Young people will have more access to employment and education by getting their license at 17.
More than 4000 Victorians have signed a petition calling on the Victorian Government to reduce the probationary drivers’ licence age from 18 to 17, in line with every other Australian state.
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The petition was recently tabled in Parliament, highlighting a major issue for families, particularly in regional areas where access to public transport is limited.
Like a lot of Victorian teens, Yarrawonga learner driver, Melia McDonald, 17, said she thinks the current laws are unfair.
“One of my friends will be able to get her licence earlier than me even though she is younger than me,” Melia said.
“At 18 we are given permission to drink alcohol and visit clubs and pubs, but yet we can only then apply for a license.
“If I had my license a year earlier I would have far more independence as I wouldn’t have to rely on Mum and Dad to be my personal taxi.”
Living in a border town, Melia said she was aware of other young Victorians who use a NSW address simply to get their licence earlier.
“This is unfair as the ones who follow the rules are the ones who have to wait,” she said.
Two States Driving School driving instructor Natasha Bignell said it would be a good thing for Victorian 17-year-olds to be able to get their license, which could create more job opportunities.
“It will stop all the Victorian learners going to NSW, getting their licence early and breaking the law,” Ms Bignell said.
“Many of our young people have apprenticeships and jobs where having a probationary licence would be helpful.
“As for being more mature, I don't think that is so much an age thing, but more an individual thing.
“Hopefully something will happen this time as the kids in the country regions could really benefit from this.”
A petition calling on the Victorian Government to reduce the minimum probationary drivers’ licence age in line with other Australian states, was tabled in Parliament by Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad.
Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad, who sponsored the petition, said that in recent months, she has heard from many frustrated families who were keen to see the law changed as Victoria is the only state in Australia that requires probationary drivers to be 18.
“There is limited public transport in regional areas and family members and friends are called on to act as a taxi service,” Ms Broad said.
“I’ve heard from young people who have been severely disadvantaged.
“They have had to pass up valuable employment and educational opportunities because they simply could not get themselves there.
“I’ve also heard from grandparents, parents and young people keen to see change.”
The Minister must respond to the petition within 30 days.
