Cars & Transportation

L -plate drivers

Cars & Transportation

Posted by: peppi6

26th Oct 2010 12:17am

What do you think? Should the speed limit for L drivers be limited to 80 km???
In my opinion I say yes for normal metro traffic. However when. Learners get onto the m5, m4 etc. speed limit of 80 km still applies for L drivers In my opinion this firstly does not let the learner gain experience of driving at a greater speed of perhaps 90 - 100km / hr. under supervision 2ndly - speed limit on the freeway is 110 km. Learners are only allowed to do 80 km. To many full licenced drivers this is annowying to have to be stuck behind a learner driver doing only 80km in a 110 km zone. In my view Learners should be permitted to travel at a higher speed on the expressway A; for experience; B: to avoid a probable collision with cars who are doing normal speed and then bang here is a slow one at 80km; c) learners need to go with the flow of the traffic and to keep the traffic flowing and not to slow it down , causing possible collisions and traffic jams. It is also very annoyinng for the learners when they are be beeeeeeeped for just doing the right thing keeping to the speed limit. In my opinion as a learner the speed limits on the highways for learner drivers should really be addressed.......


any comment appreciated....

Comments 99

SashaAbramzon
  • 15th Jul 2014 10:16pm

learners should drive at posted speed limits - they need to learn to drive properly while there is someone by their side to guide them

roks
  • 8th Jul 2014 09:55pm

yes i think it should be doing normal speed as to flow with traffic but with great care

tytenkev
  • 1st Jul 2014 06:40pm

Lplate 50kms plate 65km all others 80km and engines MADE that way it a no brainer

Anonymous
  • 6th May 2014 08:13pm

i think a learner should experience all speeds so when they go for their p plates they have the experience needed

Sil sil
  • 29th Apr 2014 04:03pm

I agree, considering most streets in sydney are 50km/h zones, i dont see the reason for L plate drivers to go more than 80km/s. I understand when on a freeway perhaps they need to go a bit faster, but if they stay in the left lane & do 8- its fine.

jarrrod
  • 28th Apr 2014 07:45pm

I agree with you but I dint even know that there was a speed limit on the highway. I think that the hours in the log book should be raised to 150hours and you should also be able to go for your Ps as soon as you have done those hours. Not have to wait till your 17.

Anonymous
  • 16th Apr 2014 08:35am

All areas should be restricted speed time in car size of car friends in car curfew times and mandatory defensive driving course and also understanding from licensed drivers we all were learners once

wildlife
  • 10th Apr 2014 04:46pm

90kph is definitely fast enough for any learner driver under control of the Licensed driver.
Today, learner drivers are only taught "How" to get a license" not "How to drive" and control a motor vehicle because the vehicles today are automatic, have cruise control, also every other helpful control available, ABS, Anti Skid control, power steering, disk brakes, etc, push button every thing in the cabin, indicators, etc .
Those who learned to drive before all this technology came in, learned "How to drive and control" a motor vehicle.
It is very noticeable today, with traffic lights, round a bouts, pedestrian crossings, school crossings, boom gates, flashing lights at railway crossings, etc, etc, drivers are not able to cope and think for themselves when they do not have knowledge or ability to cope on the roads.
No one should be able to pass a license test using an automatic vehicle.
Driving a manual vehicle teaches better car control with the use of gears and style of driving because the driver is driving the vehicle and has to pay attention, not sit there accelerating and baking.
If the issue is lowering the road tole, teaching how to "drive and control a vehicle" would be the better way.
In Europe, one pays to "Learn how to drive a car" which includes "vehicle handling".

Anonymous
  • 21st Feb 2014 04:27pm

i think it would be weird for someone to get their licence without having done the proper speed limit before, because the first time they try it, then theyre going to be trying it all on their own, which means they havent really 'learnt' how to drive properly as a 'learner,' the whole point of being a learner is the learn how to drive properly, so they may aswell drive the same as everyone else on the road, so that when they get their licence they are perfectly prepared for the road.

karan
  • 12th Feb 2014 03:46pm

learners should avoid driving on freeways

karan
  • 12th Feb 2014 03:46pm

learners should avoid driving on freeways

Poohbear
  • 27th Feb 2014 09:24pm
learners should avoid driving on freeways

Hi Karen, I don't think that would be very wise as what is the point of being a learner if you are not learning to drive correctly and safely. So saying that a learner should not be aloud to drive on the freeway is crazy, this means that when they get their P Plates they will have absolutely no experience at how to merge correctly or travel at a faster speed. I think that like Victoria Learners should be able to do the speed limit like everyone else while be supervised (that's the point of learning). Would you put a child in the pool with no supervision on learning how to swim, NO that's why we teach them how to swim first (Called learning).

DeviLilith
  • 9th Feb 2014 05:55pm

i think that L - plate drivers shouldn't have restricted speed limits. In my opinion it is dangerous merging onto the highway at 80km/h when everyone else is doing 100-110km/s and also L - plates are learning how to drive properly and learning the dangers of the road so i dont understand why the speed limit is restricted and then when they go for their P-plates the speed limit restriction goes up and they are now driving by themselves and have not had experience driving at that speed.

