Petition pushes for driving reform

A PARLIAMENTARY petition has highlighted concerns over the lack of standardisation in Australia’s driving system, addressing issues regarding varying regulations on the minimum driving age and licensing requirements.

Spearheaded by Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad, the petition has called upon the State Government to lower Victoria’s minimum probationary drivers’ age from 18 to 17, citing young drivers’ struggle in accessing education and employment in rural and regional Victoria as a barrier many face due to the age limit.

Ms Broad additionally highlighted the importance of incentivising and providing learner drivers with driver training programs, such as those that are currently used in New South Wales, and called for a similar system to be implemented in Victoria.

Under the neighbouring state’s laws, if a learner driver completes a one-day safer driving course, they can earn 20 hours of credit on their logbooks, while undertaking 10 hours of professional driving lessons will entitle them to receive a further 20 hours of credit.

Ms Gaelle said that she had been contacted by many residents, including young drivers, their parents, and grandparents, who were in support of lowering the age.

“I raised the issue in parliament last year but was told the minister had safety concerns with the idea,” she said.
“As a parent of two P-platers and one L-plater, I agree that safety is crucial, and training is vitally important to ensure our young people are ready for the responsibility of driving solo. Any road accident statistic is a bad one, regardless of your age.

“I have been contacted by people across the state keen to see the law changed in Victoria, particularly in regional areas where there is limited or no public transport available, and not everyone has a parent or carer available…

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