Petition Driver's licence age

Issue:

This petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly the concern with the minimum driving age in Victoria. Other states have set in place restrictions that give greater freedoms to citizens aged under 18 with regards to operating a motor vehicle alone on a restricted licence. If an individual completes their 120 hours of supervised driving and pass the required assessments at 17 years of age, it will allow more young Victorians to enter the workforce and gain additional freedoms. It would mean Victorians aged 17 would not be dependent on parents or other full licence drivers to attend school, work, visit friends or attend other events. Victorians in regional communities are also disproportionately affected by the current system, given limited or no access is available to public transport.

Action:

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly amends the Road Safety Act 1986 (Vic) to allow those who have completed all relevant tests and qualifications to apply for a driver licence from 17 years of age.