Just over 16 years ago, on July 1, 2008, the Brumby Government changed Victoria’s probationary licensing system forever.
All throughout Victoria, standard red P-plates were replaced by new green plates. The new four-year, two-stage system replaced the previous three-year system.
This new model meant that providing young drivers passed their driving test, they were able to move from their learner permit to one year of a P1 license (red Ps). This was followed by three years of a P2 license (green Ps).
All drivers already on a probationary license automatically became P2 license holders on July 1 that year and were able to pick up new green P-plates from VicRoads.
The primary reason for this initiative was to protect young drivers.
“Research shows that the first 12 months of driving is the most dangerous for young people and these new measures will help protect them on our roads,” former Member for Seymour Ben Hardman said at the time.
“Young drivers account for over a quarter of all driver fatalities in Victoria, but they only represent 13 per cent of all licensed drivers.”
To lower the toll, this new initiative was implemented as part of the Brumby Government's ‘Arrive Alive’ road safety strategy, which aimed to lower deaths and serious injuries caused by accidents and was expected to save up to 12 lives per year and prevent 800 accident-caused injuries.
The 2008 initiative promised to drive down deaths and road injuries by 30 per cent by 2017.
— Evelyn Krammer
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