Hol94
  • 30th Jan 2014 11:08pm

i think learner drivers should be able to do the normal speed limit everyone else does. i think its important for them to learn to drive at high speeds comfortably with a supervisor with them, rather than do it alone as soon as they get their p's.
and they'd obviously practice driving at low speeds first before going out onto the highway. driving as 80 can be frustrating to other drivers and scary for the learner driver when other drivers unnecessarily overtake them and beep at them for doing the right thing.

Anonymous
  • 30th Jan 2014 05:52pm

I agree as they r learners

Anonymous
  • 30th Jan 2014 01:04pm

In Most Places 80 is good but it gets irritating on a motorway when you get stuck behind l platers doing 80,in a way it could be dangerous

Chantelliebum
  • 30th Jan 2014 12:04pm

No, learner drivers should not have to drive slower because once they get their p's or open license, they will be too scared to go 100km/hr and we will be the ones stuck behind them. I agree, learners need to go with the flow of the rest of us because they will learn quicker.

Anonymous
  • 2nd Sep 2013 05:07pm

Yes i believe that L-Plate drivers should not go any faster than 80

oscarc
  • 27th Aug 2013 01:01pm

actually its the L drivers should only go to 100 km. on expressway and old people
in which just retiard at 65 and 70 years of age and buy a new car in which is not used to drive a new car in which automatic and never drove before or a women
in which her husband died and go and get a new car and do not know to drive a fast car cars today are not as when they use to drive

Eternus
  • 31st Jul 2013 05:15pm

As an L-Plater myself I feel that regardless of what limit/restriction/law you set onto a learner or provisional driver, some will choose to break them, the rules that are set are all set up to not only protect us for sure, but all the training and hours and years spent in 'learning' how to drive, its just another money making scheme on the Governments part. So yes speed zones should be adjusted to the required speed of that set area for Learners and Provisional.

Horatio47
  • 28th Jul 2013 12:21pm

I disagree. They are not experienced enough to handle the car in an emergency situation at more than 80km/h. Understand that! But, I would prefer them to keep to the outside lane and not block normal traffic. How about a max limit for all "P" drivers in the Urban areas of 60km/h? End of story!

Anonymous
  • 21st Jun 2013 12:16pm

Learners are certainly exactly that ..... Learners
they lack ability/skills to get out of a situation and need to build skills over time however I agree on the M1 freeways the speed should be equal to the rest if its 110 thats what it should be.I work on roads and freeway lanes are wider than highway and standard lanes so its easier to drive .The risk with a learner at 70 or 80 as I have come across is if they are going that slow under limit they should be off the freeway if the parent believes they are ready they should enter the freeway in quiter times of the day and practice multilane changes etc to get confidence. a slow car can cause a 5 car pile up I have witnessed this first hand and it puts a great burden on the learner .
People also show irritation to slow drivers regardless of l plates and this is more pressure on new drivers.By all means if they can drive at 90 or 100 do so in slow lane but no slower otherwise they are not ready . with having a license comes much responsibility ,I have 2 daughters and taught them both and their visit to the m1 first time was nervous but I managed to get them to do it enough at night to build their confidence .I agree the limits need to be upgraded

YSporsche
  • 18th Jun 2013 07:31pm

Of course not, just say you were to start driving and you were in a 100 zone going 80 because that's the limit, and there were cars beeping the horns behind you and people swearing, it would make you feel nervous and you could do something stupid like panic and maybe end up having an acciedent.

techz
  • 15th Oct 2012 12:29pm

Dam straight it should 80km it be crazy to allow them any more than that . Yes i understand that they at some point need use a high way or motor way this is where the catch 22 comes in . Experience is a major factor allowing them to use the motor way they will gain this experience we all need to take care with them just remember we were Learners too

techz
  • 15th Oct 2012 12:28pm

Dam straight it should 80km it be crazy to allow them any more than that . Yes i understand that they at some point need use a high way or motor way this is where the catch 22 comes in . Experience is a major factor allowing them to use the motor way they will gain this experience we all need to take care with them just remember we were Learners too

Anonymous
  • 12th Oct 2012 01:41pm

L platers should definately be only required to travel at 80km/h as i have 2 sons who are learners and they need to be able to control the car and concentrate on what other road users are doing at the same time and most young drivers these days are to busy with the music in their car, if there is a freeway or motorway then usually these are multi laned and the other road users have the opportunity to over take them.

jayjay1989
  • 10th Oct 2012 10:07pm

Learner drivers should have the right to drive at the full speed limit. Restricting such drivers to 80km/h can be dangerous due to restricting trafic flow. also allowing learners to drive at any speed limit is best to be learnt while under supervision on a instructing drive. But this right should be determined but the instructing driver weather it is safe to do so as new drivers.

Gerry1945
  • 6th Oct 2012 10:13am

Higher speeds should not be allowed until at leas 50 to 100 hours of driving experience is attained.

m3x5
  • 5th Oct 2012 08:11pm

What a load of crap they need to "learn" to drive at all road speeds.
So they drive around at 80 for 12 months get there P's and that suddenly makes them capable of driving at 100.

