General News
12 February, 2025
Vic the odd one out on licence age
It's an age-old debtate: should the probationary driving age in Victoria be lowered to 17?
Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has again called for this, saying it would bring the age into line with other states and reduce disadvantage for youngsters in regional Victoria.
Victoria is the only state or territory in Australia that still requires P-platers to be aged 18 or over.
Ms Broad said the move would change the game for many regional and rural families.
While locals in Horsham weren't as vocal on the suggestion from Ms Broad when prompted by Wimmera Mallee News through its community page, residents in Warracknabeal were eager to share their thoughts.
Sue Kay said she had just moved to the area, and to Victoria, and was shocked that it was actually an issue.
"I thought 17 was Australia-wide," Ms Kay said.
"Doesn't Victoria pride themselves on being forward-thinking?"
But there were a couple of people who disagreed with the suggestion, including Dianne Bett, who said she was concerned about road safety.
"We survived when we were growing up and got wherever we were going," Ms Bett said.
"Too many youngsters are injured or lost these days – why add to the tally?"
Ms Broad said youngsters – especially those living regionally and remotely – were at a disadvantage by not being allowed to access their provisional licence at 17.
“In the last week I was contacted by many young people and their families who are very keen to see the P-plate age lowered," she said.
“People who live in regional and rural areas often do not have access to public transport to get to work, apprenticeships or study.
“They rely on their families to transport them to and from these commitments, but not everyone has someone who can drive them around when they need it.”
Ms Broad raised the issue in Parliament in July 2024 but the state government did not support the idea.
“I will raise the issue again when Parliament resumes next month,” Ms Broad said.