Starting January 1, 2025, over 100,000 motorists in the Northern Territory are set to benefit from a groundbreaking cost-of-living initiative: free driver’s licence renewals for an entire year.

This relief measure was unveiled by NT Treasurer Bill Yan in Alice Springs on Tuesday. The program, running until June, allows eligible drivers to renew their licences free of charge, saving significant costs for many struggling with inflation and rising expenses.

How It Works

Drivers whose licences are due for renewal between January and June will automatically receive a free 12-month extension. But the benefits don’t stop there—drivers whose licences aren’t up for renewal can still secure an extra year for free by visiting the Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) or using the MVR Quickpay system.

Yan emphasized the government’s commitment to easing financial pressures on residents:

“One of those things about cost of living was licences and vehicle registration,” he said.

This initiative follows other financial relief measures in the NT, including a freeze on vehicle registration fees for cars, motorbikes, and trailers until July 2026.

Queensland’s Registration Relief

Queenslanders are also seeing benefits, with a 20% reduction in registration fees for light vehicles, caravans, and dealer plates continuing into 2025.

Nationwide Driving Law Updates in 2025

While not all Australians will receive direct financial relief, several states are introducing new driving laws and regulations in 2025:

  • Victoria: Drivers may be allowed to get on the road earlier, as the state considers aligning its probationary licence age with other states. Currently, Victoria requires drivers to be 18, the only state with this rule.
  • NSW: A trial allowing P-platers aged 25+ to use a mounted mobile phone as a GPS is expected. Currently, such usage is prohibited.
  • South Australia: Privately owned e-scooters and personal mobility devices are likely to become road-legal with a bill set for early 2025.

A Win for Motorists

The NT’s free licence renewal initiative and other state-level measures reflect efforts to support drivers amid challenging economic conditions. Whether it’s financial relief or rule changes, 2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year for Australian motorists.

Stay tuned for updates on how these initiatives may evolve and impact drivers across the country!


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