Anonymous
  • 21st Sep 2012 04:37pm

it is true, i agree with you totally.

Anonymous
  • 13th Sep 2012 06:40pm

Your idea is of good nature and intent but unfortunately I must say it is also flawed.
You forget that this would yet create an even bigger problem with traffic flow and conjunction having learner drivers driving at slower speeds.
If this problem were to be solved it would have to result in national speed limits being changed.
E.g. 60km/h in metro down to 40km/h.
100km/h on highway or freeway down to 80km/h

P.S Bare in mind that these are just examples.

Anonymous
  • 9th Sep 2012 09:25pm

How are learners meant to learn about road rules and be able to cope driving by themselves once they are on their provisionals if they are not allowed to go 110km/h?
It is more dangerous with a car going slower in a 110 zone then an L plater going 110k's.

CAT17
  • 2nd Sep 2012 09:26pm

Do you think there is any scheme, law or teaching that is going to prevent young people, learners. P platers or even fully licenced drivers from speeding or doing unsafe things whilst behind the wheel of a car. For some unknown reason the whole sense of these young people seems to leave them when they enter the car. The Police are at their wits end in trying to get people, young or old, to drive safely. The families of these young men face terrible heart ache when their sons die in car accidents that are usually caused ny themselves.

Maybe getting a driver's licence could be linked to the pass results of the High School Certificente. Teaching children to drive at an early age with them having to pass the exam with written and practical tests might give them a good understanding of the road rules. I also think mabe having to witness the results of a fatal accident could have some impact. I taught my two daughters to drive by emphasising defenive driving. They both passed their tests first time and are today very good drivers. Safety on the roads for us all.

Anonymous
  • 2nd Sep 2012 04:41pm

mostly those days guys mostly that have their L's they are a show off when they are driving, most of them dont even have someone with them and that is not fair, i had someone with me at all times, i reckon the police should deal with it, because i always see accident and they are not doing anything bout it

Baby_gurl2012
  • 20th Aug 2012 09:02pm

I think it should be 80km because they are still getting used to the car and the roads, it may be annoying for us but if we dont have patience with our learner drivers we will have more crazydrivers on the roads which means more accidents, so in my opinion i think that its a great speed limit for learners

Anonymous
  • 19th Aug 2012 01:14pm

i dont believe the speed is the key, coming from a country back ground we where given more practice and more time to learn. i feel we need more training and more school approved programs to help students and communities. bring it into a community base program, where long term drivers and professional drivers are putting something back into there community. after all is said and done, my question is do we all follow the road rules.

Anonymous
  • 19th Aug 2012 12:37pm

I totally agree that they should be restricted to 80km until they gained enough experience

Anonymous
  • 19th Aug 2012 09:48am

I personally dont think its the speed limit that is the problem.. but more the time of day in which learner drivers are driving at... If leaner drivers can be made to avoid early morning and late evening rushes (going to work and going home time week days ) and (going away on weekends and coming home.. early morning quick get away and late get home/to destination ) ..

Gordo
  • 9th Aug 2012 01:14pm

I passed my (full) licence on my16th birthday, in New Zealand. The only requirement was to have an "L" in the cars rear window for a year. No restrictions beyond that. Anyone who thinks that placing artificial speed restrictions on 'P' platers for their road safety really needs a reality check. That's creating mobile speed humps for all traffic. Wakey wakey Morons! Improve driver training. Don't impose speed restrictions on 'P' platers that make driving even more hazardous...

tamarillo
  • 30th Jul 2012 02:31am

They should not be allow to travel on raods where the speed limits exceeds 80Km, in some countries Learners are not allowed to drive on the Autobahns or on roads wher there skill level is not good enough. The sameshoudl happen here in Australia as well.

matticooper
  • 30th May 2012 09:08pm

Learner drivers should be limited to 80km/h at all times. After all, they are learning. If you think of a car in the worst way - it is a weapon. It can kill. Not only the occupants of the car, but those that could be struck by an out of control car.

As for driving on the freeway, it should be suggested to parents that Learner drivers are not to travel on the freeway in congested conditions. Surely that's just common sense (which seems to be disappearing these days).

tony
  • 30th May 2012 12:06pm

yes they should be limited and an experience driver must be with the L driver when he/she goes out at night.Speed limit oso a good point

spabath
  • 6th May 2012 04:56pm

There is so much emphasis on speed at the moment and not enough on attentive driving. L plate drivers are eventually let loose on the roads so should be able to drive at the correct speed limits. Training should focus on using rearvision and side mirrors to establish what other drivers are doing. Basic driving skills should be accomplished before attempting to struggle in traffic. I believe we should all sign up for defensive driving lessons every so many years to test our driving skills

kel
  • 18th Oct 2011 10:59am

In my opinion L plate drivers should have an 80Km/h speed limit on all public roads exempting highways.
too many times have i seen drivers whoosh past an L plater at 110km/h, anything going compared to the rest of the traffic is dangerous, especially on busy highways like the pacific highway.
in a perfect world a highway would be safest if every vehicle was travelling at the same speed, i think we would all agree there. If L plate drivers were able to go the speed limit if they felt confident enough to, i would see the road being a lot safer for everybody.
besides highways are easy to drive to and thats why they are fast, L plates would have no trouble at that limit and it is no more demanding than driving through a city or on a country road.
I was always taught to drive 5km/h faster than the traffic so no problems can come at you from behind. a car going 80km/h compared to a car overtaking at 110km/h, thats 30 km/h difference and a lot can go wrong if the road has a fair amount of traffic

