May 2026 Update
Stay informed on the latest changes affecting drivers in the Melton area and across Victoria.
Key Regulatory & Licensing Changes
• Provisional Licence (P-Plate) Updates: Core P1 and P2 rules remain, including zero BAC and mobile phone bans. However, starting July 1, 2026, enforcement will ramp up with higher penalties for defaults and immediate suspensions for serious speeding or drink-driving offences.
• Learner Driver Requirements: Under-21s must now complete 150 supervised hours (up from 120) before becoming eligible for a P1 licence.
• Overseas Licence Swaps: The “easy” experienced driver recognition swaps for overseas licences ended in April 2025; these drivers must now pass full Victorian tests.
• 40km/h “Slow Down” Rule: Penalties of up to $961 apply for failing to slow to 40km/h when passing stationary roadside assistance vehicles, tow trucks, or incident response units with flashing lights.
Financial & Personalization News
• Registration Rebates: Drivers can apply for a registration rebate of up to $186 per vehicle (maximum two) via the Service Victoria App starting June 1, 2026.
• 7-Character Licence Plates: Victoria is introducing its first 7-character plates through the “Seven Reserve” prestige auction on May 26, 2026. This allows for longer business names and unique sequences.
Local Melton Road Works & Alerts
• Melton Highway & Banchory Avenue: Banchory Avenue will be closed at Melton Highway for approximately two months starting May 4, 2026.
• Hopkins Road, Truganina: Closed at the railway crossing until May 18, 2026, for level crossing removal works.
• Melton Valley Drive: Temporary closure at Federation Drive continues until June 8, 2026.
• Murphys Road, Exford: The intersection upgrade at Exford Road began April 29; Murphys Road will remain closed until June 30, 2026.
Resources Vic Roads: Read here