Driving costs slashed overnight—could you be eligible for this perk?
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Saving money is always welcome news, especially during tough times.
Recent changes have sparked widespread interest, with thousands of locals standing to benefit from a surprising update.
What seemed like a routine announcement has quickly turned into a positive game-changer for drivers across the country.
Some 112,000 motorists in the Northern Territory celebrated the start of 2025 with a significant cost-saving initiative announced by the government.
Eligible drivers renewing their licences from 1 January to June 2025 could enjoy a full year’s discount, Treasurer Bill Yan revealed during a media briefing in Alice Springs.
‘[From] the 1st of January until June, anyone whose licence is being renewed in that period will automatically receive a 12-month discount,’ he said.
The initiative wasn’t limited to those due for a renewal this year. Drivers whose licences weren’t expiring in 2025 could still claim the offer.
They could do so by using the Motor Vehicle Registry or MVR Quickpay services to extend their licences for an extra year.
‘People who are not getting their licence renewed can come into motor vehicle registry or go onto MVR Quickpay and get a renewal of their licence with that 12-month extension to their licences,’ Yan added.
The decision followed community consultations highlighting ongoing financial struggles due to the rising cost of living.
‘One of those things about cost of living was licences and vehicle registration,’ he explained.
The initiative is part of broader measures targeting road-related costs. These measures also included a freeze on vehicle registration fees for cars, motorbikes, and trailers until July 2026.
Other states also introduced road relief measures. In Queensland, registration fees for light vehicles, caravans, and dealer plates were reduced by 20 per cent, continuing into 2025.
Victoria proposed lowering the probationary driving age to align with other states. It is currently the only state requiring drivers to be 18 before obtaining a P licence.
In New South Wales, a trial rule was set to permit P-platers aged 25 and older to use mobile phones as GPS devices if securely mounted, a change from the previous blanket ban.
South Australia planned to legalise privately owned e-scooters and other personal mobility devices on public roads and spaces, with a bill expected in early 2025.
These initiatives are among several nationwide changes for the new year. Additional updates included adjustments to Centrelink payments, higher education placements, and the Medicare safety net.
Are these measures enough to address the rising cost of living, or do they simply scratch the surface of a much bigger issue? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Recent changes have sparked widespread interest, with thousands of locals standing to benefit from a surprising update.
What seemed like a routine announcement has quickly turned into a positive game-changer for drivers across the country.
Some 112,000 motorists in the Northern Territory celebrated the start of 2025 with a significant cost-saving initiative announced by the government.
Eligible drivers renewing their licences from 1 January to June 2025 could enjoy a full year’s discount, Treasurer Bill Yan revealed during a media briefing in Alice Springs.
‘[From] the 1st of January until June, anyone whose licence is being renewed in that period will automatically receive a 12-month discount,’ he said.
The initiative wasn’t limited to those due for a renewal this year. Drivers whose licences weren’t expiring in 2025 could still claim the offer.
They could do so by using the Motor Vehicle Registry or MVR Quickpay services to extend their licences for an extra year.
‘People who are not getting their licence renewed can come into motor vehicle registry or go onto MVR Quickpay and get a renewal of their licence with that 12-month extension to their licences,’ Yan added.
The decision followed community consultations highlighting ongoing financial struggles due to the rising cost of living.
‘One of those things about cost of living was licences and vehicle registration,’ he explained.
The initiative is part of broader measures targeting road-related costs. These measures also included a freeze on vehicle registration fees for cars, motorbikes, and trailers until July 2026.
Other states also introduced road relief measures. In Queensland, registration fees for light vehicles, caravans, and dealer plates were reduced by 20 per cent, continuing into 2025.
Victoria proposed lowering the probationary driving age to align with other states. It is currently the only state requiring drivers to be 18 before obtaining a P licence.
In New South Wales, a trial rule was set to permit P-platers aged 25 and older to use mobile phones as GPS devices if securely mounted, a change from the previous blanket ban.
South Australia planned to legalise privately owned e-scooters and other personal mobility devices on public roads and spaces, with a bill expected in early 2025.
These initiatives are among several nationwide changes for the new year. Additional updates included adjustments to Centrelink payments, higher education placements, and the Medicare safety net.
Are these measures enough to address the rising cost of living, or do they simply scratch the surface of a much bigger issue? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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