Gaelle Broad, Nationals Member for Northern Victoria, is renewing her call to lower the age for provisional licences in Victoria. This push, which she first made in August 2024, aims to bring Victoria in line with other states and territories where learners can typically get their P-plates at 17.
- Victoria is currently the only state requiring learners to be 18 for a provisional licence. The proposed change would maintain the 120-hour supervised driving requirement.
- The Rural and regional youth are particularly disadvantaged by the current system
- Ms Broad plans to raise this issue in the Victorian Legislative Council this month
Current Licensing Ages Across Australia
| State/Territory | Learner Age | Provisional Age | Full Licence Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | 16 years | 18 years | 22 years |
| NSW | 16 years | 17 years | 20 years |
| Queensland | 16 years | 17 years | 20 years |
| WA | 16 years | 17 years | 19 years |
| NT | 16 years | 16.5 years | 18.5 years |
Ms Broad argues that lowering the P-plate age would particularly benefit rural and regional youth who lack access to public transport and rely heavily on driving for work, apprenticeships, and study opportunities.
Regional and Rural Benefits
Ms Broad argues that the current system particularly disadvantages rural and regional youth. These young people often lack access to reliable public transport and depend heavily on driving for work opportunities, apprenticeships, and educational pursuits.
Lowering the P-plate age could provide these young Victorians with greater independence and access to opportunities at an earlier age.
Alignment with Other States
Bringing Victoria's licensing age in line with other states could reduce confusion for instestate travelers, provide more consistent national standards and potentially make it easier for young Victorians moving interstate for work or study.
Economic Benefits
Allowing 17-year-olds to obtain their P-plates could have positive economic impacts increased mobility for young workers, more job opportunities for teenagers in delivery or transport role and potential boost to regional economies through increased youth participation.
Road Safety
The primary argument for keeping the current age limit has been road safety. Critics may argue that:
- Younger drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents
- An extra year of maturity can make a significant difference in decision-making skills
Implementation Challenges
Changing the licensing system would require updates to legislation and modifications to VicRoads systems and processes and public education campaigns
Next Steps
Ms Broad plans to raise this issue in the Victorian Legislative Council this month. The proposal is likely to spark debate among lawmakers, road safety experts, and the public.
Key questions that will need to be addressed include:
- What impact would this change have on road safety statistics?
- How can we ensure that 17-year-old drivers are adequately prepared for solo driving?
- What additional support or restrictions might be necessary for younger P-plate drivers?
The push to lower Victoria's P-plate age to 17 represents a significant potential change in the state's approach to young drivers. While it could bring benefits, particularly for rural and regional youth, it also raises important questions about road safety and driver readiness.
As the debate unfolds, it will be crucial to balance the needs of young Victorians with the overarching goal of maintaining safe roads for all users. Whatever the outcome, this discussion highlights the ongoing challenges of creating licensing systems that are both fair and safe in our ever-changing society.