2shap
  • 24th Sep 2011 07:29pm

There should not be any maximum limit for L plate drivers under supervision. How is anyone supposed to learn how to control a car at high speeds without doing it first under supervision. I am an L plate driver and have driven under supervision on many freeways. Firstly there is no way without learning with an experienced driver that I would be comfortable travelling at high speeds. Secondly there is road law (I would know, I did the test) that says you cannot travel lower than 20km below the speed limit as you impede traffic and can cause accidents. I think this rule is almost hypocritical and is a bad idea.

Jojo
  • 23rd Sep 2011 11:47am

I ride a motorbike and Im still a learner - in NZ a learner motorcyclist is only allowed to go 70kms an hour in 100km zone - its bloody scary when most people dont realise this fact... so they ride up your arse!!
I wish I was allowed to go 100kms an hour as I really hate holding up cars, people get impatient and tailgate you...
I did keep up with traffic once and the cop who wrote my ticket doesnt agree we should keep traffic flowing
Guess its time to get my restricted then - and SORRY if I have annoyed anyone by holding ya up (I just cannot afford the fines or loss of licence if i keep getting caught :))

Sambi2
  • 23rd Sep 2011 04:55am

I always felt that sticking a learner driver out onto a highway and then limiting the speed to well below the legal limit was just asking for trouble.
Its frustrating for others who may not be able to pass and this results in stress to the learner and dangerous maneuvers of the drivers who want to get past.
As a motorbike learner in NZD I cannot go over 70km and cars make it too dangerous to go on the highway. Multiple times I have been pushed onto the side of the road as other drivers pass in dangerous ways.

Jojo
  • 23rd Sep 2011 11:50am
I always felt that sticking a learner driver out onto a highway and then limiting the speed to well below the legal limit was just asking for trouble.
Its frustrating for others who may not be...

I hear ya, I have to ride over the Harbour bridge daily to get to work - its rare to get up to 70kms due to traffic but when you do there is usually some prick riding too close behind ya. I too have been run to the side of the road by someone trying to get around me in 100km area! Its scary and dangerous!

Anonymous
  • 21st Sep 2011 09:03am

When I had my Ls in the 90s our speed limit was restricted to 80, on the highways you still get old people doing 80 in the right hand lane which is more annoying than an 'L' plater who would be following the road rules

Anonymous
  • 12th Apr 2011 10:19pm

learners need to gain experience on the freeway, what good is learning when you have some vital elements taken away

Nadya
  • 8th Apr 2011 08:12am

I think L drivers must stick to the driving limit of 80 km even on freeways. They need to get an experience of driving first...it has nothing to do with SPEED...

Redskin253
  • 18th Feb 2011 03:27am

In the ACT all drivers L's or P's must do the posted speed , as most zones are 80kms in the ACT if they did less it would be dangerous for other drivers who would come upon them too quickly and have nowhere to go . I find this situation on the M5 when travelling to Sydney often and shake my head.

Cool
  • 3rd Feb 2011 02:43pm

Speed is not a Killer... I would be Dead many times over if it was... I think L drivers might be better equipped for driving if they started with a couple of weeks on a Scooter before being allowed to drive a car. They should then be introduced to driving in a small lower powered Compact car (800-1400 cc)for the first stage of their license, they should only be allowed to drive with a competent driver on their L plate. They should also have a safe area to try the limits of their vehicle. Learners need to learn how to handle traffic at all speeds and even an 800 can reach 110km/h . New learners need to learn courtesy and their limitation...

safari
  • 2nd Feb 2011 06:14am

Yes I do think a speed limit ,up to , 80 km for L plate drivers would be the way to go .Conditions must apply .The un experience of these learner drivers does vary from person to person with the confordance of some being greator than others.The graduated licence should be altered to cater for such learner drivers to advance to next level sooner ,for more driver aware person.and the other not so confidend learner ,stay with the L plate . I say NO to any L plate driver on any motor way,m5,m4 etc . Its just too dangerous for other road users. Let them become more confordent in a not to road crazy situation. When they graduated to the next level ,then i say yes to a greater speed levels to keep in flow with the other road users on those m5s etc

zertzz
  • 13th Jan 2011 02:40pm

L platers should be allowed to drive at the speed of the traffic particularly on expressways etc. As a parent of 2 teenage boys (one who learned to drive on a property at 13) I am beginning to come around to the view that perhaps we should drop the learning age, so that when the hormones really kick in, driving a car is not such a big deal.

