Give novice drivers a ‘fair go’ on the roads

Motorists should be aware of young and novice drivers learning to drive on the state’s roads and give them a “fair go”, Minister for Transport John Mickel says.

Mr Mickel said novice drivers were more than twice as likely to die as a result of a road crash than other motorists.

"Learners have the lowest crash risk of all drivers, generally because they are supervised.

"However the risks for novice drivers skyrocket when they graduate to the first year of their provisional licence," Mr Mickel said.

"That's why we now require learner drivers to gain more experience before they graduate to their P plates."

Queensland has more than 110,000 learners and more than 185,000 provisional drivers – an increase of around 10 per cent from last year.

"With more than 80 per cent of them under 25 years old, the last thing a nervous novice needs is other motorists tailgating, weaving or speeding around them," he said.

Mr Mickel also reminded L and P plate drivers to abide by laws relating to mobile phones, blood alcohol levels, young passengers and high powered vehicles.

"These restrictions have been put in place to reduce distractions and decrease the risk of young drivers hurting themselves or others when driving.

For more information on young driver or licensing requirements and restrictions, visit www.transport.qld.gov.au or call 13 23 80.

Ministerial contacts: Shannon Mackay 3237 1125 or Chris Brown 3235 1944

April 10, 2008