‘Reduce household budget stress’: State govt introduce new discount for drivers amid soaring costs

The state government has announced a suite of changes that could see drivers save money on their next licence. Find out if you’re eligible >>

Tasmanian drivers could save almost $60 in licence renewal fees as the state government introduces new concessions in a bid to address cost of living pressures.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said on Saturday motorists should check their eligibility for various discount rates before they go to renew their driver’s licence.

Drivers entitled to the concessions include Services Australia or pensioner concession card holders, members of the Transport Access Scheme and asylum seekers.

The full criteria for eligibility can be viewed on the Tasmanian government discounts and concessions website.

Discounts would be applied “in line with the length of the renewal”, with eligible drivers saving $11.90 on a one-year extension and $23.80 on a two-year extension while the highest possible saving was $57.80 on a five-year renewal.

Davey Street, Hobart. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Licence renewals would be free once a driver reaches 65 years old, aside from the $11 card production fee, Mr Ferguson said.

“These benefits are in addition to the Safer Driver Reward which is provided automatically to learner drivers and riders who progress through their Ps stage without committing an offence,” he said.

“The reward is a full licence for the next three years, worth $75.”

Mr Ferguson said the initiative was brought in to “help reduce household budget stress for Tasmanians”.

The government said almost 150,000 people were currently “saving money” on their driver’s licences in Tasmania, including 95,000 people aged over 65.