Novice drivers
Inexperienced drivers, regardless of their age, are most at risk during their first year of unsupervised driving.
Drivers under the age of 25 years particularly have a higher risk of death or injury on the road.
Inexperience is the main reason for this, over confidence and risk taking can play a significant role. Cognitive and perceptual skills, drugs and alcohol, distractions and hazardous conditions, are all factors that can also influence crash risk.
16-25 year olds comprise only 22% of licence drivers but are involved in at least 29% of crashes. 65% of these are males. 40% of speed related trauma (death and serious injury) involved people aged 16-25 years.
NT drivers could drive unsupervised from 16 years and six months. This is the youngest age of all jurisdictions. They also spend the least amount of time on a Probationary (P) licence.
Current initiatives
- The DriveSafe NT program, includes subsidised driver education, training and licensing services in urban areas.
- If you live in a remote region DriveSafe NT Remote can help you gain your learner driver licence.
- If you have no traffic infringements during your provisional licence period, you can receive a free 10-year open C class licence. Find out more information on the Northern Territory Government website.
- Targeted road safety school education programs and information sessions for young people. This includes the Choices Program for Senior and Middle school students.
- Road Safety education workshops in partnership with sporting and other organisations. Including: AFLNT and The Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre.
What you can do
- participate in the DriveSafe NT driver education and training programs
- learner drivers are encourage to get as much practice as possible, in as many different conditions
- obey the road rules and drive to the conditions
- minimise distractions when driving
- do not use a mobile phone and limit the number of passengers, especially at night
- if you are going to be drinking, don’t drive. Organise a Sober Bob
- don’t let your friends drink and drive.
Relevant Towards Zero Road Safety Action Plan 2018-2022 actions
| Actions | Year | Lead | Support | Safe System | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.1 | Develop a revised Graduated Driver Licencing System adopting best practise (where appropriate for the Northern Territory) for consideration by Government. | 1-2 | DIPL | POLICE | Safer road users |
| 8.2 | Strengthen driver training and testing to promote competency in all driving conditions, including interaction with heavy vehicles, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians. | 1-2 | DIPL | POLICE | Safer road users |
| 8.3 | Develop targeted strategies and initiatives to create a positive road safety culture with young Territorians. | 1-5 | DIPL | MACC | Safer road users |
Related links
For information on how to get your driver's licence, visit the Northern Territory Government website.