Anonymous
  • 27th Dec 2010 01:29am

i think that it should stay at 60km/h

Anonymous
  • 18th Dec 2010 01:30pm

I think not only speed should be controled but also the size of the motor, why only should motor bike riders be restricted as to the size of the bike, it would not hurt the car drivers be resticted as well. the laws just in are not clear enought . I have spoken to a police officer and even they say its not clear enought its as clears as the Murray River (murkey)

deece
  • 18th Dec 2010 08:36am

i agree in most cases but in regional vic the roads are not the best and the kids just fly down them anyway i belive that for the first 6 months of their l's keep it at 80 no matter where they are but once they have done over half of their hours then they can drive at the 100km on hte highways and get rid of the computer testing how many poeple hit the windscreen when they want to brake

framer
  • 17th Dec 2010 05:16pm

yes they should be on 80 km on open road. But not slower in the city

bj
  • 15th Dec 2010 07:37am

I think that for first 6month after getting a licence, speed should be 70k. Drivers need that alone feeling to be better able to cope. Friends in car push drivers to be more erratic as well. In saying that older slow drivers are a real menace..

Anonymous
  • 2nd Dec 2010 03:40pm

I am a L plater at the moment and it is down right scary going to the freeway with trucks flying passed and cars too. I definetly think they should increase the driving sped on major freeways and motorways.

Pepper
  • 27th Nov 2010 06:03am

We were once learners. The experience of crawling before walking helps to balance future stance. and ascertains quick and positive awareness. Thus, what is good for the goose is truly good for the gander. Let us not overlook the fact that haste makes waste and concentrate on the motto that Practice makes Perfect..Accidents and misfits are inevitable....but why welcome them near. Give the Learners a fair go. Let us give them the "Thumbs Up!!"

bj
  • 25th Nov 2010 02:05pm

Yes, learner an p platers should be 80k, but the older folks should be pushed to reach that speed too, as slow drivers cause many frustrated drivers behind.

Mazzs1
  • 24th Nov 2010 11:41pm

Learner drivers should be able to travel at the maximum PROVIDING they are capable of handling it, which puts the onus on their teacher is. They do need to be able to handle all situations, and I think advanced driver ed should be part of 1st year on P plates. Maybe a couple of hrs every month, to learn how to handle cars on an oil spill, control skids & slides etc.

Anonymous
  • 23rd Nov 2010 07:14pm

We live in Queensland and the Learner Driver's are expected to follow the same rules, and speed restrictions, as all other road user's. My almost 17 year old daughter has all but finished her 12months of learning to drive, is driving a larger vehicle and is doing very well. We do travel on roads outside of Brisbane in a more rural area where the speed limit is regularly 90-100kph and she adjusts accordingly, always aware of what the limit is. If the learner driver is not taught how to control their vehicle in all conditions then how are they any better prepared for 'real driving' when the time comes to send them out on their own. I say 'One Road' One Rule'.

Anonymous
  • 23rd Nov 2010 05:47pm

I agree with most of what you are saying.I travel on the freeway between Newcastle and Gosford very frequently.I think the L plate drivers on there are a danger to themselves and to others.They should be taught to drive to the speed limits a.s.a.p.otherwise how are they ever going to learn.What I also have noticed is the dilly dallying when going up and down hills e.g. freemans waterhole.It makes me wonder who their instructors are.If parents are going to teach their L platers to drive I wish they had to go and be tested for their suitability to do so.I think 90 on freeways is far better than 80.I wish they would not break at every corner.It is very common.

maclyn
  • 18th Nov 2010 05:57pm

Definitely not! As they are learning the most important message to get across is to drive at the speed that you are comfortable with (within the law)and to the conditions of the road. If they are driving at 20km less than the speed limit on the open road, especially in rural areas where there are no multi laned roads they cause traffic congestion and therefore frustration to other motorists which can result in accidents. Perhaps a quiet area to practise with little traffic until skills and confidence is built up a little before they hit the open road.

gorena
  • 17th Nov 2010 05:42pm

Why confuse the Drivers, Wallapers Politicians, etc. No we live in a free country where even a black man can drive a vehicle. The rules of the road should apply to everyone the same, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Lissa
  • 17th Nov 2010 04:30pm

I do a lot of driving - country, city, highway - and it's not the L platers who need controlling, it's the P platers. The L platers have an instructor with them controlling and advising.

The P platers, on the other hand, seem think they're invincible - speeding and performing dangerous and un-necessary manouevers often without indicating and at speed. They play games with my life and the lives of others on the road with their stupidity.

About 10% of the P platers I encounter drive well (both green and red) but on the whole, they drive too fast and dangerously. This includes males and females.

Dags
  • 17th Nov 2010 01:46pm

Stop namby pampering this new generation....If they have to learn to drive then they have to LEARN TO DRIVE. Don't turn them into mobile road blocks.

