Reduce probationary driving age

The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that Victoria is the only state or territory in Australia that still requires probationary drivers licence holders to be aged 18 years or over.

In Victoria, young people living in rural and regional areas with limited or no public transport are disadvantaged, and not everyone has a friend or family member to ferry them around. Reducing the minimum probationary driving age to 17 years in line with other states will remove barriers for young people and open doors for educational and employment opportunities.

The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to reduce the minimum probationary driving age to 17 years and provide incentives for learner drivers to do professional driver training, like those offered in New South Wales.