10 Nov 2010

Farmers concerned raising driving age will isolate young

10:11 am on 10 November 2010

Federated Farmers says young people in rural communities will be left isolated if the driving age is raised.

A parliamentary select committee is considering legislation that would raise the driving age from 15 to 16.

It would also extend the length of the learner licensing period from six months to a year.

Federated Farmers vice-president Donald Aubrey says raising the driving age will unfairly disadvantage rural communities and make it more difficult for 15-year-olds to get to sport and work.

Mr Aubrey believes a better option would be to keep the age at 15 and double the minimum learner licence period from six months to a year.