·       The new drive test is being introduced as part of the new Graduated Licensing System (GLS) to:

oBetter assess the ability of licence applicants to handle the demands of solo driving as P1 driver; and

o     Motivate learners to better prepare for their Ps by getting 120 hours driving experience in a wide variety of driving conditions.

·       The new test:

o     Is longer than the current test;

o     Provides a better picture of a licence applicant’s driving ability;

o     Incorporates a more thorough assessment system;

o     Has Immediate termination errors;

o     Introduces scoring of critical errors;

o     Is made up of two parts which separate less challenging and more challenging driving tasks;

o     Involved extensive trialing with learners with varying levels of experience; and

o     Is unique to Victoria and is evidence-based.

·       Applicants still need to pass the Hazard Perception Test before taking the drive test.

 

 

WHY WAS A NEW DRIVE TEST REQUIRED?

·       The new drive test is an important part of GLS and is needed to help support the 120 hour requirement for learner drivers. 120 hours has been shown to significantly reduce crashes.

·       Key objectives of the new drive test are to:

·                       Help discriminate between learners with and without 120 hours;

·                       Motivate learners to get at least 120 hours in a variety of conditions;

·                       Replace the current test (POLA) which was developed at a time when most learners had low levels of supervised experience;

·                       Complement the current HPT;

·                       Introduce a new test which sets the bar higher and is designed to assess more experienced learners; and

·                       Better assess the ability of licence applicants to handle the demands of solo driving as a P1 driver.

 

 

HOW WAS THE NEW TEST DEVELOPED?

·       Developed over 18 months from the results of trials with 1300 learners with a range of driving experience;

·       Developed by VicRoads with assistance from road safety and test development experts;

·       Not based on opinions but based on evidence; and

·       Process was scientific and used:

o     best research from Australia and overseas

o     causes of crashes for newly licensed drivers

o     extensive trials with learners

o     input by testers and driving instructors

o     occupational health and safety as a key consideration in the design of the test.

 

TEST OVERVIEW

·       30 minute on-road test (previously 15-20 minutes).

·       Has two parts:

o     Part 1 - takes 10 minutes and has 7 driving tasks in less challenging driving conditions.  Applicants must pass Part 1 before they are permitted to attempt Part 2.

o     Part 2 - takes 20 minutes and consists of 14 to 21 day-to-day driving tasks in a range of realistic traffic conditions.

o     Applicants must pass both parts of the test to obtain their probationary licence.

 

 

 

 

 

SCORING

·       The outcome of the drive test does not depend on a single test score – it depends on the number of Immediate Termination Errors, Critical Errors and performance on the specific driving tasks.

·       The test scoring involves:

o     Immediate Termination Errors – where the applicant does something to create an unsafe situation.  This results in the applicant immediately failing the drive test and the test being terminated.

o     Critical Errors – where the applicant makes a serious driving error which does not create any immediate danger. Repetition of this behaviour(s) will fail the applicant and terminate the test. 

§         Only 2 critical errors are allowed over the course of the test, if a 3^rd occurs the applicant immediately fails and the test is terminated. 

§         During Part 1 of the test (less challenging driving conditions), only 1 critical error is allowed, if a 2^nd error occurs during this part of the test the applicant immediately fails and the test is terminated.

o     In addition, to the Immediate Termination Errors and Critical Errors, points are also awarded for correctly and safely demonstrating key driving skills when completing specific driving tasks.

 

PASSING THE NEW TEST

·       The practical drive test checks that licence applicants can:

o     Drive safely;

o     Control a vehicle smoothly;

o     Obey the road rules; and

o     Co-operate with other road users.

·       Learners are more likely to pass the practical drive test if they:

o     Have had more than 120 hours of supervised driving experience;

o     Have had supervised driving experience in a broad range of different conditions – such as at night, in wet weather, and on different types of roads; and

o     Can drive safely and legally in different driving situations – such as normal and busy traffic, at intersections and on multilane roads.

 

LOG BOOK CHECKING

·         Log Books will be checked by a VicRoads Licence Testing Officer (LTO) at the start of the drive test appointment before the applicant is taken out in the vehicle.

·         All licence applicants who obtained their learner permit on or after 1 July 2007 and are under 21 at the time they sit for their probationary licence test must present a completed Log Book  i.e. 120 hours (including 10 hours at night).

·         Learners who are aged 21 or older or obtained their permit before 1 July 2007 - do not have to present a Log Book.

