Tuesday, 30 July 2024

Probationary driving age

Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (18:16): (1006) My adjournment is for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety to lower Victoria’s probationary driving age in line with other states. Victoria is the only state in Australia that still requires probationary drivers licence holders to be aged 18 or over. Young people, especially those living in rural and regional areas, are at a disadvantage by not being allowed to access their provisional licence at the age of 17. People who live in rural areas like Wychitella North in my electorate do not have access to public transport to help them access jobs and apprenticeships.

I was contacted by a mum whose son Lachie would love to start looking for an apprenticeship or a school-based apprenticeship, but he is unable to do so in this state until he is 18. If he were living in Melbourne, he would have a much better chance of pursuing this avenue of employment and training due to the accessibility of public transport. His mum already drives a thousand kilometres weekly to provide her kids with a fraction of the opportunities that city kids get.

It is time that the Victorian government stops disadvantaging our country kids and aligns with the rest of Australia regarding licensing rules. All Victorian 17-year-olds should be allowed the opportunity to drive with a provisional licence provided they have met the necessary requirements. If they have completed their 120 hours of driving, passed the hazards test and the P-plate test and have proven themselves to be safe drivers, then they should be allowed their drivers licence. The Nationals have been strong advocates for reducing the driving age. Back in 2006 the Victorian Nationals launched a youth policy in Bendigo which included lowering the state’s driving age to 17. The Liberals and Nationals also took the policy to the most recent state election in 2022. I call upon the minister to lower Victoria’s probationary driving age to reduce the impact of isolation and disadvantage for young people living in regional areas. It is a simple, commonsense change that will make it easier for young people to access work and educational opportunities and will bring Victoria into line with the rest of Australia.