P Plate Laws

Posted by: cmayfield91

22nd Feb 2010 01:46pm

As a P2 plate holder I find that the laws put upon young drivers is ridiculous. First the cost of license fees is astronomical as well as insurance. I own a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer - which I paid for myself and have had it for about a year. I have a 3 year no accident or fine report and GIO wanted to charge me $6000. I shopped around to find that NRMA gave it too me for $1500 which is still quite high compared to my dad which only pays $600 for an even more expensive car. Furthermore the RTA has charged me nearly $500 in license fees and tests in the last 3 years which is a joke and also put 4 dermerit points for a 10km/h speeding fine which I see full license drivers breaking the speed limit everyday.
To me everything to do with the P plate laws is a joke and should be stopped.

matticooper

23rd Apr 2011 08:05am

It's an interesting point that the OP makes in terms of licensing and the price of being on the road. Compared to when I got my licence (and then learnt how to drive once I got my 1 year of P Plates!) compared to now, costs have sky-rocketed. I think it was something like $80 for 5 years of licence. Now it seems it's $80 for 1 year.
I wasn't lucky enough to have my own car, despite working as a teenager. I had to beg/borrow/plead with Mum and Dad for their car and luckily, their insurance allowed me to be an additional driver with not much extra cost.
When I did get my own car, I was on a full licence (but still under 25), but with a car older than myself at the time, bomb insurance (3rd party) was all that was needed.
I feel for you and others in your situation. It's no-one's fault that costs have sky-rocketed. It's opportunism at it's finest, trying to get as much money from anyone and everyone (imho).
With regards to your costs for insurance and licensing, I think you are looking at this in the wrong light. While you think "why me", it's because they are factoring in for inexperience on the road. Sure, you've done your 100 or 150 hours log book driving, you've done your tests, but how many of under 25's have done advanced driving, or taken their car to a skid pan to learn about getting out of certain situations. How many? Not many! 3 year no accident report? I'm sure there's some around here who could say 23 years and does it get them cheaper insurance? More than likely not.
Good luck with the remainder of your driving.

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