Rush to beat new learner driver laws
Wed 04 April 2007
Robyn Daniels, Journalism
New laws requiring learner drivers to have more experience before getting their licence have prompted a rush of applications before the July 1 cut off date.
Under one component of the new laws, a learner driver under 25 years must complete 100 hours of supervised driving, which have to be logged.
Local driving instructor Mick West says the extra work needed to obtain a provisional licence under the new laws has encouraged many Sunshine Coast teenagers to sit the practical test before the July 2007 deadline.
“It’s definitely busier now. I’ve been working much longer days than I used to,” Mr West said.
“Another instructor I talk to has been working seven days a week because of the demand.”
If a new driver has lessons with an accredited instructor, one hour counts as three towards their required 100, but only for a maximum of 10 hours.
“The 10 hours would be counted as 30,” Mr West said.
“That will definitely be good for business, for any driving instructor.”
The laws only apply to drivers under the age of 25. However Mr West said about 99 per cent of his students were in that category.
“Occasionally I’ll get a mature age student but probably 80 per cent of mine are 17-year-olds,” Mr West said.
Mr West said the new laws are certainly are a good idea if they will reduce the road toll for young people.
“Inexperience is the most common cause of road accidents and anything that helps reduce this is definitely a step in the right direction,” Mr West said.
One local teenager who was compelled by the new laws to go for his licence is Jayden Osborne. He only undertook the practical test in January this year even though he had been eligible to apply for it for two years.
“I went for my licence so I didn’t have to comply with the new laws,” Mr Osborne said.
“Lots of people will think they are unfair, but they will definitely improve young drivers’ skills.”
The Queensland Government says the main reason for the introduction of the laws is that new, young drivers are “two and a half times more likely to die as a result of a road crash than other motorists”. Drivers under 25 years are considered the highest risk group of motorists. The new ‘young driver initiatives’ aim to reduce these risks.
The laws bring with them new restrictions for ‘P’ platers, including a limit on the number of young passengers at night, restrictions on using hands-free mobiles while driving and on driving high powered cars. Instructors and supervisors will also not be permitted to use hands-free mobiles while instructing.
Currently a person must be 16 years and six months old and pass a written knowledge test to get their learner licence. They then must simply hold this licence for six months before passing a practical driving test with a Queensland Transport examiner before receiving their provisional licence.
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