GLS open for discussion

Victoria's statutory road authority, VicRoads, has released a discussion paper about ways of improving the state's licencing system for motorcyclists, with the centrepiece focussing on the introduction of a graduated licencing system (GLS) for novice riders.

Currently, at 18 years of age, novice riders are eligible to apply for a learner permit, and after three months they may apply for a motorcycle licence. Certain conditions apply in the learner and initial licence phase before riders progress to a full motorcycle licence.

On the other hand, the introduction of a GLS would allow novice riders to move through a number of pre-determined stages, with restrictions progressively lifted until riders are granted full licences.

The rationale underpinning the system is that novice riders will gain more experience and skills during the various phases, developing competency within the context of road-based skills -- replacing the current system which concentrates on basic skills only.

The 68-page discussion paper, prepared to encourage comment from motorcyclists and the wider community, has framed a number of questions across four broad categories of motorcycle safety:

We won't go into all the questions in this news story (it's quite an exhaustive list), but the Bikesales Network encourages you to download the discussion paper and tell VicRoads what you think.

Answers and comments can be provided in the 'Consultation Response Form' found at appendix 1 in the discussion paper. Alternatively, click on the following link to provide answers and comments on-line.

VicRoads has also organised evening information forums for the public, the first of which will be held in Traralgon tomorrow night (September 20). The otehr sessions are as follows:

Click on the following link if you want to register for one of the sessions.

Updates will be published regularly on the arrive alive website during the public consultation phase before VicRoads prepares a formal report for the state government.

A GLS for car drivers was first introduced in 2007, establishing a number of new rules including a learner log book, which requires a minimum of 120 hours of supervised driving before they can apply for a probationary licence.