Research has shown that P plate drivers in their first year of unsupervised driving are eight times more likely to be involved in an accident where the passenger is killed than those who have been driving for more than a year.

The same research also indicated the first six months of the provisional driving period is the riskiest, making these drivers the most vulnerable on WA roads.

Under the new regulations, P plate drivers in the first six months of provisional driving period will be banned from driving between midnight and 5am, while phase two of the learner period - which consists of driving under supervision for 25 hours - will now have to be completed within a minimum timeframe of six months.

In addition to these two major changes, the maximum blood alcohol content for P and L plate drivers has been changed from 0.02 per cent to a new zero tolerance policy, while learner’s permits will now be valid for three years without a renewal fee.

School Drug Education and Road Aware (SDERA) coordinator Jill Fitzpatrick said the changes to legislation complement the Keys For Life program administered by SDERA in Esperance.

“The program is about preparing future drivers for a lifetime of safe driving,” Mrs Fitzpatrick said.

“I think the new changes to the legislation will help L and P plate drivers become safer drivers, and allow them more opportunity to gain experience on the road before they take the next step.”

Esperance Senior High School student Rebekah Geagea, who reached phase two of her learners permit just before the new changes took hold, said she could see the upside to the changes.

“I think anything that allows learner drivers to gain more experience behind the wheel is probably a good thing, and I think my mum will be happy knowing I have more experience behind the wheel.”

Esperance Driving School instructor Bernice Lane said she believes the changes to the legislation were “spot on” for young drivers.

“The changes as they are, are fantastic,” Mrs Lane said.

“Twenty-five hours completed over the course of six months will be a lot better than cases we have seen in the past of young drivers completing those hours over two weeks, so I think the changes are very beneficial.”