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The road safety landscape in Australia is changing in 2025 with the introduction of new rules that directly affect learner drivers and newly licensed motorists. The federal and state governments have confirmed that GPS tracking devices will now be mandatory for these drivers as part of their training and probation period. This move is designed to improve safety, reduce reckless driving, and provide authorities and families with better tools to monitor driving behaviour. As expected, the new rule has sparked both support and criticism across the country.
Why GPS Tracking is Being Introduced
Over the past decade, road accidents involving young and inexperienced drivers have been a major concern. Statistics show that learner drivers and those in their first few years on the road are significantly more likely to be involved in collisions compared to experienced motorists. In many cases, excessive speed, risky overtaking, and distraction have been contributing factors. By introducing GPS tracking, authorities aim to encourage safer habits, gather accurate data, and ensure that probationary drivers follow road rules more responsibly.
How the GPS Tracking System Works
Under the new rules, learner drivers will be required to use vehicles equipped with government-approved GPS tracking devices. These devices record speed, route, driving hours, and even sudden braking or acceleration. The data is stored securely and can be accessed by licensing authorities if necessary. Parents or guardians of learner drivers will also be able to monitor driving behaviour through connected apps, giving them greater confidence that their children are driving responsibly. For new drivers, the system will continue to track their behaviour for the first two years after obtaining a license.
Benefits for Road Safety
Supporters of the new rule believe GPS tracking will make Australian roads safer. By monitoring driving patterns, authorities can identify risky behaviour early and take corrective action, such as requiring additional training or issuing warnings. The system also helps prevent learners from taking shortcuts in their practice hours or skipping supervised driving sessions. For parents, the ability to track progress in real time provides peace of mind. Most importantly, the program is expected to reduce the number of fatal and serious crashes involving young drivers, which have remained stubbornly high despite existing road safety campaigns.
Concerns About Privacy
Not everyone is pleased with the mandatory GPS tracking rule. Critics argue that constant monitoring raises serious privacy concerns. Young drivers may feel as though they are under surveillance at all times, which could create stress or resentment. Some also question how the data will be stored, who will have access to it, and whether it could be misused. Civil liberty groups have warned that the government must establish strict guidelines to protect personal information and ensure that tracking is used only for safety and licensing purposes.
Costs and Implementation
Another important question is the cost of installing GPS devices. The government has announced subsidies to reduce the financial burden on families, especially for low-income households. In some states, GPS units may be installed at no cost for learner drivers, while others will require families to purchase approved devices from registered suppliers. Once installed, the devices require minimal maintenance and can remain in the vehicle throughout the learner and probation period. Authorities are also working with technology providers to ensure that devices are affordable, accurate, and easy to use.
Impact on Driving Tests and Licensing
The introduction of GPS tracking will also change the way learner hours are recorded. In the past, learners had to log their driving hours manually in a paper or digital logbook, which sometimes led to false entries. With GPS tracking, every driving session will be recorded automatically, including distance travelled, time of day, and conditions such as night driving. This ensures that learners meet all requirements before sitting for their driving test. For new drivers, GPS data will help authorities determine whether they are following speed limits and avoiding reckless driving during their probation period.
Reaction from Young Drivers
Among young Australians, reactions are mixed. Some see GPS tracking as an extra burden, while others recognise the potential benefits. Many learners have admitted that knowing their driving is being monitored makes them more cautious and attentive. Others worry that the system could unfairly penalise them for minor mistakes or technical glitches in the device. Driving instructors, however, largely welcome the change, saying it will make their job easier and provide valuable feedback to both students and parents.
Long-Term Goals of the Policy
The mandatory GPS tracking rule is part of a broader national strategy to improve road safety and reduce fatalities. Authorities hope that by shaping good habits early, young drivers will continue to drive responsibly throughout their lives. The data collected from these devices will also provide valuable insights into driving behaviour, helping policymakers design better road safety campaigns and infrastructure improvements. Over time, the government may expand the program to include high-risk groups such as heavy vehicle operators or repeat traffic offenders.
Looking Ahead
As the rule takes effect in 2025, it is clear that the government is committed to using technology to enhance road safety. While challenges remain in terms of privacy, cost, and acceptance among young drivers, the long-term benefits could be significant. If the program succeeds in reducing accidents and saving lives, Australia may become a model for other countries facing similar challenges with learner and new drivers. For now, learners and their families should prepare for the transition by understanding how the system works and what is expected of them.
Conclusion
The introduction of mandatory GPS tracking for learner and new drivers in Australia marks a significant shift in traffic rules. It represents a move toward greater accountability, safety, and transparency on the roads. Although concerns about privacy and cost must be addressed, the potential to reduce accidents and save lives makes this one of the most impactful road safety policies in recent years. As the system rolls out, its success will depend not only on the technology itself but also on how well drivers, families, and authorities adapt to this new way of learning and driving responsibly.