/h.

4. South Australia (SA): Similarly, in South Australia, the speed limit for L drivers is 100 km/h maximum.

5. Western Australia (WA): L drivers in Western Australia can also go as fast as 100 km/h.

6. Tasmania (TAS): However, Tasmania is again a bit strict with the maximum speed limit for L drivers being 90 km/h.

The Provisional Driver (P) Phase

Australia offers two types of provisional licenses: P1 (red plates) and P2 (green plates). While red platers are considered Provisional drivers, they’re still not as experienced or responsible as a fully licensed driver should be. So, they must also be monitored properly and strictly to ensure they understand the importance of staying safe and following rules. Here are the distinct state-wise speed limits and restrictions for each stage of provisional drivers:

1. New South Wales (NSW): Just like L-platers, P1 drivers in NSW must not exceed 90 km/h. However, P2 drivers get some more concessions here, with the maximum speed limit being 100 km/h.

2. Victoria (VIC): In contrast, Victoria has the same speed limits for both types of P-platers. Both P1 and P2 drivers in Victoria must adhere to a maximum speed of 100 km/h.

3. Queensland (QLD): Queensland, however, does not have a fixed speed limit. Instead, both P1 and P2 drivers are allowed to drive up to the posted speed limit, exceeding which is considered an offence.

4. South Australia (SA): In South Australia, both P1 and P2 drivers are limited to a maximum of 100 km/h, going beyond which is a punishable offence.

5. Western Australia (WA): Like Queensland, both P1 and P2 drivers in Western Australia can drive up to the posted speed limit. However, not following the posted limits can lead to fines.

6. Tasmania (TAS): Tasmania is a bit different in this aspect as it does have separate rules for P1 and P2 drivers. But while P1 drivers are limited to 90 km/h, P2 drivers can drive up to the posted speed limit.

Conclusion

Discipline, awareness, and accountability are important qualities that every driver must develop. Speed limits are placed so that drivers learn to stay safe and follow the rules of the road. That’s why in Australia, there are different speed limits for learners (L-platers) and provisional (P1 and P2) drivers. So, if you’re not yet aware of the speed rules in Australia, remember what we discussed above, and you’ll be alright! Of course, it’s always better to learn in detail about the various road rules from a certified expert driving instructor at a reputed driving school Sydney, like Onroad Driving School. Whether you’re a newbie taking your first driving lesson or an experienced driver refreshing your skills with a Safer Drivers Course, choose a good Sydney driving school that offers a wide range of driving courses and programs to meet all your needs. So, know your speed limits and stay safe!

Source Link[onroad.com.au]