Free cash for thousands of Aussies in major driver's licence change from today
Some 112,000 motorists will be able to enjoy a free year on the roads thanks to the initiative.
After years of inflation and elevated prices, state governments are continuing to roll out cost of living relief for Australians. And on the eve of 2025, it was announced that some drivers will be able to save plenty of cash when they renew their licence in the coming months.
More than 100,000 motorists in the Northern Territory who need to renew their driver's licence will be able to do so for free, from today.
The territory's treasurer Bill Yan made the announcement when speaking to media in Alice Springs on Tuesday.
"[From] the 1st of January until June, anyone whose licence is being renewed in that period will automatically receive a 12 month discount," he said.
For those who don't actually need to renew their licence this year, they can still take advantage of the offer to get an extra year for free.
"People who are not getting their licence renewed can come into motor vehicle registry or go onto MVR Quickpay and get a renewal of their licence with that 12 month extension to their licences," he said.
Related: Police seek to crack down on new road infringement in 2025
The treasurer explained the move came from speaking to those in the community and realising that many continue to do it tough with the ongoing cost of living crisis, the NT News reported.
"One of those things about cost of living was licences and vehicle registration," he said.
The move is part of the local government's efforts to shake up the costs of road-related fees ahead of local elections, which has also included the freezing of rego fees for cars, motorbikes, and trailers until July 2026.
A similar offer has been extended to Queenslanders, which will continue into the new year. To help ease cost pressures on residents in the sunshine state, registration fees for light vehicles, dealer plates and caravans will continue to be reduced by 20 per cent.
Other road changes in 2025
While not everyone will get to save some cash, there are a number of other changes for motorists around the country in the new year.
For instance, in Victoria there is a push to get drivers on the road at an earlier age to bring it more in line with other jurisdictions. Currently it is the only state where you have to be 18 before you can get your probationary licence.
In NSW, there will be an expected trial period of a new rule to allow P-platers who are 25 years or older to use a mobile phone while driving if it is being used as a GPS navigational aid, and is mounted to the vehicle. Currently that is not permitted.
Meanwhile in South Australia, a bill will likely be introduced in early 2025 that will allow privately owned e-scooters and other personal mobility devices to legally be ridden on roads and in other public areas.
You can read more about other major changes from today, including Centrelink payments, higher education placements and the Medicare safety net, here.
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