The shocking abuse learner drivers cop in Australia

New research has uncovered the appalling abuse many learner drivers are subject to in Australia, with calls for tougher penalties for offenders.

More than a third of learner drivers are victims of abuse, intimidation, and disrespect, says EzLicence, with over 36 per cent of L-platers subject to tailgating, rude hand gestures, and shouting from fellow motorists.

Surveying more than 670 learner drivers and driving instructors, the driving school said a whopping 71 per cent of instructors have witnessed disrespectful behaviour towards their students, the most common of which is said to be ‘aggressive overtaking’, closely followed by tailgating and unnecessary honking.

Less frequent forms of intimidation experienced by learners include aggressive or unexpected lane changes, illegal passing, rude hand gestures, shouting abuse, and revving the engine.

Concerningly, a few reported incidents where other drivers purposely bumped into their car or initiated a confrontation outside the vehicle.

Of the learners that reported negative experiences, 59 per cent said they feel more anxious about hitting the road and 22 per cent admit they’ve been forced to take a break from driving altogether.

Meanwhile, a third of victims said the added pressure of aggressive drivers meant they were more prone to making mistakes.

Both L-platers and instructors are now calling for harsher penalties, with four out of five learner drivers saying stricter rules should be enforced, including more warnings, fines, demerits points, or suspensions.

Learner driver experiences

“They were once learners too,” said Yasemin from Melbourne.

“I don’t understand why they get so impatient, I feel like they shouldn’t have their licence and be on the road if they don’t have patience. I will be going the speed limit and they get so mad because they see the L-plate and don’t want to be stuck behind a learner. The L plate is like a big target magnet for drivers to attack us learners.”

Salome from regional Queensland said: “Just be more mindful and kind to learner drivers. They are still learning and a little slack afforded to them would benefit everyone overall. Drivers who learn well go on to drive well.” 

Sydney-sider Sarah, said those that are aggressive towards learners are putting people at risk.

“Learners don't know how to react in dangerous or unpredictable situations, so these drivers are putting learners in a situation that they can't reasonably be expected to handle. The majority of these incidents come and go so fast, while I wish there could be some sort of punishment for it, I don't know how it could be tracked or enforced. My best recommendation for learners is to drive with a qualified instructor in their car, as they are best equipped to help navigate these situations while confidence is growing.”

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