Vehicles for probationary drivers
Probationary drivers can only drive certain vehicles, unless you qualify for an exemption.
Vehicles (including imported vehicles) are banned for probationary drivers when the vehicle has:
- a 'banned' rating in the probationary vehicle database
- a power to mass ratio of more than 130 kilowatts per tonne
- an engine modified to make it more powerful, by someone other than the manufacturer.
If you don't follow these rules, you may be fined.
Download the probationary prohibited vehicle exemption application form (PDF).
Probationary vehicle database
Probationary drivers can use the probationary vehicles database to check whether they can drive a car.
The database uses three statuses:
- Approved: probationary drivers can drive the vehicle.
- Banned: probationary drivers can't use the vehicle unless they have an exemption.
- Under review: probationary drivers can't drive the vehicle until we have assessed it.
If you aren't sure if a vehicle is banned or not, don't drive it.
View more on learner-approved motorcycles.
When you can drive banned vehicles
In some cases, you can drive a banned vehicle if:
- you have a supervising driver
- you must drive the car for work
- you'd face serious hardship if you couldn't drive the prohibited vehicle.
You must follow rules or application requirements in each of these cases.
You don't have to follow the 'banned vehicles' rule if you have:
- a standard driver's licence
- an overseas driver's licence holder, of any kind
- a learner's permit.
Supervising driver exemption
You can drive a prohibited vehicle if you have a supervising driver. The supervisor must:
- hold a full driver's licence
- sit beside the probationary driver and supervise their driving.
Work-related exemption
You get an automatic exemption to drive a probationary prohibited vehicle if you meet 'work-related' criteria.
If you are pulled over by the police, you need to prove you qualify for the exemption. Carry supporting documents with you.
| Work-related reason | Detail |
|---|---|
| Your employer needs you to drive the car | This includes, for example, police officers driving police cars. |
| You're self-employed | You need to have an ABN to meet this requirement. |
| You're learning to drive a heavy vehicle | In some cases, you can drive a heavy vehicle that is banned for probationary drivers. You must meet all of these criteria:
|
Serious hardship exemption
You can apply for an exemption to drive a prohibited vehicle because of serious hardship. 'Serious hardship' means you can't complete important life tasks unless you can drive the prohibited vehicle.
Your application needs to have supporting documents to prove your case.
| Reason for serious hardship exemption | Documents you should provide in your application |
|---|---|
| Education | A letter from an educational institution or course coordinator confirming:
|
| Employment | A letter from your employer verifying your employment. |
| Important family tasks | A letter from a relevant authority (medical practitioner, parish priest, etc.) describing the impact on your family. |
How to apply
You need to pay a fee (around $70) when you submit your application.
- Prepare documents to prove you qualify for the exemption.
- Complete the probationary prohibited vehicle exemption application form below.
- Submit the paperwork by uploading your form and supporting documents online.
Once you submit your application, we’ll contact you in writing within 15 business days, and tell you the outcome.
Frequently asked questions
If you are a P1 or P2 probationary licence holder and have a question about prohibited vehicles, check these frequently asked questions first.