NEW GRADUATED LICENCE
NEW GRADUATED LICENSING SYSTEM
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PREMIER
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
A SAFER SYSTEM FOR YOUNG DRIVERS IN VICTORIA
Premier Steve Bracks today announced changes to the P Plater licensing system aimed at saving the lives of young drivers. The new licensing system will include a minimum 12 month learner permit period, 120 hours of supervised driving experience and a new P1 and P2 probationary licence system. “The new system will be introduced in two main stages from July 2007, and is designed to ensure that new drivers have sufficient experience to develop good driving skills,” Mr Bracks said. “It is well known that young drivers, especially those in their first year on P-plates, are over represented in road crash statistics, and this new licensing system is squarely aimed at lowering those figures. “This new system is a more comprehensive process that encourages young drivers to gain as much driving experience as possible before getting their Ps and then their full licence. We hope this will reduce their vulnerability on the roads at a time when they are most at risk of injury.” Mr Bracks said the new Graduated Licensing System was another element of the Bracks Government’s successful arrivealive! road safety strategy. Key changes to licensing conditions for new and young drivers in Victoria include: People under the age of 21 years, applying for probationary licence:
• Must hold a learner permit for a minimum 12 months – an increase on the current 6 month minimum;
• Must obtain a minimum 120 hours on-road supervised learner driving experience. Currently no on-road supervised driving is required;
• Must go on to a minimum one year P1 licence, then graduate to a
minimum three year P2 licence. Young drivers are currently required to
complete three years on a probationary licence. People aged 21 to 25 years
will be required to hold their learner permit for a minimum of six months
and then go directly on to a three year P2 licence. People aged 25 years
and over will be required to hold their learner permit for a minimum of
three months and then go directly on to a minimum three year P2 licence.
Other new measures include:
• An improved driving test for all probationary licence applicants;
• A ban on all mobile phone use for P1 drivers;
• A requirement for a good driving record to progress from P1 to P2;
• Alcohol interlocks for first time drink driving offenders on Ps or aged under 26 years;
• A revised high powered vehicle restriction for P1 and P2 drivers;
• Support programs for new drivers, supervising drivers, and driving instructors. Transport Minister Peter Batchelor said the Government would develop support measures to assist young people who may have difficulty getting 120 hours practice with their parents or other experienced drivers.
He said the new system also addressed the growing problem of mobile phone use while driving. “We’ve all heard that driving while on the phone is equally as dangerous as driving with a blood alcohol level over .05, and the risk to a less experienced driver is even greater,” Mr Batchelor said. “Mobile phone use while driving seriously affects your ability to drive safely, and while we understand the growing importance of mobile phones in today’s world, they have no place being used by young inexperienced drivers.” Mr Batchelor said alcohol interlocks would also be imposed on any drink drive offenders aged under 26 or on a P1 or P2 licence. “Extending the use of alcohol interlocks to young offenders will help to deter them from doing it again and will keep them out of the driver’s seat when they have been drinking.” In August last year, as part of the arrivealive! strategy the Bracks Government released a Discussion Paper for public comment on suggested initiatives to reduce young driver road trauma and proposals for a new licensing system. “Young driver safety is important to the community and we wanted to ensure the concerns of the average Victorian were taken into account,” Mr Batchelor said. “Much of what was discussed at the forums and the more than 800 submissions all went to help formulate the changes we are announcing today.” Changes to the probationary licensing system will not increase the cost of Learner permits or probationary licences. The timetable for introduction of the new Graduated Licensing System is as follows:
- January 2007 – Alcohol measures
- July 2007 – New learner permit requirements and changes to the high powered vehicle restriction for probationary drivers
- July 2008 – New probationary licence (P1/P2) requirements and new driving test.
SO WHAT DO THESE CHANGES REALLY ACHIEVE?
What is the 'graduating' part?
The new licence system still does not address driver training and education. It does not address drink driving education. --Interlocks already in- so no change--- probationary drivers have to be .07 to qualify!
Zero does not mean Zero in Victoria
It does not address passenger restrictions
It may address High Powered cars, that is yet to be seen
So what does it do?
It extends the time of the learners permit. So you now must remember to get it earlier that’s all.
120 hours practice--------honour system
Equivalent of three weeks over 12months.
No professional training required.
No Mobiles - P1 –good idea if police are available to police it.
An extra year on P’s-but no restrictions----so no difference, except I year longer to display P Plates.
Once again the plan is to encourage, hope, and promote
This is a very ambiguous release.
What is the improved driver test?
What will be classed as a good driving record?
Currently a probationary driver cannot lose the licence immediately even if they kill on the roads. Has that been changed?
What does a support program consist of?
What is the criteria to qualify for support?
Click here to read an article that sums it all up
article by Ashley Gardiner from the Herald Sun
