Authorities in Western Australia are pushing for tougher licensing requirements for young drivers after the state recorded its highest number of road fatalities in 18 years. The proposed changes to the graduated licensing system (GLS) aim to address the worrying trend of increasing fatalities and improve road safety, particularly among new drivers.
With 138 lives lost on WA roads so far this year, the government is now seeking public feedback on proposed amendments that could make it more difficult for young drivers to obtain their full licence. As part of a six-week consultation period, stakeholders are being urged to contribute their views before the deadline of November 9.
Proposed Changes to Licensing Framework
According to Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby, the proposed changes include increasing the minimum number of supervised driving hours required for learners, from 50 to 75 hours. Learners would also be required to spend 12 months rather than six months on their learner’s permit, with the provisional driver period extended from two years to three.
These changes are designed to ensure that new drivers have more time to hone their skills under the supervision of an experienced adult before they are allowed to drive unsupervised. Minister Whitby emphasised the importance of public input in shaping these changes, noting that improving safety for young drivers is a shared responsibility. “I encourage every Western Australian to take part in this important consultation,” he said.
In addition to increasing the time and experience required for new drivers, the proposed changes would also limit phone use for learner and provisional drivers. The use of in-car systems, such as GPS and audio players, would still be allowed, but the broader trend of smartphone distractions has prompted authorities to clamp down on this dangerous habit. Research by AAMI revealed that one in four drivers engage with their phones while driving, with almost 90% of all drivers admitting to some form of distraction behind the wheel.
Focus on Education and Awareness Campaigns
The proposed licensing reforms are part of a broader effort to tackle road fatalities in WA, which has seen a sharp increase in recent years. The state government has also launched a new awareness campaign, including a public service announcement featuring the heartbreaking story of 15-year-old Tom Saffioti, who died in 2021 in a tragic car accident. His mother, Samantha, hopes that sharing Tom’s story will encourage young people to make safer choices behind the wheel.
As the consultation process continues, authorities are emphasising the need for greater responsibility from both drivers and their supervising adults. The new rules would also require supervising adults to be completely alcohol-free in the car, a stricter measure than the current limit of 0.05.
