Mixed reaction to learner driver changes

Amongst the changes learner drivers will be able to reduce their logbook hours from 120 to 80.

Speed will also be affected, with learners able to drive at a maximum of 90 kmp/h instead of 80 kmp/h.

While some including State Member for Dubbo Troy Grant have applauded the changes, some parents have voiced their scepticism over the reforms.

In order to reduce logbook hours from 120 to 80, learner drivers will need to undertake a Safer Drivers Course and 10 hours of professional lessons.

Exact details on how to access the Safer Drivers Course have not been released, however Roads Minister Duncan Gay said the course will incorporate theoretical and practical coaching.

“It also teaches learner drivers about gauging road conditions, seeing issues that could affect them and making safe decisions,” he said.

“This is a first step in rewarding the state’s younger drivers for learning safer behaviour behind the wheel.

“Young drivers are tragically over-represented in the NSW road toll and we want to ensure they are all given the opportunity to learn about road safety while they are still learning the basics of driving.”

At the moment learner drivers must complete 100 hours of driving under various conditions during the day plus another 20 hours of driving at night.

Forbes parent Anita Morrison has already helped her daughter Darcie, her niece and her nephew learn to drive.

Her 15-year-old daughter Carly plans to get her L-plates in April.

Mrs Morrison said her concerns with reducing the logbook hours revolved around the cost involved. 

From past experience she estimates lessons with a professional cost between $50 to $60 per hour. 

Mrs Morrison estimated that by attempting to reduce logbook hours with the 10 lessons, local families could be paying around $500 to $600.

“Yes, they teach you how to pass the test, [but] they are not overly practical.

“[Professional lessons involve] a lot of town driving but not on the open road,” she said.

“Unfortunately where we live you are on the open road all the time. Kids really need that experience … as much as they do around town.”

While she could see some families may be struggling with the logbook hours, Mrs Morrison had no such concerns, saying sporting commitments regularly saw her family travelling around the countryside.

With this in mind she said she was not really in favour of increasing the speed limit because new drivers needed to learn how to handle the vehicle.

Mrs Morrison said while it was only 10 kmp/h faster and “might sound minute”, it could make a big difference when travelling on the open road.

Children who have only driven within town limits are most at risk, she believes, because they don’t have the experience of handling a motor vehicle at higher speeds.

“[For children from] in town, I think 80 is fast enough for them to learn,” she said.

Young driver-to-be Carly welcomed the idea of having less time driving with mum and dad and the opportunity to drive at an increased speed.

Ms Morrison won’t be waiting until July 1, when the changes come into affect, to apply for her Ls. 

“I think it would be good, but I would probably get [my Ls] anyway … just to have my independence. The sooner you get them, the sooner you can get your Ps,” she said.

According to a spokesperson from the Roads and Maritime Services (formerly the RTA), any learner driver who obtains their licence before July will be able to drive at 90 kmp/h after July 1 this year.

Learner drivers will be able to access the Safer Drivers Course when it becomes available.

The RMS spokesperson said the course program is still being developed. It is expected to be carried out by an external provider.

Mr Gay said the course will be gradually rolled out based on community uptake and the availablity of providers.