The Australian graduated driver licensing system consists of four tests which have to be passed in the order given - the computer based driver knowledge test, the on-road driving ability test, the computer-based hazard perception test and the computer based driver qualification test. The new driver passes from a learner licence at 17 years of age to a two-stage provisional licence (P1 and P2) to a full unrestricted licence at 20+. A minimum of 50 hours practice is required before taking the on-road test. Learners may never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. P1 licence holders must not exceed 90km/h and P2 licence holders must not exceed 100km/h. The provisional licences can be suspended if the driver amasses traffic offence penalty points. The advantage of the system is that learner drivers are protected from hazards in the early stages of learning and are exposed to more challenging driving conditions only when they are ready for them.
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