The ACT Government is providing more flexible options for learner drivers to enhance their skills and credit their mandatory supervised driving hours with the launch of a new learner driver first aid program.
From 22 November, Canberrans learning to drive will have an opportunity to obtain basic lifesaving first aid skills and claim five hours credit against their required driving hours.
"These changes to our learner driver scheme will allow students to complete first aid training designed to assist people if they're involved in, or come across, a motor vehicle crash," Minister for Transport Chris Steel said.
"The first people on the scene of a collision are often other drivers, so ensuring more drivers have a basic understanding of first aid could make a big difference to those involved in the crash. The program won't just provide the skills that could save a life, it is a reminder to the next generation of drivers of the serious consequences that crashes have on our roads.
"To be eligible for the five credit hours under the new program, you must have held your learner licence for at least three months before completing any one of the approved courses."
From Wednesday, there will be eight approved courses available, delivered either online, face-to-face or a combination of both.
The time commitment and cost requirements for each course varies depending on the type and depth of content delivered.
Minister Steel said the new learner driver first aid program builds on existing competency training for learner drivers to make sure people have a better understanding of safety on our road network.
This new program joins two other road safety education opportunities available for driving hours credit:
- Vulnerable Road User Program offers a 10-hour credit for completing the course
- Safer Driver Course provides learner drivers aged under 25 with 20 hours credit towards their required driving hours.
"Together these programs provide young learner drivers under 25 years with up to 35 hours credit towards the 100 mandatory hours and provide them with skills that could potentially save lives," Minister Steel said.
Learner driver first aid courses completed before the program's commencement date, or with a provider that is not on the approved list, will not be eligible for the logbook credit.
