Can a P2 driver tow a trailer in NSW? (13 essential tips)
In this article, we will answer the following question: Can a P2 driver tow a trailer in NSW? We will discuss towing rules for P2 drivers and give you a few essential tips for towing safely a caravan or trailer.
Can a P2 driver tow a trailer in NSW?
Yes, a P2 driver can tow a trailer in NSW, as long as they follow these simple rules:
- P2 drivers must display the P sticker on the front and the rear of both vehicles.
- P2 drivers must not exceed the maximum speed limit of 100kph.
- P2 drivers must not listen to music while driving and towing a trailer in NSW.
Please see the table below for more information on restrictions for towing for P-platers in Australia.
Towing rules for P-plate drivers in Australia
| Region | Rules |
| ACT | P1 and P2 platers can only tow a trailer that has a total weight of 750 kg or less. |
| New South Wales | P1 platers can only tow a trailer that has a weight of 250 kg or less. There are no towing restrictions for P2 platers. |
| Northern Territory | P1 platers can only tow a trailer that has a weight of 250 kg or less. There are no towing restrictions for P2 platers. |
| Tasmania | Both P1 and P2 can tow a trailer or another vehicle. |
| Victoria | P1 platers cannot tow a trailer or other vehicle. There are no restrictions for P2 drivers. |
| South Australian | Both P1 and P2 platers can tow a trailer in SA. |
Can a green P plater tow a caravan in NSW?
Yes, a green P plater can tow a caravan, as long as one does not exceed the limit of 750kg in the first year of holding the driver’s licence. Otherwise, there are no restrictions when it comes to towing a caravan on a P2 (green) licence.
Here are the three rules to keep in mind:
- Always display the P plate in the rear of the caravan/trailer that you are towing.
- The maximum speed allowed is 100kph, otherwise, you could get a penalty of 4 demerit points.
- All the passengers in the vehicle have to have seat belts or child restraints on.
13 tips for P2 drivers towing a trailer
The road, the freedom, your own vehicle … It’s amazing when you pass the exam and you can drive! However, the first six months of driving can be dangerous as novice drivers are much more likely to be in an accident than any other driver. But it does not have to be like that. As long as these basic safety tips are followed, beginners can keep their vehicles and driving history intact. Happy driving!
- Check the blind spot – You didn’t see that car coming, did you? The blind spot has that name for something: it is the space around the car that we cannot easily see through the mirrors. Each vehicle has different blind spots, so turn your head when you can’t see properly and want to change lanes or do a manoeuvre.
- Get in the right lane – When you enter a highway, adapt your speed to the rest of the vehicles travelling, except those that exceed the speed limits! Choose the correct lane for the speed with which you feel most comfortable and always give directions if you change lanes.
- Understand the safety requirements of your vehicle – It is very likely that you will have to perform safety checks on your vehicle at least once a year to ensure that it can circulate. Mark yourself a reminder on your calendar and don’t hesitate to take your vehicle to the workshop if you notice something strange.
- Avoid driving too late – Low visibility, tiredness … there are a lot of reasons why driving too late is a bad idea. If you can, take a bus or a taxi at night.
- Don’t drive with many passengers – One of the best things about driving is being able to take a ride with your friends, but you are more likely to have an accident if you are distracted by the passengers behind!
- Drive through familiar areas and take short trips – Drive around your area, take short trips, and don’t drive long distances in the car for now until you have more practice.
- Put the phone on silent – Even hands-free calls can be distracting, so keep your phone away when driving. Most smartphones now have “Do Not Disturb” mode, so it won’t ring or vibrate while you’re driving.
Other questions you may be interested in
Can a learner driver tow a trailer in WA?
Can a learner driver tow a trailer in QLD?
Some other considerations to take into account:
- Check the load capacity of your vehicle. The instructions can be found in the vehicle manual, but if you do not have it at hand, contact the manufacturer to obtain the information. Make sure the vehicle has the necessary capacity to tow the weight you require.
- If you are thinking of buying a towing vehicle, it is a good idea to get a vehicle designed with the appropriate capabilities and equipment for the weight you plan to pull.
For example, for heavy loads, many vehicles already include engines with more torque, superior cooling systems, heavy-duty battery, and reinforced suspension, among others. These equipment are sometimes marketed together as a towing package.
- It is essential to know the standard terms of the maximum weights that the vehicle can support. For example, the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the vehicle’s weight with all its occupants and cargo included.
The gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is the gross weight of the car, its occupants and the load, in addition to the weight of everything that is being towed. The tongue weight (TW) is the weight that the trailer puts on the hitch.
- Calculate the weight of the load, including the weight of the trailer itself.
- Include in that weight the additional content that you are towing may have, such as gasoline or water in tanks, luggage, or additional equipment. It is a good idea to add 10% to the calculated weight to decrease the margin of error. The common term for the total load weight is called Gross Trailer Weight (GTW).
- The right hitch. There are many types of hitches that span different types of weight classes. A hitch must be selected that will support the gross weight of the trailer. Hitches are rated according to weight; for example, a Class I hitch holds up to 2,000 pounds.
The bottom line
We remind you, that as a P2 driver you can tow a trailer in NSW. Drive slowly and cautiously. As you begin to drive with a trailer, become familiar with the overall dynamics of the vehicle and the trailer as a whole.
Test the brakes and learn how to calculate stopping distances. Pay close attention to traffic signs, take curves at low speeds, and generally change direction with subtlety.
If you have any questions or comments on the content, please let us know!
FAQ on Can a P2 driver tow a trailer in NSW?
Can a P1 driver tow a trailer QLD?
Yes, a P1 driver can tow a trailer in QLD. Both L platter and P platers must display the L/P sign clearly on both the trailer and the towing vehicle.
Can Red P platers tow trailers?
Yes, Red P platers can tow trailers, as long as it doesn’t exceed 750 kg weight and it doesn’t have less than 250 kg unloaded.
Can P platers listen to music Qld?
No, P platters are not allowed to listen to music or use hands-free in QLD. The law regards even if you can change the music from the steering wheel.
Can you tow a caravan on your green PS?
If you hold a green P licence you can tow a caravan that weighs 750 kgs or less. Red P licence holders cannot legally tow a caravan or trailer.
