Major improvements to the Graduated Licensing Scheme would improve safety of young drivers on our roads, according to the NSW Government.

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey announced further improvements to the NSW licensing system which will help young and novice drivers to be safe on the road.

The Graduated Licensing Scheme was first introduced on 1 July 2000, and it takes drivers from their learner licence to full licence with restrictions and conditions that are designed to ensure they understand risks and are safer on the roads.

Since its introduction, there has been a 50 per cent reduction in the number of young drivers killed on NSW roads.

Amended Graduated Licensing Scheme will require learner drivers to complete the Hazard Perception Test before they can take the driving test, while P1 drivers will no longer be required to complete the test to get their P2 licence.

Also, P2 drivers will no longer be required to take the Driver Qualification Test. However, P2 drivers will have to stay on their licence for an extra 6 months if they receive a suspension for unsafe driving behaviour.

“We know that the first six months of driving solo is the highest risk period for novice drivers so it’s important we continue to look at ways to improve licensing of young drivers to ensure they get the training and experience they need to be safe on our roads,” Mrs Pavey said.

“Young drivers continue to be over-represented in road crashes. P-platers make up 8 per cent of all driver licence holders, yet their crashes account for 15 per cent of all fatalities on NSW roads.”

Above amendments will come into effect from 20 November 2017.