Learner drivers are feeling the pinch forced to pay for a minimum three-year licence validity.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the State Labor Government is propping up revenue by taking money from students and low-income earners.
“Learner drivers are currently forced to pay almost $200 for a three-year licence when most are on their P’s in just 12-months,” he said. *
“Provisional, probationary, and open licence drivers can all opt to pay between one and five years.
“Why aren’t our learner’s given the same choice?
“This three-year learner licence fee is a blatant tax grab from the State Labor Government.
“We’re asking the minister to consider a review of the cost and length of validity of the Queensland learner’s licence to make it more affordable.”
Mr Bennett tabled a question for the Minister for Transport and Main Roads this morning.
Considering the Queensland learner licence has only a three-year period of validity but costs more than the driver licence for the same period, will the Minister consider a review of the cost and length of validity of the Queensland learner’s licence to make it more affordable for students to attain a Learners permit?
The Member for Burnett sponsored a petition that garnered more than 800 signatures. It asks the House to review the cost and length of validity of the Queensland learner’s licence. *
Principal Petitioner Carmen McEneany said she started the petition after paying for her son’s learner’s permit.
“I was so shocked that it cost so much money and that I didn’t get any money back for time he won’t use the permit,” she said.
“Clearly, I’m not the only one who was stunned as there’s already been overwhelming support for the petition.
“People are appalled that we have to pay for three years and more than likely only use the licence for 13 months!
* Source: https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/driver-licensing/fees#licence
** e-petition: https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Petitions/Petition-Details?id=3802
ENDS.
13/10/2022