I don’t have real-time access right now, but here’s the latest I can share on learner driver news in Western Australia up to early 2025 and nearby context.
Answer
- WA has been considering tighter rules for learner and provisional drivers, with proposals to extend supervised driving hours and tighten probation, but the specifics vary by year and proposal. For the most current status, please check the WA Department of Transport or the WA government announcements.
Key recent themes (contextual background)
- licence pathway changes: WA has experimented with changes to testing order and hours requirements in past years, aiming to improve safety and preparedness for new drivers. These changes often trigger temporary delays at licensing centers as systems and staff adapt.[1][2]
- standardisation debates: There have been ongoing debates about whether WA should align its learner hours with other states (e.g., 100–120 hours) or maintain its WA-specific 50 hours, citing its remote geography and local conditions.[2]
- safety-focused reforms: In recent years, WA has explored broader reform packages including longer probation, restricted phone use, and enhanced hazard perception or additional training courses.[4][6]
How to find the latest
- Visit Transport WA’s licensing pages for current learner permit requirements and any time-bound changes.
- Check WA government announcements (premier/road safety) for new GLS or P-plater regulation updates.
- Look for reputable Australian news outlets covering WA transport policy, especially around major road-travel periods or after road safety incidents.
If you’d like, I can search for the very latest headlines now and summarize them with cited sources.
Sources
WA isn’t bending to calls to nationally standardise the amount of time learner drivers must undergo supervised training amid concerns wildly different rules are entrenching disadvantage.
thewest.com.auLicensing centres hit with surge in applicants after rule change for learner drivers.
thewest.com.auNew road safety initiatives for provisional drivers announced by the Premier and the Minister of Road Safety
www.wa.gov.auYou need to get your learner’s permit before you can learn to drive a car.
www.transport.wa.gov.auGovernment ministers and family members gathered outside the West Perth Department of Transport Licensing Centre today to launch a new community consultation on Western Australia’s graduated licensing system (GLS). The…
wamnnews.com.auNew drivers face tougher regulations in WA including extending their probation period, increasing their supervised hours and limiting phone use under a proposed plan by the state government.
www.abc.net.auSeparately, the Government will commission a comprehensive review into the existing learner and provisional driver licensing schemes, as well as skills and training requirements for motorcycle and heavy vehicle licences. The review will consider the latest research and best practice experience from other Australian jurisdictions, including the use of improved hazard perception training, additional safe driving courses, instructor training and accreditation, penalties and first aid courses.
www.thetageethi.orgL-platers now have the option of mastering their driving skills before hitting the open road with a new program at Perth Motorplex.
www.soundtelegraph.com.au