Booked.
So, I finally booked in for my licence test today. My aunty came to see Mum, and decided that it was time for Dwain to get his learners permit, and for me to book in for my driving test. Luckily, the earliest appointment is in September, so I have plenty of time to stress, and practice, and then stress some more.
I found some interesting information regarding Victoria’s licensing system today, at the VicRoads website. Traditionally, you can get your learners permit in Victoria when you turn sixteen. While on your ‘L-plates’, you can’ only drive with a fully licensed driver in the car. Pretty simple; all that is staying the same.
When you turn eighteen, you can take a driving test and – if you pass – get a probationary licence. Traditionally, the only restrictions on ‘P-plater’ drivers was that they weren’t allowed to have any alcohol at ALL in their system. With the addition of a two step ‘P-plate’ program, there are now other restrictions.
The first stage is called P1, and will last for one year. During that time, the following restrictions will apply:
- P1 drivers can only carry one 16 – 21 year old passenger;
- P1 drivers are not allowed to use a mobile phone at all; and
- P1 drivers aren’t allowed to tow, unless it’s for work
The second stage is P2, and will last for the standard three years. The traditional restrictions will still apply.
I admit, I wasn’t happy about the Graduated Licensing System when I first heard about it. According to VicRoads, the aim is to reduce road crashes - a large percentage of which apparently involve probationary licence holders – and they believe driving late at night, or with multiple passengers, are high-risk situations.
I could go on forever about my opinion on this, but I’m going to keep it short. Eighteen year olds like to party. When they get their probationary licence, they like to drive places, to party. And guess what? Often, they carpool. They designate a driver, and everyone goes together. VicRoads says that’s unsafe.
According to them, having more inexperienced drivers, more cars on the road and more temptation to drive drunk – since there won’t be designated drivers – is safer than a P-plater driving with other people in the car. In my opinion, that is completely ridiculous; carpooling is necessary for young drivers.
Thankfully, I don’t have to worry about it; I’m over 21, and go straight to P2.
June 26th, 2008 at 6:21 am
ooh good luck sweetie!! September! You’ve got ages to stress & practice! lol.
It’s not hard to pass, just think of all those crazy drivers out there, how the hell did they pass?!
I remember I didn’t stop at a ’stop’ sign. I flashed the instructor a big smile and said “oops, I should have stopped”, and he still passed me!! HA! Just take your gorgeous smile along with you ;)
June 29th, 2008 at 1:32 am
Good luck
Oh and Bronnie, lucky you with that examiner, i failed me first driving test becouse i was “to close to a wall” the wall in question being a metal gate just under a metter away.
June 29th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
@Bronnie - And he still passed you? Insane.. I’m going to remember that though, ha. I know I shouldn’t be stressing over it, but I am anyway. Thank god I have until September! Thanks for the luck. =D
@Worlock - Thank you! Too close to the wall? Yikes. Let’s hope I have a testing person like Bronnie’s, and not like yours. I don’t think a smile would’ve helped you out there, hehe.