Kisagi
  • 17th Nov 2010 01:08pm

How would learner drivers learn to drive at higher speed it they are restricted? I am more worried about the fact that there are no restrictions on how many passengers learner drivers can have in the car. After all they do not have a licence!

dee
  • 17th Nov 2010 01:03pm

Yes I think that the speed limit for L platers should remain 80klm.When they are on motorways they sshould be made to stay in the left hand lane then experienced drivers can go past them.
L platers are not experienced enough to go faster

Beth
  • 17th Nov 2010 11:27am

In my experience of seeing Learners on the motorways, they don't stick to the required speed limit for an 'L' plater anyway! I've been driving for 33 years and I know that it takes experience to learn to read/predict what other drivers are going to do. Making a split second decision (& a right one) often only comes with experience on the road - not from a book test. I know this too because I too was a learner once, and if it had not been for my mum's quick thinking I would have pushed another driver off the road - and that was only at 60 kms/hr!! Imagine if I was at a higher speed - it would have been all over before mum could stop me!!
The higher the speed, the more serious the consequences if having to make a last minute decision.

Anyway, on motorways there are usually more than one lane, or overtaking lanes at intervals so this should not be too much of an issue. I think that fully licenced drivers should be educated to be more patient with learner drivers, and to keep a safer distance from them.

Caz3
  • 17th Nov 2010 09:24am

I think it would be hazardous to both learner drivers and other drivers on the road, if learners were restricted to 80km's. They would hold up other traffic and create even more 'road rage' in all those impatient drivers out on the roads. Also, the idea of learner driver is to learn what all other drivers are doing on the roads - which iss the prescribed speed limit!

monti866
  • 17th Nov 2010 09:02am

I think straight out a higher speed limit for learners would be stupid... thinking when I was on my Ls I wouldnt trust me driving at more than 80km/h but after say 50 hrs (about 1/2 way in the NSW system) then maybe Learners should be able to drive faster because it annoys Learners and non-Learners alike being stuck behind a car limited to 80km on a freeway.

syro
  • 17th Nov 2010 08:02am

Somebody doing 80 in a 100 zone is dangerous. If you can't go the posted limit (ROAD CONDITIONS APPLY) then you shouldn't be on the road. It creates a bottleneck behind and that causes anger and frustration with the drivers behind.

Anonymous
  • 30th Jan 2014 05:53pm
Somebody doing 80 in a 100 zone is dangerous. If you can't go the posted limit (ROAD CONDITIONS APPLY) then you shouldn't be on the road. It creates a bottleneck behind and that causes anger and...

Yes but they have L plates on so u need to see n let them learn inpatient drivers r the cause of most accidents

starsista
  • 17th Nov 2010 07:47am

On the main higways it is frustrating to be driving behind someone who drives below the speed limit, so unless we restrict driving on those main highways to fully licenced drivers, the L platers need to be able to learn to drive at the same speed as everyone else.

MikeT
  • 17th Nov 2010 07:23am

80km/hr is fine for learner drivers, but, along with other "slow coaches" they should be taught that it's civil to pull over to allow faster traffic to get past. I live in an area with 110km/hr speed zones, and it's not unusual to find long lines of traffic behind learner drivers (or farm trucks full of sheep, or "grey nomads" hauling heavy caravans). Such long lines cause impatience and angst in other drivers. 90km/hr might be acceptable on motorways for learner drivers, but not on dual carriageways elsewhere as many of our country roads are only third world standard.

ninna
  • 17th Nov 2010 03:41am

Having 1 son go through learning for a whole year recently on 80km/hr was frustrating with the restrictions, it defeats the purpose of teaching them to drive in all kinds of traffic safely. The permit should be staged according to how long they have been on L's, such as after 6 months review their hours & increase it even by 5klm for another 3 or 6 months. Driving on a highway at 80kml that is limited to 1 lane each direction causes traffic to bank up & other drivers get frustrated & take stupid risks. Many times we were on the Princes Hwy south of Wollongong & there is no place to overtake safely, my son in respect to other drivers pulled over to let them past which in turn reduced the pressure of having a very annoyed driver sitting on their tail far too close(this included trucks!). Learners get to drive any sort of car including V8's, we were fortunate that he was able to drive a V8 car & a Landcruiser as well as 3 different family sized cars. But that skill will be lost once they go onto Red P's being limited to less powerful cars. The whole learning process needs to be revised to make it safer & more sensible, both go hand in hand when we are teaching our kids to drive safely but the rules don't cover it well enough for them in the long term.
Not all our learners & P plate drivers are risk takers, the penalties in place for mobile phone use prevents most these days but I cant say that for many of our more mature black/gold license drivers. No alcohol in their system is a great prevention but again it doesn't stop those not on L's or P's. I did witness what happens when a young driver texts their phone while driving, she lost her life in a headon which also traumatised the poor family who happened to be involved in that accident & those who had to stand by helplessly & watch her life taken when her car incinerated. That incident sent a big message to her friends once the story was spread to them, don't use yr phone while driving!
Penalties need to be tougher on older & more seasoned drivers and reduce them on the younger ones, they learn a lot more these days about safety & consequences than we did many years ago. I failed the online test that the learners practice on & have been a driver since 1978, I bet many older drivers would fail as well if you try since we never take a refresher course or test. That is something that should be addressed every 10 yrs in my opinion which would make us all better drivers aware of rules & include information about consequences. Ever visited a brain injury unit??? I have seen the victims of car accidents there, it is truly heartbreaking to see their lives taken from them due to someone's stupidity on the road & every driver should have to watch a film showing in graphic detail what can happen. All that is left of these victims is a shell of who they once were with no hope for recovery & most of that could have been avoided if we were all better drivers. Stop picking on the young drivers, most are better drivers than us older folk, start kicking butt on the older so called more experienced drivers. We have become stale in our skills & knowledge.

