By Shaun Inguanzo
NEW laws requiring learner drivers to have at least 120 hours’ experience before obtaining their licences could isolate disadvantaged youths and increase unemployment, a Dandenong agency says.
Hand Brake Turn (HBT), a Dandenong pre-apprentice mechanic program for early school leavers aged between 16 and 18, this week urged VicRoads to roll back the 120 hour driving experience requirement of its new Graduated Licensing System introduced this month.
HBT director Alan Howlett said poorer families in the cities of Greater Dandenong and Casey would struggle to afford the petrol, car maintenance and dedicate the time to invest in their children to reach the 120 hours.
Mr Howlett said the longer younger drivers had to spend on their L-plates, the less employable they were if looking for a trade apprenticeship, where they needed to travel to different building sites or carry tools.
Mr Howlett said defensive driver training funded by the State Government in conjunction with insurers would reduce the number of hours learner drivers needed on the road. “Most young drivers can cruise along the road but it’s in problematic situations when their lack of skill shows up,” Mr Howlett said.
“An accident occurs and someone in that position doesn’t know what to do except stamp on the brakes and pull the wheel and suddenly the car doesn’t react how they thought it would.”
Mr Howlett said insurer AAMI was already offering free driver training and would reduce premiums for drivers aged under 25 who took the course, believing it would make them safer drivers.
But VicRoads this week defended its Graduated Licensing System and said the 120 hours was necessary to save lives.
“Research shows that novice drivers with around 120 hours’ supervised experience can reduce their crash risk by up to 30 per cent, compared to those with around 50 hours’ supervised experience,” VicRoads driver safety director David Shelton said.
Mr Shelton slammed defensive driver training, saying there was no evidence it would make Victorian roads safer.
“Over 40 years of research in the area of driver training shows that driver training fails to provide improved road safety outcomes and where it focuses on car control skills it can increase the crash risks of participants,” he said.
Mr Shelton said young drivers who felt they were disadvantaged by the 120-hour requirement could apply for an exemption from VicRoads providing they met the criteria, although licences granted an exemption could face restrictions.
“VicRoads must also be satisfied that road safety will not be compromised,” he said.
“If you apply for an exemption to reduce the 120 hours because of work commitments, you may have a restriction placed on your probationary licence only allowing you to drive for work purposes, if you pass the drive test.”
Applications for exemptions can be sent to VicRoads Exemptions Locked Bag 5000 Kew, Vic 3101.
What do you think? Should learner drivers be required to have at least 120 hours’ driving experience? Is it effective? Send your thoughts to The Editor, Greater Dandenong Star, PO Box 9, Pakenham VIC 3810, email them to editor@starnewsgroup .com.au or fax to 5941 2515.
