Age limit

26 November 2021

Global view

Mobility has never been more highly valued and soon most of us will be free to travel internationally.

That’s great, but on a more local level young drivers in metro Melbourne – where driving tests were suspended during lockdown – will be able to get moving again too.

It varies from state to state, but in Victoria it’s generally accepted people must be 18 years old to hit the road alone.

So, how do we compare to those abroad?

In some US states, drivers can be as young as 14, albeit with supervision.

In Central America, you can drive with supervision at 15 in El Salvador, and at 16 with parent approval in Guatemala and Panama.

In Japan, riders can hit the road on a motorcycle at 16 (under 400cc), and motorbikes under 125cc in South Korea.

Meanwhile, in South America, with parental approval, people can drive a car at 17 in Argentina and Chile.

However, a driver cannot get behind the wheel until they’re 23 in the Republic of Niger, West Africa.

Have a young driver at home eager to explore the wide-open road?

Age limits and vehicle guidelines are important discussion topics – whether they have local or overseas ambitions.

For example, in Victoria a vehicle is probationary prohibited if it has a power-to-mass ratio of greater than 130kW per tonne or an engine that has been modified to increase performance.

It pays to do your homework and get them in the right vehicle.

My advice is to visit the VicRoads website and to use a trusted Licensed Motor Car Trader.

Words: VACC CEO, Geoff Gwilym.

Share your thoughts! E: ceo@vacc.com.au. As featured in the Herald Sun 26 November 2021.