VicRoads and the RACV presented their views to the Victorian Parliament’s Law Reform, Road and Community Safety Committee at the first hearing on June 15.

“Other Australian states and territories have a minumum age of 17 for P-plate licences and we want to find out whether Victoria should be matching that mimimum age,” Law Reform, Road and Community Safety Committee chairperson Geoff Howard said.

Youth Affairs Council Victoria chief executive Georgie Ferrari said young people wanted the independence and responsibility of being able to drive to work and study.

Horsham P2 licence holder Shae Campesato said she thought lowering the licence age was a good idea.

“Victoria is the only state in Australia to have not yet lowered the driving age,” she said. 

“As long as young drivers get 120 hours of practice and have the recommended number of driving lessons, then I see no reason why the age should not be lowered.

“Young adults who have a job, sporting or volunteer commitments would benefit, especially the ones living out of town who are relying on their parents to drive.

“Even growing up in town I still relied on my mum for transport to work, sport and other commitments.

“If I had my licence it would have been a massive help for both myself and mum.

“It’s definitely a subject that needs to be considered.”

The government is required to respond to the inquiry within six months of the final report being tabled.

The decision will be made by November 30.