The Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS)

The Graduated Licensing Scheme (GLS) that prepares inexperienced individuals on the roads for a lifetime of safe, and efficient driving outlines that in order to graduate to a full licence, new drivers are obligated to have at least 36 months of driving experience and pass the three tests.

Before obtaining a learner licence, a driver knowledge test needs to be passed. This test, in which the minimum age to sit for is 16 years old, is utilised as a judgment on whether the individual has enough knowledge to operate a vehicle. Once this test is passed, individuals can acquire their learner licence. The learner drivers licence, valid for 5 years, has additional provisions for individuals under 25 years old who must have their learners for a

minimum of 12 months and have logged in 120 hours in their logbook. This is to ensure that that drivers are aware of all the laws and regulations before they can obtain their provisional licence, and later on, full licence. Following the learners licence, the hazard perception test and the driving test must be passed before one can gain their provisional licence. The hazard perception test assesses the ability of an individual to recognise and analyse potential hazards like heavy rain and other motor vehicles. This test requires learner drivers to have had their licence for a minimum of 10 months and is valid for 15 months. Moreover, the driving test must also be taken to judge an individual’s ability to drive a vehicle. This test must only be taken from the age of 17 and onwards. After passing the two tests, individuals are able to obtain their red provisional licence, or red P, which must be owned for a minimum of 12 months and is valid for 18 months. Following the red provisional licence, the green provisional licence, or green P, can be obtained and has to be owned for a minimum of 24 months and is valid for 36 months. Finally, a full licence can be acquired. These can be issued for 12 months, 36 months or 5 years. They can also be issued for 10 years but can only be applied for if the full license holder is between the aged of 21 and 44.

Thus, the Graduated Licensing Scheme successfully evaluates the capability of a driver which therefore, ensures the safety of new drivers and other existing drivers, as well as passengers and pedestrians through both written and practical tests.