General News
28 January, 2025
Broad: 'Lower limit for P-plate licences'
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 in 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.
But the call has drawn mixed reviews from locals in Warracknabeal – some backing the request but others disagreeing.
In a post on The Warracknabeal Herald Facebook page, Sue Kay said she had just moved to the area, and to Victoria, and she was shocked that it was actually a thing.
"I thought 17 was Australia-wide," Ms Kay said.
"Doesn't Victoria pride themselves on being forward-thinking?"
Another commenter, Barb Moore, said it was a better idea.
"Country kids need to get themselves around as they have already left school and there are no buses or trains available," Ms Moore said.
Jade Taylor agreed with the comment, adding that being able to get a licence at 17 could assist teens in getting to both school and work.
Kaylha Mitchell supported the call from Ms Broad and added that it would assist her in the future.
"It would be easier for me than three kids on L-plates and trying to navigate my work and them to have jobs too," Ms Mitchell said.
"Not to mention if they need appointments etc parents then have to take days off work to get them there because they can’t take themselves."
Ms Mitchell said children could be taken off their parents' Medicare card from 14 and could attend doctors on their own at 16 but couldn't drive alone until 18.
"It's crazy really," she said.
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 licence provisionally 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 Victorian Government did not support the idea.
“I will raise the issue again when Parliament resumes next month,” Ms Broad said.