Here’s What Happens If You Get Caught Drink Driving on Your Ps

Pro tip: All states and territories require learner and provisional drivers to have a blood alcohol reading of zero.

This post is presented in partnership with Uber. Student Edge members get $15 off their first Uber trip.

We all appreciate the ease of driving when going out at night. If you live in a regional town, it means you don't have to struggle with inconsistent (or non-existent) bus schedules, walking for literal hours to the destination, or facing exuberant taxi fares. If you're in urban areas, it means you can leave when you want, rather than having to abandon your friends early just to make the last possible train.

But sometimes driving can wind up as the most inconvenient and irresponsible choice, especially if you're planning a big night out. That's because the law (and general common sense) dictates that driving after drinking alcohol or consuming illicit drugs can be a disastrous combination.

The first thing you need to know is that police are able to test your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), which indicates the amount of alcohol you have in your system per 100 millilitres of blood. A low reading of 0.01 for example means you have 10 milligrams of alcohol for every 100 millilitres of blood, while a very high reading like 0.15 would mean you have 150 milligrams of alcohol. 

And while drivers with full licences, in most cases, can drive legally with a small amount of alcohol in their system (less than a standard drink, or a BAC of 0.05 millilitres), drivers on their learners (Ls) and provisional (Ps) licences aren't allowed any, and getting caught out with a blood-alcohol reading above zero could cost you your future driving freedom.

"Wait, what about a short drive home after a cute picnic in the park with some bevvies?" Cross it off.

"Driving to work the next morning after a big night out?" Probably not.

"Just a mid-strength midi after work?" Nuh-uh.

What you really should be asking is: What is the actual law in my state and what can happen to me if I'm caught?

Luckily for you, we pulled all the information together and compiled a comprehensive look at what would happen if the police catch you driving under the influence. (And maybe next time, you'd be better off using the Uber app, getting $15 off your first trip courtesy of Student Edge.)

New South Wales

What's the law?

In New South Wales, neither L or P-plate drivers (P1 and P2, respectively) are not allowed to have any alcohol or drugs in their system while they are driving. 

What can happen if I'm caught?

The penalties are certainly no fun. For a first-time low range offence, you can be fined up to $1,100 and disqualified from driving for up to six months.

If you're caught a second time, however, you'll be looking at a fine up to $2,200 and a minimum disqualification of six months from driving (but, most likely, 12 months). Using the Uber app sounds like a much better idea right about now.

Victoria

What's the law?

Just like NSW, provisional drivers in Victoria need to have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of zero while they're driving.

What can happen if I'm caught?

A whole range of things. For first offences with a BAC less than 0.05, you'll get a fine and you'll be disqualified from driving for at least three months (double it if it's your second offence). Victoria then adds a few extra touches to the penalties. You'll also have to complete a Drink Driver Behaviour Change Program and you'll need an alcohol interlock for six months.

"What's an alcohol interlock?" I telepathically hear you think. It's an electronic device that's fitted to your vehicle and only lets you start the car if you blow into it to prove you're under the limit. Let's swerve that.

Queensland

What's the law?

Just like the previously mentioned states, Queensland doesn't allow provisional (or learner) drivers any alcohol or drugs in their system while they drive.

What can happen if I'm caught?

Queensland is slightly more lenient on first-time offenders, with the maximum fine being $1,827 and a maximum disqualification period of nine months (so long as your BAC isn't 0.10 or over). It's important to note, however, that QLD kicks it up a notch by adding the possibility of up to three months imprisonment, if the court decides you need to spend some time in jail.

If you're caught again, you could have your car impounded, be fined up to $7,833, be disqualified from driving for up to two years and face even longer jail time.

Western Australia

What's the law?

If you're a "novice" driver (meaning: you've been driving for less than two years) you'll need to have an alcohol limit of zero. Nada.

What can happen if I'm caught?

Just as in other states, first-time offenders with a blood alcohol content less than 0.02 (but more than zero) will have to pay a $100 infringement and face a court penalty up to $300, along with a three demerit point deduction. If you're more than 0.02 but less than 0.05, not only will you face a penalty up to $300, but your licence will be cancelled.

South Australia

What's the law?

You guessed it: Drivers on their Ls and Ps are not permitted to have alcohol in their system.

What can happen if I'm caught?

For a first-time offence with a BAC less than 0.05, you'll likely face a six-month disqualification from driving on top of any other disqualifications issued to you by police or the courts. You'll also lose between four and six demerit points, which means you may lose your licence altogether or be dangerously close to it.

Once your disqualification period is over, you may even be subject to a mandatory Interlock program depending on the severity of your offence/s.

Tasmania

What's the law?

Keeping consistent with the rest of the country, you are not allowed to have alcohol in your system while driving on your Ls and Ps.

What can happen if I'm caught?

If you're caught drink-driving, you'll receive a court order, which will decide whether you'll be disqualified and if you'll face any other punishment. While full licence holders can apply for a restricted licence, L and P-platers who are disqualified will have to wait until the restriction is over.

And, if your reading is over 0.15, you'll be subjected to the Alcohol Interlock Program.

Australian Capital Territory

What's the law?

It's a no from the ACT regarding alcohol in the system for learner and provisional drivers.

What can happen if I'm caught?

For first-time offenders, your fine can range from $750 for lower-end alcohol readings to $2,250 and nine months in jail for higher-end readings. You could also face up to a three-year suspension for your offence.

Northern Territory

What's the law?

Keeping on brand for Australia is the Northern Territory, which also doesn't allow learner and provisional driver's licence holders any alcohol in their system.

What can happen if I'm caught?

Well, for starters, you'll automatically receive a three-month disqualification from driving. On top of that, for low range offences (i.e. a BAC less than 0.05) you can receive a court-ordered fine of about $775 and a maximum of three months in jail.

If you commit the offence again, your disqualification period will double to six months, you'll be slapped with a $1,162.50 fine and you can face up to six months in jail.

Leave the car at home on your next night out. Student Edge members get $15 off your first Uber trip.

Header Image: iStock.com/jaclynwr