The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad this week has urged the Victorian Government to lower the P-plate age to 17, saying Victoria is the only state or territory in Australia that still requires P-plate drivers to be aged 18 or over.
Ms Broad said the move would be a game-changer for many families.
“Young people, especially those living in rural and regional areas are at a disadvantage by not being allowed to access their provisional license at the age of 17,” Ms Broad told Parliament.
“People who live in rural areas in my electorate do not have access to public transport to help them access jobs or apprenticeships.”
Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety Danny O’Brien said The Nationals had been strong advocates for reducing the driving age for many years.
“Back in 2006 the Victorian Nationals launched a youth policy in Bendigo, which included lowering the state’s driving age to 17. The Liberals and Nationals also took the policy to the most recent state election in 2022,” Mr O’Brien said.
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/steering-wheel-buttons-dashboard-5531687/