·         Log Book entries must be completed in pen.  Blue and black is preferable (as requested in the Log Book), however any pen colour will be accepted if the entry is legible (i.e. the VicRoads LTO can understand the log entry).

 

LOG BOOK SCENARIOS

·       Pass Log Book Check / Pass Drive Test

o     If an applicant meets all the requirements of the Log Book check and passes the Drive Test (and other requirements associated with the appointment), they will be issued with a P1 probationary licence.

·       Pass Log Book Check / Fail Drive Test

o     If an applicant meets all the requirements of the Log Book check and fails the Drive Test, the log book results will be recorded.

o     The applicant is not required to re-present their Log Book, when re-sitting for their Drive Test.

·       Fail Log Book Check

o     If an applicant fails to meet all the requirements of the Log Book check then they are unable to undertake Drive Test.

o     The applicant forfeits their Drive Test appointment, all test fees and must wait at least 6 weeks before they can attempt another test.

o     The applicant must re-present their completed Log Book, when presenting for their next test.

 

Source: VIC ROADS, Driving Instructor Industry Update, 06-2008

If you get your Ps from 1 July 2008, and you are under 21, you will now have an extra probationary licence stage. In other words, it’s an extra P plate.

As part of Victoria’s new graduated licensing system, there will be two probationary licence stages: a one year P1 (red plates) stage, followed by a three year P2 (green plates) stage.

You will need a good driving record to progress from P1 to P2, then to a full licence.
Any licence suspension, or other serious offence, will add six months to the probationary period, plus the period of suspension.

NEW P1 AND P2 PROBATIONARY LICENCES

P1 Licences (Red Plate)

From 1 July 2008, the new P1 licences will be issued and everyone applying for a probationary licence will need to pass a hazard perception test and an on road driving test. (Drivers with a probationary licence issued before 1 July 2008 will be covered by the current system.)

Probationary drivers aged under 21 years, when first licensed, must hold a P1 licence for a minimum of 12 months. During this time all mobile phone use is banned and there is a restriction on towing unless for work or they are under instruction.

Probationary drivers who are aged 21 years or older when first licensed will move directly to a P2 licence.

What’s different about a P1?

P1 requirements include…

Must stay on a P1 licence for at least 12 months
No mobile phone use of any kind.
P1 driver can only carry one passenger aged between 16 and 21.
No towing (unless for work or if under instruction).
Restrictions on driving high powered vehicles
Drink driving offenders may have an alcohol interlock fitted to their vehicle
Any licence suspension, drink driving offence with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) up to 0.05, or drug driving offence will result in an extension of the P1 licence period for six months, plus the period of suspension.
If the P1 licence is suspended, a passenger limit of one will apply for the remainder of the P1 period.
Other existing P provisions will also apply.

What’s different about a P2?

P2 requirements include…

A three year minimum
Restrictions on driving high powered vehicles
Drink driving offenders may have an alcohol interlock fitted to their vehicle.
Any licence suspension will result in an extension of the P2 period by six months, plus the period of suspension.
Other existing P provisions will also apply

(Source: Arrive Alive Mail Out 17 June 2008 and website)

As an owner operator of a driving school it never ceases to amaze me, the amount of intolerance that is shown to learner drivers.
Learner drivers are the safest category of drivers on our roads and are continually harassed and abused by other road users of all age groups.
Patience and courtesy seem to be sadly lacking in our on road community and lets face it WE ALL HAVE BEEN LEARNER DRIVERS

As of the 1 July 2008, the new Practical drive test will be approximately 50 minutes long and will consist off:

1. Confirmation of Identity and Eligibility
2. Learner Log Book checking (where applicable)
3. On Road Drive Test
4. Drivers Licence Assessment Results
5. Drivers Licence Issue

More information will be available closer to the commencement date explains David from Eastern Suburbs Driving School.

 

New key changes facing Learner and Probationary Drivers due with the introduction of the new Graduated Licensing System on 1st of July 2008 have created a rush for driving schools in Melbourne for driving students wanting to get their driver’s licence before the 1st of  July reports David Putney from Eastern Suburbs Driving School.

New Probationary licence criteria creates VIC Roads build up of bookings

As of the 1st of July any person who goes for a driving licence test falls under the new criteria of the Probationary licence which will be covering not a 3 year, but 4 year period. The first 12 months being on a red P plate, the follwing 36 months on a green P plate providing probationary drivers have a clean record over the first 12 months. David reports that as of 4th of April VIC Roads build up of bookings for probationary licence tests at some VIC Roads offices are now at the end of June.