Can a P-plater tow a trailer?

Can a red P-plater tow a trailer? Can a green P-plater tow a trailer? The simple answer is yes. However, like so many laws imposed by state and territory governments, towing regulations for P-plate drivers are not nationally consistent (that would be far too easy). So, it’s important to know how these rules are applied, depending on where you live.

In this article, P1 describes new drivers that must display red P-plates at the front and rear of a vehicle during (at least) their first 12 months of solo driving. More experienced P2 drivers who graduate to green P-plates (where applicable) are not mentioned here as they have no towing restrictions.

Australian Capital Territory

P1 drivers can tow a trailer with a GVM (that’s weight of trailer and load combined) of up to 750kg.

New South Wales

P1 drivers can tow a trailer with an unladen mass of up to 250kg, so that’s not much more than a simple box trailer. And they must display a red and white P-plate on the rear of the trailer.

Northern Territory

P1 drivers can drive with a trailer but not exceed 100km/h, even where higher speed limits apply.

Queensland

There are no towing restrictions for P1 drivers.

South Australia

There are no towing restrictions for P1 drivers. 

Tasmania

P1 drivers can tow a trailer or another vehicle, but like NT can’t exceed 100km/h even when higher speed limits apply.

Victoria

Does not allow P1 drivers to tow a trailer or another vehicle. However, there are exceptions when required for work, if the tow vehicle is being used for agriculture, or there’s an experienced driver in the front passenger seat and ‘driver under instruction’ plates displayed front and rear.

Western Australia

There are no towing restrictions for P1 drivers.

Crossing borders?

In most cases, your licence conditions travel with you if you drive interstate. However, it’s advisable to check with the relevant licensing authority for any further P1 restrictions that may apply if towing in their state or territory.