- Cook Labor Government announces major overhaul of Western Australia's Graduated Licensing System to deliver stronger requirements for new drivers
- Increases to learner and provisional periods and minimum supervised hours among strengthened measures to protect new motorists
- Consultation on reform to WA's motorcycle GLS to open on Sunday, 3 May 2026
- Review of car and motorcycle Graduated Licensing System was a key commitment of the Premier's Road Safety Roundtable
The system guiding how Western Australians learn to drive a car and obtain their licence is set for landmark change.
Following strong community feedback, the Cook Labor Government is delivering reforms to strengthen Western Australia's Graduated Licensing System (GLS) and help develop safer, more capable drivers.
More than 7,700 Western Australians had their say during last year's consultation period, helping shape practical changes to better support young drivers as they learn and gain experience on the State's roads.
The reforms include:
- increasing the minimum learner period from six months to 12 months;
- increasing the minimum provisional period from two years to three years (one-year P1, two years P2);
- increasing the minimum supervised driving hours from 50 hours (including five hours nighttime) to 80 hours (including 10 hours night-time);
- developing an online theory and hazard perception test in addition to the in-centre test;
- banning mobile phone use for learner and provisional drivers, except for hands-free use through in-built navigation systems and playing audio, if set up prior to commencing the journey; and
- introducing a zero-blood alcohol concentration limit for all supervisor drivers while supervising a learner driver.
The community consultation was backed by the 'Tom's Story' campaign, based on the story of Tom Saffioti who was killed in a road crash as a backseat passenger in 2021.
An extension of the award-winning 'Red plate. One mate' campaign, Tom's mum Samantha and his best friend Ben share their memories of Tom, asking young drivers to 'Drive like your mate's life depends on it. Because it does.'
Western Australia will also align with the rest of the nation by separating the car and motorcycle Graduated Licensing Systems.
Public consultation on proposed motorcycle GLS reforms will open on My Say Transport from Sunday, 3 May until Sunday, 24 May 2026. Proposed changes include:
- raising the minimum age to obtain a learner motorcycle licence from 16 to 18 years;
- increasing the provisional period, from two years to three years (one year on red P-plates and two years on green P-plates);
- introducing mandatory pre-learner and pre-provisional training and assessment during the learner rider phase and prior to granting a motorcycle rider's licence;
- introducing late night riding restrictions during the learner phase;
- introducing pillion passenger restrictions for learner, P1, and P2 riders;
- introducing automatic progression from a restricted to an unrestricted motorcycle licence, noting new training requirements to better equip riders; and
- banning mobile phone use for learner and provisional riders, except for hands-free use through in-built navigation systems and playing audio, if set up prior to commencing the journey.
Legislative changes to car and motorcycle graduated licensing systems will be aligned, with implementation timeframes to be determined following the motorcycle GLS consultation.
As stated by Minister Assisting the Transport Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"The Cook Labor Government's overhaul of our car Graduated Licensing System is a key part of our work to save lives on our roads, particularly for our many young and novice drivers, as we build safe and inclusive communities throughout WA.
"These evidence-based changes reflect strong community feedback and will make WA roads safer for everyone.
"I commend Tom's mum Samantha and his mate Ben for their courage in sharing the devastating impact of his loss, urging young drivers to 'Drive like your mate's life depends on it. Because it does.'
"We are also beginning consultation on proposed changes to the motorcycle graduated licensing system and I encourage everyone to have their say on how WA can improve the preparation of our learner and novice motorcycle riders."
As stated by Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby:
"These evidence-based changes are about one thing: saving lives and reducing serious injuries on WA roads.
"We know early driving behaviour matters, and strengthening the Graduated Licensing System is a key step in reducing risk for young and inexperienced drivers.
"I'd like to thank everyone who participated in the community consultation, and I encourage that same participation for the motorcycle consultation your feedback will help shape a system that better protects riders and other road users.
"We're continuing to deliver on the Premier's Road Safety Roundtable, with practical changes that make a real difference on our roads."
