Townsville welcomed a 14 per cent increase of learner drivers in the last financial year

Townsville high school student Keeley Alexander will never forget her 16th birthday and the new-found freedom that came with it.

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Townsville high school student Keeley Alexander will never forget her 16th birthday and the new-found freedom that came with it.

After passing her learner licence examination on September 16 this year, Ms Alexander has been busy clocking up her 100 hours of driving experience.

She said driving was something she had always wanted to learn.

“I enjoy deciding how to get to places. I have driven 60 hours so far including to Cairns, Alligator Creek, Kelso and Crystal Creek,” she said.

Lasharna Oswin, 16, and Keely Alexander, 16, have got their learner's licenses. Picture: Evan Morgan

“I can’t wait to be independent and drive to school and my dancing lessons.”

During the 2019-20 financial year Department of Transport and Main Roads Townsville Customer Service Centres issued 2996 learner licences.

This number was up 14 per cent from 2625 in 2018-19.

Ms Alexander’s mum, Desley Alexander, said she was proud of her teenage daughter.

“It is a little bit nerve-racking at times but she is a very safe and sensible driver,” she said.

“Come next year when she gets her licence, it will make life a lot easier for us.”

Lasharna Oswin also recently passed her learner licence exam in July this year.

The 16-year-old said she had clocked up 80 hours of driving.

“Most of my hours come from driving around for sport and school,” she said.

“I love being able to drive myself places.”

Originally published as Townsville welcomed a 14 per cent increase of learner drivers in the last financial year