Young adults keen to get behind the wheel will have to pass a more stringent licensing test, and licensed seniors will need annual medical check-ups under a raft of changes to Queensland’s driver’s licensing system set for introduction by the Newman Government by mid-2014.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the reforms, “focus on ensuring our younger drivers are better prepared and educated, as they are the most at-risk group when it comes to fatalities on our roads.”

Changes to the current Q-SAFE practical driving test - the first since the program’s introduction in 1998 - include “a greater emphasis on high-risk manoeuvres such as turning across on-coming traffic or merging at higher speeds,” said Mr. Emerson.

Plus, young drivers will have to be at least 18 to advance to P2, and at least 20 before they’re eligible for an open license. 

The new safety measures also consider improvements to motorcycle licensing, and the nation’s aging population. From the end of this year, drivers aged 75 years and older will need an “annual tick of approval from their doctor” to stay behind the wheel (see above medical certificate).

Plus, international drivers can have their license revoked if they fail a practical driving test.

The Queensland Driver Licence Reform will be implemented progressively in 2013 and 2014.

The full list of recommendations is available at http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Licensing/Licensing-reform.aspx.