Driver's Licenses in Australia

Hi everybody! I decided to put something interesting (AND educational) on my blog today! It's something that I find extremely different about the states and OZ and that something is....DRIVER'S LICENSES! Or, how to go about getting one, I should say. Before I start, just keep in mind that in order to get my license, I had to have my permit for 6 months (with no hour requirements) and then pass a 30 minute driving test. That's it. Piece of cake. But here it takes about 4 years in order to obtain your full license! Another thing I was going to mention is that police here are really strict about everyone wearing a seat belt...if a passenger in a car doesn't have it on, then the driver can get their license suspended. Also, no matter who it is, if someone liters out of a car window, the driver gets up to a $5,000 fine! HARSH.

I feel like such a teacher when I say this but, "Alright everyone let's start today's lesson!" First things first- when obtaining your full license there are 3 stages: L-Plates, Red P-Plates, and Green P-Plates. Each "plate" has to be displayed on the front and back bumpers of your car in either metal tag form, or jumbo sticker form.

Yellow L-Plates: These plates are for everyone who currently has their learner's permit. Unlike in the USA, you have to wait until you're 16-years-old just to get your permit. Everyone is required to pass a written test and you must have an adult with you at all times. Also, when you have your permit- the adult helping is the ONLY other person who can be in your car. The speed limit is 80 kph (or 50 miles per hour). Obviously with that restriction you can't be driving on any highway. You can't be towing anything from your car and you must complete a log booklet with information about all 140 hours of required driving (120 daytime, 20 nighttime). And you have to maintain your permit for a YEAR. If you get any points on your license during this time, your permit is automatically suspended for 3 months. Crazyyyyy.
Red P-Plates come next. You can now drive unsupervised with these, but can only carry 1 passenger from the hours of 11pm to 5am. The speed limit is 90kph (or 55miles per hour). There's a zero percent blood alcohol tolerance. You can tow anything under 250kgs. If you're caught breaking the speed limit while you're on your Red P's, your license is suspended for 6 months! You also have to hold this stage with a clean record for a year.

Green P-Plates follow the Red's. Green P-Plates are what most of the university students have right now. You can carry any amount of passengers and be driving at any time. In order to get it, you have to pass a computerized "Hazard Perception and Reaction" test. From what I hear, it's basically a simulator which throws obstacles in your way and you have to properly react and in a timely manor. You can now go 100kph (65 miles per hour) but there's still a very strict 0.0 blood alcohol level. Even a sip gets you a D.U.I. You've gotta hold your Green P's for 2 solid years with a clean record.

Once all 4 years of practice is over (keep in mind you're now 20 when you started at 16) you can get your full license. You can go any speed within the city limits and are allotted a 0.05 BAC. FREAKING FINALLY.

Anyway, I know this post was more an educational lecture rather than a fun update of my life, BUT I think that this system is really interesting. It would drive me crazy if I had to go through it (no pun intended), but at the same time, it truly makes good and safe drivers.
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This weekend I'm going home with a friend to a town called Gunnedah with these 2 other Americans I met. I'm pumped to see some wild koala bears literally walking around our friend's neighborhood. 5 hours on a train, on the other hand, is not something I'm looking forward to! Should be a wonderful time!

I miss you guys a ton!! 51 days until I'm reunited with the best people and best country in this world! Love you!!!

--LP--

P.S. Any of my friends (that are my age) remember the Nickelodeon show "Clarissa Explains It All"?? Definitely bought the WHOLE season off iTunes! SWEEEEEEEEET.