shell bell
  • 18th Nov 2010 09:59am
Having 1 son go through learning for a whole year recently on 80km/hr was frustrating with the restrictions, it defeats the purpose of teaching them to drive in all kinds of traffic safely. The...

i am hearing Ninna, my sone had to do 120 hours of driving, day, night wet weather, all conditions to complete his log book.. i think the speed issue relates to in town driving, built up areas but the road speed zones and conditions change so frequently they need to be able to react and adapt quickly.. so far so good 9 months on his P's and all is well touch wood. i think they are making it hard enough for the learners already

Rass
  • 17th Nov 2010 02:16am

Only an idiot labour party politician would consider making any one go slower than the traffic flow.........
Sounds like the sort of thing a push bike rider would bring in.

juleski
  • 18th Feb 2011 05:30pm
Only an idiot labour party politician would consider making any one go slower than the traffic flow.........
Sounds like the sort of thing a push bike rider would bring in.

Whats labour got to do with it? I got my license 30years ago under a liberal government and the limit was lower then too. What an ignorant thing to say.
Learners are just that learning.. nowhere does it say that you MUST drive at the limit on any road and if you do drive on country roads you will know that a lot of the time it is not pracical, so that argument is not relevant. The first child i was with on L plates got told by some instructor that he HAD to drive at speed limit and proceeded to launch the car we were in by going down a spoon drain. The whole idea of the P plate is to give the driver experience, not as they seem to assume, that they have the experience needed.

framer
  • 17th Dec 2010 05:18pm
Only an idiot labour party politician would consider making any one go slower than the traffic flow.........
Sounds like the sort of thing a push bike rider would bring in.

push bike should be allowed to be on the road after midnight only

CPB
  • 17th Nov 2010 12:17am

As a 21-y-o Learner driver in Victoria, I believe there shouldn't be a max. speed limit for learner drivers. As an adult given the responsibility of handling a vehicle, I'd like to think that I'm able to judge whether to allow myself to go the speed limit, or to go less if I think I'm less confident about my ability to control the vehicle at that speed.

I've already driven at 100kph on a freeway, and I think it's important that learner drivers have the experience of driving at higher speeds; it's a much different experience that driving at slower speeds, and surely we want all learner drivers to gain experience driving in all conditions.

Realistically, we will be driving more than 80kph at some point in our driving lives, so why not allow learners to have the experience with their instructor (a good set of extra eyes with a head full of extra experience). After all, the learner driver period is the safest time in our driving careers.

Also, I agree that it seems inappropriate that, on a freeway of 100 - 110kph speeds, we would actually force a subset of drivers to do 20 - 30 kph: sometimes, being way under the speed limit can be as dangerous as way over.

When I see NSW learner drivers with the L-plate and the speed limit on them, I feel sorry for them, actually. I feel like they're missing out on some important experience, and once they're on their P's, it might be a bit of a difficult and strange situation when they first go over the speed restriction - possibly even dangerous.

GJ
  • 16th Nov 2010 11:05pm

speed on any learner driver even could be lower until they have at least 100 hours logged on they diary also all drivers should drive day night wet and stormy conditions
GJ

andy1
  • 16th Nov 2010 09:09pm

In WA learner drivers are restricted to 100km/h and unless they drive on some country roads that are 110km/h this is not a problem. They need to gain experience at that speed whilst they have someone with them and before they are on their own. What annoys me as a parent of an L driver is the idiots who sit two inches off her bumper when she is already doing the speed limit and refuse to let her merge or change lanes when she has given ample indication of her intention to do so. Other drivers on the road are arogant, rude and down right dangerous! How soon we forget what it is like to be learning to drive on a busy road! It would be silly to restrict L drivers to 80km/h as they will learn nothing and others will get frustrated.

dingodan
  • 16th Nov 2010 10:49pm
In WA learner drivers are restricted to 100km/h and unless they drive on some country roads that are 110km/h this is not a problem. They need to gain experience at that speed whilst they have...

I agree with you , I have driven for some 60 years and believe me , its a damn sight scarier now, the part answer is defensive driving and being constanly aware of whats around . That said it is bloody scary when you are on a multi lane highway in a little Yaris between two B Doubles or one tailgating you ..

penguin73
  • 16th Nov 2010 08:49pm

i agree.learners should beallowed to drive the spped limit on highways and freeways,just like u said to keep the trafficflowing and to gain the experience of fast travel.when they dont get the experience as learners ,they get their licence and get on the freeways with the attitude that doing 100kmh is cool and thats how accidents happen.as they have not had the learning of these fast roads with an experienced driver sitting next to them.

