Victorians are being encouraged to have their say on reducing Victoria’s minimum probationary driver’s licence age through a parliamentary petition.
The petition which is sponsored by The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria, Gaelle Broad calls on the Allan Labor Government to reduce the probationary licence age from 18 to 17, in line with every other Australian state.
The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath said lowering the age was consistent with recommendations from the findings of a Parliamentary Inquiry in 2017, but Labor is unwilling to consider the matter further.
“Regional and rural Victoria has limited public transport options and accessibility is an ongoing issue.
“Allowing responsible young people to drive from age 17 would boost access to education, employment and social opportunities.
“For young people who have done the training and are competent to safely drive on their own, a licence delivers many worthwhile benefits.
“It would help young people in trades and vocational education attend work and training without the logistical challenges that regional families face.
“Seventeen year olds with an interstate probationary licence can legally drive on our roads unsupervised if they stick to their licence conditions, but locals cannot.
“Safety and training are critically important to ensure our young people are ready for the responsibility of driving solo.
“The Nationals want the Allan Government to consider driver training programs similar to New South Wales whereby safe driving courses or undertaking professional lessons earn learner drivers hours of credit towards the 120 hours needed for a probationary licence.”
The petition is open until October 1, and is available at https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/reduce-probationary-driving-age/
