The Queensland government has initiated a comprehensive review of the state’s learner driver experience, including the 100 hours of supervised driving and the practical driving test.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) will lead the review, engaging with advocacy groups, young drivers, and parents to gather diverse perspectives.
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Queensland’s Graduated Licensing System (GLS) was first introduced in 1999, and mandated 100 hours of supervised driving for learners in 2007.
While the TMR spokesperson noted that the department could not anticipate specific outcomes at this stage, they highlighted the importance of keeping young drivers safe on the roads.
“The most recent evaluation was conducted in 2017,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said the ongoing review aims to evaluate the system’s effectiveness, incorporating the latest advancements in technology and considering changes in community needs and expectations following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The need for this review was also highlighted at the Ministerial Road Safety Roundtable earlier this year.”
The review will explore best practices in learner driver training worldwide and assess how emerging technologies can enhance the learner driver process.
According to the TMR, young drivers constitute a vulnerable group, representing 14% of license holders but accounting for over 25 per cent of road fatalities.
The review’s findings, expected by late 2024, will inform potential improvements to the GLS.
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