DD
  • 16th Nov 2010 08:43pm

Omg, I'm a learner, and I've been stuck on 50 hrs for months, but I totally agree. I was going to drive to brisbane, but couldn't because most of the way would be single lane, with 100-110km/h speed limit. and that would be dangerous. It is also really scary to merge when cars around you are going heaps fast and you are stuck on 80.

Plus, once you have your Ps, you're going to go at 90, be inexperienced at going that fast, and you won't even have a licensed drivers with you. The 80 limit is silly

Anonymous
  • 15th Oct 2012 09:08am
Omg, I'm a learner, and I've been stuck on 50 hrs for months, but I totally agree. I was going to drive to brisbane, but couldn't because most of the way would be single lane, with 100-110km/h...

DD I agree with what your saying! Trying to merge is very difficult as you have ignorant drivers who insist on never moving over to the next lane and letting you in. It is hard enough when you have your P's or an open liecence to merge! When your entering an on ramp, just make sure you have reached your max speed and don't panic just watch your rear view mirror, side mirror and have a look over your shoulder. cars are to give way and let you in. i know this sounds easier than just actually doing it but you'll gain your confidence. Stay safe:)

woosif
  • 26th Oct 2010 11:33am

Yes I think that too - they also need to have a harder test to make sure they can DRIVE not just push it into drive and go, txting music and smoking god the younger ones try to do so much whilst driving thats why there are so many accidents - suppose its normal to think it wont happen to me whilst you are under 30 but shame it does they think they are indistructable dont they

jjdrer
  • 8th Sep 2014 07:39pm
Yes I think that too - they also need to have a harder test to make sure they can DRIVE not just push it into drive and go, txting music and smoking god the younger ones try to do so much whilst...

I have seen plenty of people smoking and driving - something else that should be banned. One of the girls I used to work for was injured when the driver of the car dropped a cigarette, lost control going into a light pole while trying to reach it.
In some places it is illegal to drive with a child in the car.

jjdrer
  • 8th Sep 2014 07:24pm
You say boys are the worst but it is the girls who seem to think the world will stop if they do not use their phones. I agree that both males and females should be at least 23 years old before...

I can see your point....but most people gain employment before that age......many dependent on you having a Driver's License

"E"
  • 21st Oct 2012 03:27pm
You say boys are the worst but it is the girls who seem to think the world will stop if they do not use their phones. I agree that both males and females should be at least 23 years old before...

You say boys are the worst but it is the girls who seem to think the world will stop if they do not use their phones. I agree that both males and females should be at least 23 years old before they even start lessons.

Anonymous
  • 23rd Nov 2010 05:50pm
Yes I think that too - they also need to have a harder test to make sure they can DRIVE not just push it into drive and go, txting music and smoking god the younger ones try to do so much whilst...

Its not just the young ones either.But the boys are the worst I know I have 5 of them.Girls are more mature and better drivers.Boys should not get a license till they are 23.Liz

PukPuk
  • 26th Oct 2010 11:09am

In the good old days 50mph was a learners limit. Unfortunately in those days it was two way trffic with very few multi lane roadways. So with the road limit being 60mph vehicles had to keep overtaking the compulsorily slower vehicles. In time the Learners speed limit was increased to the prevailing speed limit - much safer for all concerned.

The catch is the licenced driver needs to be more proactive and ensure the Learner under their direction is built up in ability on other roads of lower limits and/or conjestion to a point where their next education level are those roads of higher speed / conjestion.

And in these days, the Learner needs to learn that unlike computer games - there is no re-set button for errors.

jjdrer
  • 8th Sep 2014 07:35pm
I agree that the licenced driver needs to help the learner to be able to handle all road conditions especially speed, and wet roads. I also wonder why the cars are made to go so fast if one can't...

They also need to have enough experience to be able to control their car in the event that they get a puncture in a tyre, especially the front right one which seems to cause the worst handling problems. It could simply be a faulty tyre as happened to a guy I know who had just had brand new tyres fitted. We were sitting at the traffic lights waiting to turn right when we heard a loud bang. As we were next to a wide traffic island he put his emergency lights on and jumped out and had a look. The tyre had "exploded". We were fortunate that there was another branch of the same tyre company just around the corner so he very gingerly drove into there, asked them to contact the centre he had just left(which also supplied tyres to the Co. he worked for) explain what had happened as there was no cut marks on the side of the tyre where it had exploded. He got a new one via stock transfer and agreed to pay for it if it was proved he was at fault - which it was proved he wasn't. Had he been turning the corner when it happened it could have proved to be very dangerous incident.

marls
  • 6th Aug 2012 11:03pm
In the good old days 50mph was a learners limit. Unfortunately in those days it was two way trffic with very few multi lane roadways. So with the road limit being 60mph vehicles had to keep...

I agree that the licenced driver needs to help the learner to be able to handle all road conditions especially speed, and wet roads. I also wonder why the cars are made to go so fast if one can't drive them to the max. speed on the open road

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