Holders of P1 probationary licences (red p-plates) are only permitted to carry one passenger aged 16 to 21 who is not immediate family.

The restriction, which came into effect in July last year, lasts for 12 months and only applies to drivers under 21 years of age.

According to Victoria Police statistics, the number of P1 drivers nabbed in the first four months of this year was 520, up from 292 last year.

The statistics show that last month alone there were 150 P1 drivers booked for peer passenger offences.

Sale Police Senior Sergeant David Carey said while the problem wasn't rampant in Gippsland, police were always on the lookout.

"It's very hard to police,'' he said.

"So it's not an obvious issue, but you do come across it.''

Snr Sgt Carey said the consequences for a P1 driver caught for peer passenger offences was a $340 fine and three demerit points.

"It's a fair sting,'' he said.

"But it needs to be to remind people not to do it.''

However, local P1 driver Gabi Bond, 18, said the peer passenger restriction was an unnecessary burden on responsible young drivers.

"It does make it really hard,'' she said.

"It's hard to go down the street, to go to the beach and do anything really.

"If a group of us wanted to go somewhere, we have to take three cars for five people.''

Ms Bond also said the restrictions made it difficult for P1 licence holders to be a designated driver.

"We can't have designated drivers because you're not allowed to have more than one person in the car.

"It's pointless.''

While Ms Bond said she understood the restrictions were aimed at stopping young drivers being distracted, she didn't feel that was being achieved.

"What if you have three cars driving together in a group?

"That could encourage people to try and drag race each other.''