The NRMA has today released a report that recommends rewarding young drivers who maintain a clean probationary driving record with a free licence and a trial of connected technology to assess and reward young driver behaviour.
The report, Come Home Safe, is part of the Road Safety Series and recommends a free licence for drivers who maintain a clean driving record through their P1 and P2 licence period. The recommendation would deliver a much-needed saving of up to $180 off the cost of a five-year licence.
Some of the report’s other key recommendations include encouraging a registration discount to provisional drivers who register a 5 star ANCAP safety rated vehicle, along with education campaigns and additional funding to learner driver mentoring programs for indigenous and at-risk communities.
In a nutshell, the NRMA is calling for:
- An independent evaluation of the effectiveness of the NSW Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS) with the results made publicly available.
- A trial of connected car devices to allow continuous assessment of driver behaviour, with the potential of rewarding safe young drivers.
- An education campaign on buying the safest car you can afford, targeting young drivers and their parents.
- Registration discount to provisional drivers who register a 5 star ANCAP or UCSR rated car.
- Reward young drivers with a free licence when they maintain a clean probationary driving record, delivering a much-needed saving of $56 for a one year licence, $134 for three year licence or $180 for a five year licence.
- Dedicated funding for education programs targeted at building the skills and education of young drivers in the years prior to obtaining a learners permit.
- Publicly release the results of the P Drivers project to inform the development of best-practice driver education programs.
- Additional funding to support learner driver mentoring programs for indigenous and at-risk communities.
Source: NRMA
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was interested in the idea.
“I will look at any proposal which helps reduce the road toll but more importantly, increases safety, because all of us can be more proactive,” she said.
“We will absolutely keep open our opportunities to look at that.”
Meanwhile, Australasia’s independent vehicle safety authority, ANCAP, has come out in supports of the move and has called for greater incentives to be provided for young drivers in particular.
“Our young and provisionally licenced drivers are some of our most at-risk on the roads, and incentives to make it more affordable for them to travel in safer cars is to be commended,” ANCAP Chief Executive, James Goodwin said.
“We tend to see younger and less experienced drivers travel in older, less safe vehicles which presents a double-vulnerability.”
“This is as much an affordability issue as it is a safety issue and we must look at all available options,” Mr Goodwin said.
“ANCAP strongly supports the leadership shown by the NRMA in putting forward ideas to encourage safer vehicle choices as a renewed focus is needed if we are to combat current road trauma levels.”
