Following concerns over the involvement of provisional licence holders in serious and fatal road crashes, the Land Transport Authority will soon roll out the new two-tier provisional driver licensing system known as Provisional One (P1) and Provisional Two (P2), which will replace the current single-stage Provisional Licence (P) system.
This change follows recent legislative amendments to the Land Transport Act and Regulations aimed at enhancing road safety, strengthening driver compliance, and modernising Fiji's land transport framework.
LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa says Fiji recorded 66 road fatalities in 2024 and 83 fatalities in 2025, with provisional licence holders among the drivers involved in a number of these fatal crashes.
He says of the fatal crash incidents recorded in 2024, 16 percent involved provisional licence holders, while 8 percent of fatal crash incidents in 2025 involved drivers holding provisional licences.
Rokosawa says since 2021 more than 100,600 Traffic Infringement Notices had been issued to provisional drivers, with some drivers undergoing show-cause proceedings for traffic infringements, highlighting the urgent need for a more structured and controlled licensing framework.
There are currently 24,543 provisional driver licence holders as of 31st May 2026 across Class 1, Class 2 and Class 8 categories.
The new P1 and P2 licensing system will roll out from 30th September this year.
He says the initiative represents a significant step forward in strengthening driver standards and improving road safety across Fiji, particularly for new and inexperienced drivers as they transition towards full driving privileges.
The CEO says the legislative changes are aimed at strengthening the graduated licensing system, improving driver behaviour, and reducing the risk of serious crashes among new and inexperienced drivers.
He says they have carefully developed the two-tier system to provide a structured and gradual learning process that allows provisional drivers to build experience under controlled conditions before advancing to higher levels of driving responsibility.
Rokowasa says under the new framework, once a learner has successfully passed the theoretical assessment on the road code and regulations, hazard perception test (HPT) and practical driving test, they will progress through two provisional stages, known as P1 and P2, before becoming eligible for a full licence.
He says the hazard perception test is a computer-based assessment designed to evaluate a driver's ability to identify and respond appropriately to potential dangers on the road.
Rokosawa says the test aims to ensure that provisional drivers develop stronger decision-making skills and greater awareness of real-world driving risks.
He stresses that the hazard perception test must be completed and passed before proceeding to the P1 phase.
The CEO confirms the P1 stage carries a minimum validity period of two years and includes several conditions aimed at reducing high-risk driving behaviour.
He says during this P1 stage, drivers are permitted to operate only private vehicles with a net weight of less than 3.5 tonnes between the hours of 5am and 10pm.
In addition, a zero-blood alcohol concentration and zero tolerance for illicit drugs are mandatory.
The CEO emphasises that vehicle use under the P1 stage is also restricted, as licence holders are not permitted to drive hire, commercial, rental or government vehicles.
He says towing of any vehicle, motorcycle or trailer is strictly prohibited.
Rokosawa stresses that to further strengthen driver competence, all P1 licence holders are required to successfully complete a mandatory Defensive Driving Course.
He says following successful completion of the P1 stage, if a driver has a clean record with zero infringement notices, they may progress to a full licence subject to the successful completion of the DDC.
However, he says if there are offences, drivers will progress to P2 and complete a minimum of 12 months.
The combined minimum period for drivers with offences will be 36 months for those who incur infringement notices during the P1 and P2 phases.
Similar to the P1 stage restrictions, drivers on P2 are permitted to operate only private vehicles with a net weight of less than 3.5 tonnes, without any driving hour limitations.
In addition, a zero-blood alcohol concentration and zero tolerance for illicit drugs remain mandatory.
P2 driver licence holders are not permitted to drive hire, commercial, rental or government vehicles and are restricted to private vehicles under 3.5 tonnes, while towing remains strictly prohibited during this phase.
Rokosawa says the system also introduces a clear offence management structure where drivers who commit one offence will face an extension of three months from the expiry date of their P1 or P2 period.
He says a second offence will result in an additional three-month extension, while a third offence will lead to a suspension of one year, after which the driver will be required to restart the P1 process.
Rokosawa says the graduated approach allows drivers to gain experience progressively while reinforcing accountability and responsible behaviour.
He adds that the Authority believes this system will contribute to a reduction in serious crashes involving young and inexperienced drivers by addressing risk factors such as night-time driving, alcohol use and limited hazard awareness.
The Authority is urging all provisional drivers, parents and guardians to familiarise themselves with the new requirements and ensure full compliance.
Rokosawa is encouraging members of the public to stay tuned to official LTA communication channels for further updates and ongoing information related to the implementation and administration of the new two-tier provisional driver licensing system.
