RACV: Victoria’s driving age should be 18

RACV is disappointed with a Law Reform, Road and Community Safety Committee report recommending the driving age be lowered from 18 to 17.

RACV general manager of public policy Brian Negus said the RACV did not support the recommendation to lower the driving age.

“Licensing age should be based on evidence that puts the safety of all Victorians first,” he said.

“RACV does support the State Government creating incentives, for example a discount on registration, to get more young people into safer five-star cars.

“Furthermore, an RACV survey of young people found that while a lack of transport affected their social trips, only a few said it impacted their ability to get employment.”

Some Vicroads facts • While drivers aged 18 to 25 make up only 12 percent of licence holders, they account for 20 percent of fatalities on Victorian roads.

• If Victoria lowered the age to 17, it has been estimated it would result in an increase of 10 fatalities, more than 240 serious injuries, and more than 700 minor injuries yearly.