Queensland mum and MP call for urgent change to learner driver ‘tax grab’

A Queensland mother spearheading a petition against an often overlooked fee that only affects drivers on L plates has been backed by a Queensland MP. But the state’s transport minister has accused the MP of “misrepresenting” the learner driver process.

A Queensland MP has hit out at what he says is an unfair price slug on the state’s learner drivers, meanwhile, a mother has garnered 800 signatures for a review.

The concern comes from the rule that says learners must pay for a minimum three-year licence, when many learner drivers only need to spend 12 months on it.

Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett accused Labor of propping up revenue by taking money from students and low-income earners.

But Transport Minister Mark Bailey has hit back, accusing Mr Bennett of failing to do his research on the subject.

Mr Bennett said learner drivers were being robbed of having a choice.

“Learner drivers are currently forced to pay almost $200 for a three-year licence when most are on their Ps in just 12 months,” he said.

“Provisional, probationary, and open licence drivers can all opt to pay between one and five years.

“Why aren’t our learners given the same choice?”

Mr Bennett labelled it a “blatant tax grab”.

“We’re asking the minister to consider a review of the cost and length of validity of the Queensland learner’s licence to make it more affordable,” he said.

Mr Bennett sponsored a petition that received more than 800 signatures. and called for a review of the cost and length of validity of the learner’s licence.

Principal petitioner Carmen McEneany said she started the petition after paying for her son’s learner’s permit.

“I was so shocked that it cost so much money and that I didn’t get any money back for time he won’t use the permit,” she said.

“Clearly, I’m not the only one who was stunned as there’s already been overwhelming support for the petition.

“People are appalled that we have to pay for three years and more than likely only use the licence for 13 months.”

But Mr Bailey said it seemed Mr Bennett needed “to do his homework before blatantly misrepresenting the learner driver process”.

“A new learner licence costs $186 with a validity of three years, which goes directly into the cost of producing the licence, the logbook, maintaining the security of the system and supporting new drivers with the tools they need as they learn,”

“The reality is, the average time for learner drivers to hold a licence is 20 months - not 12 or 13 as Mr Bennett would have you believe.

“If Mr Bennett was serious about reform he would raise his concerns with me directly instead of desperately vying for a headline.”