Permanent residents who drive on foreign licences from select countries will soon be joining the queue of learner drivers needing to pass a test to legally drive in Australia.
Next week, Western Australia will be the latest state to stop the Experienced Driver Recognition (EDR) Scheme, which had allowed international motorists living in Australia permanently to convert their overseas licence to one issued by an Aussie state or territory, without any testing requirements.
The program will cease on October 31 in Western Australia after several other states scrapped the scheme mid-year. It means drivers from 16 nominated countries or jurisdictions who live in the state and want to convert their overseas licence to a WA licence will now have to pass a theory test and practical driving assessment.
Pressure on an ‘already strained learner driving system’
However, there are concerns the change will put added pressure on an already strained learner driving system as it will increase demand for tests and draw out wait times.
“In states where the EDR Scheme transition has concluded, such as New South Wales, there has been an increase in demand for driving tests,” Ross Rivalland from EzLicence told Yahoo News. “Consequently, some learners have experienced longer wait times and challenges in securing test appointments.
“With Western Australia set to end the EDR Scheme, it’s anticipated that the state may experience a similar uptick in demand for driving tests.”
It is unclear exactly how wait times will be impacted, but Rivalland said it’s “prudent” to anticipate scheduling challenges, especially in high-demand areas like major cities where populations increase.
The changes will not apply to visitors, who will continue to be permitted to drive on Australian roads if they hold a valid overseas licence and comply with conditions.
The Recognised Country status, which includes most Western countries, such as the UK, France, the US, Canada and Italy, will still allow motorists from those countries to simply fill out paperwork and swap to an Australian state or territory licence.
Has your driver’s licence been impacted by the phasing out of the EDR scheme? Contact sophie.coghill@yahooinc.com
NSW has already experienced longer wait times for driving tests after the EDR Scheme ended mid-year. Source: Getty & NSW government
EDR scrapped to ‘enhance road safety’ as death toll skyrockets
The move comes months after transport association Austroads announced it would be updating its process in a bid to “streamline conversions”. Rivalland told Yahoo that authorities want to ensure all frequent drivers have shared knowledge and understanding before hitting Australian roads.
“The overarching goal of these changes is to enhance road safety by ensuring all drivers, regardless of their origin, have a comprehensive understanding of Australian road rules and safe driving practices,” he said.
A recent road safety report by the Australian Automobile Association found that cars are the country’s deadliest weapon, killing more Australians than guns and knives combined. In the last year, road deaths in Australia have increased by 6.8 per cent, which equates to five people a day losing their lives on the road.
Full list of countries and jurisdictions listed on the EDR scheme:
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