A petition calling on the Victorian Government to reduce the minimum probationary drivers’ licence age from 18 to 17, in line with every other Australian state, has been extended to October 1.
The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said the extension was timely, given it is National Road Safety Week this week.
“I have heard from many frustrated families who are keen to see the law changed, especially in regional areas where there is limited or no public transport available, and not everyone has someone to act as a taxi service,” Ms Broad said.
“I have heard from young people who had to pass up valuable apprenticeships simply because they did not have their licence. Some are using NSW addresses so they can get their licence at 17.”
Ms Broad raised the issue in Parliament last year, and again this year, but the change has not been supported by Labor.
“The Minister believes it is not in the community’s best interests and has cited safety concerns.
“There is no doubt we want safe drivers. In NSW there are special driver training programs and incentives focused on safety, which could easily be replicated in Victoria,” Ms Broad said.
A report done in 2022 by Parliamentary intern Naylin Al found young Victorians were “severely disadvantaged” by the driving age being set at 18.
“Lowering the minimum probationary licencing age in Victoria would have a monumental impact on many young people and their families, primarily in relation to education, employment and social outcomes,” the report said.
The report also re-evaluated the evidence for crash risk and found previous evidence used to determine safe driving behaviour in 17 and 18-year-olds was “unsound”.
Data over a 13-year period found that “the number of fatalities for 17-year-old drivers is small across jurisdictions with a lower probationary driving age than Victoria”.
Victoria is the only state in Australia that requires probationary drivers to be 18.
National Road Safety Week runs until May 18.
A petition which combines online and hard copy signatures must have 10,000 signatures to qualify for debate in Parliament. You can sign the petition here: Reduce probationary driving age.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
