Alcohol, Drugs and Driving: BAC Limits in Victoria and Queensland

Learners and P-platers must have zero BAC in both Victoria and Queensland. Most full or open car licence holders must remain below 0.05, unless a stricter condition applies. Drug-driving rules also apply, even when your alcohol reading is zero.

Official guidance — Victoria alcohol limits · Queensland alcohol limits

What does BAC mean?

Blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, measures the alcohol in your blood. A BAC of 0.05 means 0.05 grams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. Your reading depends on several factors, including how much you drink, how quickly you drink and your body's response.

Counting drinks cannot reliably tell you your BAC. If you will be driving, plan to avoid alcohol.

Source — Queensland Government alcohol limits

Alcohol limits for car drivers

Zero-alcohol requirements also cover additional licence conditions and certain driving work. Check the rules for your licence and vehicle. A reading of exactly 0.05 exceeds the general limit.

Sources — Transport Victoria · Queensland Government

Why feeling sober is unreliable

Alcohol can slow reactions, weaken judgement and create a false sense of confidence. That can make it harder to recognise a developing hazard or respond in time.

After drinking heavily, you may still exceed your limit the next morning. Coffee, exercise and cold showers do not remove alcohol faster. Plan transport for the following day as well as the journey home.

Source — Alcohol and driving laws in Victoria

What do roadside drug tests detect?

In Victoria, roadside saliva testing targets THC, methylamphetamine and MDMA. Queensland testing also includes cocaine. A confirmed positive result can lead to a drug-driving charge.

Police can also investigate impairment caused by other substances. Driving while impaired by a drug can be an offence even if that substance is outside the routine saliva screening panel.

Sources — Victoria TAC drug-driving guidance · Queensland drug-driving guidance

Drugs may remain detectable after their effects fade

Feeling normal does not establish that a drug has left your system. Detection varies with the substance, amount, frequency of use and individual factors. Some drugs can remain detectable for days.

A fixed waiting time cannot guarantee that you are safe or legally permitted to drive. Combining alcohol with drugs can increase impairment, even at a low BAC.

Source — Transport Victoria drugs and driving laws

Medicinal cannabis and other medicines

A prescription for medicinal cannabis does not authorise driving with THC in your system in Victoria or Queensland.

Since 1 March 2025, Victorian magistrates have discretion over licence cancellation for certain first offences involving prescribed medicinal cannabis. Eligibility includes using a valid prescription as directed and being unimpaired. The offence remains, and fines or other consequences may still apply.

Queensland guidance states that a medicinal cannabis prescription is not a defence to testing positive for THC. Discuss your treatment and transport needs with your doctor.

Sources — Victoria medicinal cannabis rules · Queensland medicinal cannabis rules

Other prescribed medicines and pharmacy products can also affect driving. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects, interactions and any change in your ability to drive.

Source — Queensland guidance on medicines and driving

A driving offence can affect more than your next trip

Depending on the offence and your history, consequences can include fines, licence suspension or disqualification, court proceedings and imprisonment. In Victoria, drug-driving penalties can also require a behaviour change program. Losing your licence can disrupt work, study and family commitments.

Sources — Victoria drug-driving penalties · Queensland drug-driving penalties

Plan your transport before going out

• Arrange a driver who will remain alcohol- and drug-free.
• Check public transport or budget for a taxi or rideshare.
• Have a backup plan if your lift falls through.
• Consider the next morning before scheduling a driving lesson or test.

If you are unsure whether you are fit to drive before a HIENZ lesson, contact your instructor before the appointment so you can discuss the situation.

Transport planning guidance — Transport Victoria

Frequently asked questions

Can learner drivers and P-platers have one drink before driving?

Learners and P1/P2 drivers in Victoria and Queensland must have a BAC of 0.00. Choose alcohol-free plans whenever you will be driving.

Can I drive the morning after drinking?

Alcohol can remain in your body the next morning. Sleeping, coffee and cold showers do not guarantee that your BAC is within your legal limit. Arrange another way to travel if you are unsure.

Does feeling normal mean I will pass a roadside drug test?

No. A drug can still be detectable after its noticeable effects have faded. Detection times vary, so there is no universal waiting period that guarantees a negative test.

Can prescribed medicine affect my driving?

Yes. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines can affect alertness and coordination. Read the warnings and ask your doctor or pharmacist about driving, particularly after starting treatment or changing a dose.

FAQ sources — Alcohol limits · Alcohol and the next morning · Drug detection · Medicines and driving

Information checked 5 November 2026. Check the linked state guidance for rules applying to your licence and circumstances.