Drivers in Fiji holding provisional licenses may soon face more stringent requirements for obtaining full licenses, pending approval of the Land Transport (Amendment) Act 2025 by Parliament. Attorney-General Graham Leung introduced these proposed changes with the aim of boosting road safety through enhanced education, tougher penalties, and the integration of technology.
This initiative follows a comprehensive review that found over 49,000 traffic violations among Class 2 provisional license holders between August 2021 and October 2024, with a significant number of infractions recorded in 2022. Although compliance improved in subsequent years, 27 road accidents from 2018 to 2023 highlighted concerning driving behaviors such as speeding and driver fatigue.
A notable amendment includes granting the Land Transport Authority (LTA) discretionary powers regarding the issuance of full licenses. Currently, provisional license holders automatically receive full licenses after two years. However, under the new proposal, the LTA will assess drivers based on whether they meet the required standards before granting full licenses.
The broader goal of these legislative changes is to cultivate a culture of safer driving in Fiji. Although road fatalities declined from 78 in 2023 to 54 in 2024, approximately 20% of these deaths were linked to speeding or reckless actions by provisional drivers, emphasizing the critical need for improved driver education and regulations.
Previous articles have noted the LTA’s commitment to a zero-tolerance stance against reckless driving, leading to numerous license revocations and continuous educational programs aimed at encouraging responsible driving among all motorists. The proposed amendments align with these strategies, promoting accountability and aiming to significantly decrease traffic incidents.
As the Bill moves forward in Parliament, there is optimism about its potential to enhance road safety, ultimately improving the overall quality of life for all road users in Fiji. The introduction of stricter regulations and a more thoughtful approach to driver licensing represents a proactive step toward creating a safer driving environment across the nation.
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