Queensland Learner Drivers: Forget Parking Skills, Just Don’t Speed

Queensland’s new Labor Government has continued to target the state’s motorists in its first months in office, with learner drivers now in the government’s crosshairs.

The government promised a ‘get tough’ approach to driving after eight deaths on Queensland roads over the Easter long weekend, which is partly responsible for a road toll currently 13 fatalities higher than at the same time last year (for a total of 111).

A new system for learners will place more emphasis on speed - in more ways than one - and less on the skills once deemed essential for leaners to progress to a provisional licence. 

Learners have been told that three-point turns, hill starts and reverse parking skills are now less important than they once were, however drivers exceeding the speed limit by just 1km/h at any stage during the assessment process will be instantly failed.

Learners will also now be tested in ‘high speed’ highway situations. The new approach is to determine the learner-driver's ability to safely travel at highway speeds without exceeding the limit, and to also maintain a safe following distance from traffic in front.

Road Safety