I am writing to ask the NSW Government, Transport NSW, Gavin Morris and Jenny Aitchison to consider introducing a mandatory road-safety education program for all drivers before they progress from a learner licence to a P1 provisional licence.

The tragic  incident that took place at Wallsend NSW on the 3rd October 2026 involving a young P1 driver losing control of his vehicle and running into a crowd of Newcastle Knights supporters and seriously injuring 10 people. 

I am proposing a program called P1 READY – Road Education, Awareness & Driver-readiness for Everyone.

The purpose of P1 READY would be simple: before a person is given the responsibility of driving without a supervising driver, they should receive structured education about the risks, decisions and consequences that come with that responsibility.

Learning to physically operate a vehicle and passing a driving test are essential. However, being able to control a vehicle does not necessarily mean that a new driver understands the behavioural decisions that can result in a serious crash.

I propose that completion of P1 READY become a mandatory component of progressing to a P1 licence.

The program could cover:

• speeding and risk-taking 
• mobile phones and distraction 
• alcohol and drug driving 
• fatigue and night driving 
• passenger and peer pressure 
• emotional decision-making 
• hazard recognition 
• emergency situations 
• the consequences of serious crashes 
• legal and financial consequences of dangerous driving 
• the impact road trauma has on victims, families and emergency services.

A particularly important component would be realistic scenarios that allow participants to practise making safe decisions before they encounter those situations on the road.

The program could also incorporate presentations or recorded material from road-crash survivors, emergency-service workers, rehabilitation professionals and families affected by road trauma.

Importantly, I am not proposing that existing driver training or testing be replaced. P1 READY would complement the existing licensing system by addressing the behavioural and decision-making side of becoming an independent driver.

NSW already recognises the value of driver education through programs such as the Safer Drivers Course and the Traffic Offender Intervention Program. My proposal would introduce a preventative stage between learning to drive and driving independently.

Rather than waiting until a person has committed a traffic offence or been involved in a crash before providing further intervention, P1 READY would provide that education before the person begins driving independently.

I believe this proposal is particularly timely given Transport for NSW's current consultation on the 2031 Road Safety Action Plan. The Government is seeking community ideas about where further action is needed to reduce deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads.

I respectfully request that the NSW Government:

1. Consider P1 READY as part of the development of the 2031 Road Safety Action Plan.
2. Refer the proposal to Transport for NSW and relevant road-safety experts for assessment.
3. Consult with learner drivers, parents, driving instructors, emergency services, crash survivors and road-safety organisations.
4. Investigate the feasibility of conducting a pilot program in metropolitan, regional and rural NSW.
5. Evaluate whether completion of such a program could become a mandatory requirement for obtaining a P1 licence.

I have attached a more detailed proposal outlining how the program could operate.

I would greatly appreciate the opportunity for this proposal to be considered.

The objective is not to make obtaining a licence unnecessarily difficult. It is to ensure that when a person receives their first licence allowing them to drive without supervision, they understand the responsibility that comes with it.

Teach people about the consequences before they have to learn them the hard way.

Thank you for considering this proposal.

Please join me in calling on the NSW Government to take swift action. Sign this petition today and help us create a safer driving future for all of New South Wales.