08/08/2026
This will be out last Defensive Driving course of the year. Once we know we update everyone.
The Graduated Driver Licensing System for Class 1 (Car Licences) is changing on 25th January 2027. Part of the changes mean that you will no longer be able to reduce the time on your Restricted licence by doing an Approved Course, such as the Street Talk course we offer.
What this means for Restricted Licence Holders:
1. If you are under 25 years of age and obtained your Class 1 Restricted Licence after 25th January 2026 you will only need to wait 12 months, before being able to apply for your Full licence without doing a test. No course is necessary. If you are 25 years of age or over the relevant date will be 25th July 2026
2. If you are under 25 years of age and got your restricted licence between 25th July 2025 and 25th January 2026 you can still do the full licence test after 12 months by completing a Street Talk Course. This will apply up to 25thJanuary 2027, then you will be on the new rules. If you are 25 years of age or over the relevant dates will be between 25th June 2026 and 25th October 2026.
Note: any Infringement notices you get after 7th May 2026 that have demerit points will extend that period by 6 months. Demerit points incurred before 7th May 2026 will not result in a time extension.
Essentially, if you are not going to be able to get your full licence before 25th January 2027, there will be no time benefit to completing a Street Talk Course.
If you can reduce your time before 25th January 2027 either from 18 months to 12 months (Under 25) or 6 months to 3 months (25 and over), then we recommend still doing the course.
People on their learner licences would benefit waiting until after January 25th as we'll likely be provided a different course for reducing time off your learns. At this time doing a defensive driving course on your learners will not give you any reduction in wait time between licences.
