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NSW Govt announces changes to Graduated Licensing Scheme, adopts Victorian model

Transport for New South Wales (NSW) has announced "major improvements" to its Graduated Licensing Scheme, with the changes largely aligning with the process used in Victoria.


Coming into effect from 20 November 2017, the revised scheme comes with three main changes. Firstly, learner drivers will now be required to complete the Hazard Perception Test before undertaking the practical driving test.

The second change is that P1 drivers no longer have to undertake the Hazard Perception Test to graduate to their P2 licence.

And, finally, the Driver Qualification Test has been removed for P2 drivers to graduate to a full permit, though a six-month extension will be imposed if a P2 driver receives a suspension for unsafe driving behaviour.

Since its introduction in 2000, the NSW Government says there has been a 50 per cent reduction in the number of young drivers killed on its roads - though the age group continues to be overrepresented in road deaths and trauma.

"P-platers make up 8.0 per cent of all driver licence holders, yet their crashes account for 15 per cent of all fatalities on NSW roads,' said Melinda Pavey, minister for roads, maritime and freight.

"Last year was a horror year for road crashes, with 100 fatalities and 1,684 serious injuries involving a 17-25-year-old driver on NSW roads."

"It’s vital we continue to adapt and improve our approach to reduce this tragic loss of life and serious injuries involving our young drivers," she added.

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