A SUGGESTED one-passenger rule for P-platers could lead to a rise in drink-driving, says one novice driver.
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Prospect 18-year-old Kate Spencer, who gained her provisional licence about two months ago, said it would be an unfair hit to people trying to get their friends home safely.
The Examiner yesterday reported Road Safety Advisory Council chairman Jim Cox's wish to speak with Infrastructure Minister David O'Byrne about novice driver safety.
One of his suggestions was for P-platers to carry one passenger, a law implemented in some other states.
Miss Spencer worried about being forced to leave friends behind in potentially dangerous situations.
``I could have four people in my car safely home, simple as that - five, including me,'' Miss Spencer said.
``I'd prefer them to get home safely than get behind a wheel and risk an accident.
``I feel like I'm a responsible driver and I've gone through the test, but some people break the rules and that affects you.''
Miss Spencer said if issues had been identified it would be better to change the already difficult provisional licence test to address them.
A government spokeswoman said the Road Safety Advisory Council had not yet reported to Mr O'Byrne.
``The government will consider all recommendations by Road Safety Advisory Council,'' the spokeswoman said.
``RSAC will take a rigorous evidence-based approach to all its road safety recommendations.''
Opposition infrastructure spokesman Rene Hidding said the Liberals would release an evidence-based road policy before the election.