New QLD learner tests

[AWD Chaser]

Finally a bit of common sense:

From news.com.au

LEARNER drivers in Queensland will undergo tougher licence tests that will examine their ability to do high-risk manoeuvres.

There will be less emphasis on reverse parking and more placed on risky manoeuvres, such as merging at high speeds and turning across oncoming traffic.

The pilot for the new tests will be introduced mid-2014 and are part of the Queensland government's reform package targeting young and older drivers.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson says younger drivers are over represented in crashes.

"When younger drivers go onto our roads we want to make sure they are more competent at doing those more risker manoeuvres such as going around roundabouts, merging lanes and turning right across traffic," Mr Emerson told reporters.

He said 84 young drivers, aged 16 to 24, were involved in fatal crashes last year, five more than the previous year.


There will also be changes for older drivers.

Drivers aged 75 and over will have to undergo medical examinations every 12 months instead of every five years.

More competence testing for motorcyclists will also be introduced.

Indooroopilly Driving School teacher Greg Urbahn told reporters he agreed with the reforms.

He said many young drivers don't know how to merge safely at high speeds.

"Reverse parking is a key part of the test (at the moment) but no one can get maimed or killed by that action," Mr Urbahn said.