The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad recently urged the Victorian government to lower the age to 17, saying Victoria is the only state or territory in Australia that still requires P-plate drivers to be aged 18 or over.
Ms Broad said the move would be a game-changer for many families.
“Young people, especially those living in rural and regional areas are at a disadvantage by not being allowed to access their provisional license at the age of 17,” Ms Broad told Parliament.
“People who live in rural areas in my electorate do not have access to public transport to help them access jobs or apprenticeships.”
Ms Broad said she was contacted by a mum whose son would love to start looking for an apprenticeship or a school-based apprenticeship but 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 dream due to the availability of public transport,” Ms Broad said.
“His Mum already drives 1,000km weekly to provide her kids with a fraction of the opportunities that city kids get.
“It’s about time the Victorian Government stopped disadvantaging our country kids and Victoria align with the rest of Australia.
“All Victorian 17-year-olds should be allowed the opportunity to drive with a provisional license, provided they have met the necessary requirements.
“If they have completed their 120 hours of driving, passed the hazard test, and the P-plate test, and proven themselves to be safe drivers, then they should be allowed their driver's license, or at the very least, a rural ‘restricted license’.”
Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety Danny O’Brien said The Nationals had been strong advocates for reducing the driving age for many years.
“Back in 2006 the Victorian Nationals launched a youth policy in Bendigo, which included lowering the state’s driving age to 17,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The Liberals and Nationals also took the policy to the most recent state election in 2022.”
Two States Driving School driving instructor Natasha Bignell agreed with Ms Broad and Mr O’Brien’s sentiments, saying it would be a good thing for Victorian 17-year-olds to be able to get their license which could create more job opportunities for them.
“I believe coming into line with the other states is a good thing,” Ms Bignell said.
“It will stop all the Vic learners going to NSW and getting their licence early and breaking the law.
“Many of our young people have apprenticeships and jobs that having a probationary licence would be helpful for.
“As for being more mature, I don't think that is so much an age thing but more an individual thing.”
