WA Red P-Plate “One Mate” Rule: Passenger Limits, Curfews & Demerits — GOAT Driving’s Guide
- Cameron Haughey
- Aug 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 11
You’ve just got your red P plates in WA — exciting, right?You’ve earned your freedom, but WA’s road rules want to make sure you survive those first risky months.Enter the “One Mate” rule WA, a law designed to keep you (and your passengers) safe.
At GOAT Driving, we know these rules can feel like a buzzkill. But trust us — understanding them now means fewer fines, fewer points lost, and more time enjoying your new licence.
Working towards your P plates? Our step-by-step DIY driving lesson plans help you pass faster, feel confident, and save hundreds on lessons — in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
What the One Mate Rule is — and why WA brought it in
Who qualifies for red P plates
Exemptions (so you know when you can take more than one passenger)
WA’s midnight-to-5am curfew
How P plate demerit points WA work
GOAT Tips to help you navigate these rules like a pro
What Is the One Mate Rule in WA?
The One Mate rule WA comes from Tom’s Law, introduced after the tragic death of 18-year-old Tom Snell in 2021.It’s WA’s way of reducing distractions for new drivers in their first six months.
The short version: If you’re on red P plates WA, you can only carry one passenger at a time — whether you’re driving a car or riding a motorbike.
GOAT Tip: If you’ve got a carload of friends waiting for a lift, be the responsible one — and make it a “two-trip” night. You’ll thank yourself when your record stays clean.
Who Qualifies for Red P Plates in WA?
You’ll get your red P plates once you:
Pass your Hazard Perception Test
Complete at least 50 supervised driving hours (including 5 at night) as a learner
Pass your Practical Driving Assessment (PDA)
Getting your red P plates starts with smashing your PDA. Check out our 10 tips to pass your Practical Driving Assessment to boost your chances.
One Mate Rule – Exemptions
More than one passenger? It’s possible — but only if:
Experienced drivers are on board (full C-class licence for 4+ years)
Immediate family members are your extra passengers — spouse, de facto partner, kids, parents, siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, or cousins
Work-related travel is the reason (with a signed employer letter ready to show WA Police)
GOAT Tip: Keep a printed copy of your employer letter in your glovebox. Your phone battery dies? You’re still covered.
WA P-Plate Driving Curfew
The WA P plate curfew applies during your first six months:
No driving between midnight and 5 am unless travelling to/from work or directly between home and school.
Night driving is a skill. At GOAT Driving, we include safe night-driving practice in our DIY lesson plans so you’re ready when the curfew lifts.
P Plate Demerit Points WA
Your leeway is small:
Learner stage + first year of provisional licence: Max 4 points before suspension
Second year: Max 8 points before suspension
Break the One Mate rule or curfew? That’s $200 and 2 demerit points gone — which is half your allowance in the first year.
Why These Rules Matter
We get it. You’ve waited ages to drive solo, and now it feels like more limits. But these rules are here to keep you alive through the steepest part of the learning curve.
And the best way to handle them? Be confident, be safe, and keep learning.
Our DIY driving lesson plans guide you through passenger safety, night driving, and hazard awareness — all while keeping costs low. Available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Quick Reference: WA Red P-Plate Rules
Passenger limit: 1 passenger unless exempt
Curfew: No driving 12 am – 5 am unless exempt
Penalty: $200 fine + 2 demerit points
Demerit limit: 4 points in first year, 8 in second year
FAQ: WA Red P Plates & One Mate Rule
Q: How long do you have red P plates in WA?A: Six months before progressing to green P plates.
Q: What is the One Mate rule WA?A: A rule that limits red P platers to carrying only one passenger unless exempt.
Q: What is the WA P plate curfew?A: No driving between midnight and 5 am during your first six months on red P plates unless exempt for work or school travel.
Q: How many P plate demerit points WA drivers can get before losing their licence?A: Four points in your first year, eight in your second year.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on your red P plates in WA, follow the One Mate rule and curfew — not just to dodge fines, but to build habits that make you a confident, safe driver for life.
Ready to take control of your driving journey? Explore our DIY driving lesson plans today and get the skills you need to pass your test and stay safe on WA roads.
Lee esta guía en Español o Português
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