27/2/08
Western Australia continues to lead the way towards standardising driver and vehicle licensing across the country.
Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure Ljiljanna Ravlich said a recent submission to the Council for the Australian Federation (CAF) highlighted the proactive role WA was taking towards the standardisation of licensing across Australia.
“WA is a key destination for internal migration, with people from the Eastern States heading west to access the opportunities provided by our V8 economy and we have been ahead of the curve in pushing for the standardisation of driver and vehicle licensing across the country,” Ms Ravlich said.
“A submission by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure formed the backbone of the recommendations recently put forward by the CAF.”
The CAF approved initiatives include the recognition of the validity of a driver’s licence and vehicle registration until expiry and the seamless transfer of information to allow for the renewal to take effect in the new jurisdiction without the need to complete a driver’s licence application.
The Minister said the Carpenter Government would continue to push for the introduction of these reforms nationally.
“There are good practical reasons to move towards a standardised licence structure across Australia and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure is continuing to work with all Australian States and Territories to develop a more uniformed approach to driver and vehicle licensing,” she said.
“The ultimate objective is the development of a simple, singular system whereby any Australian registration or licence is acceptable in all States and Territories.”
Ms Ravlich said the Carpenter Government supported an extension of the period during which interstate drivers could drive in WA on an interstate driver’s licence and would continue to take the lead on the issue.
“WA already provides, at no cost, a WA licence to interstate licence holders until such time as their interstate licence expires,” she said.
“However, applications for a WA driver’s licence with an expired Australian driver’s licence will incur a $36.20 transfer fee.”
The cost of a WA driver’s licence remains the lowest in the country.
Minister's office - 9213 6800
