Free driver's licence for injured and disabled veterans

• State Government expands eligibility criteria for veterans to receive driver's licence fee exemptions

• Veterans who hold a TPI or EDA card are now eligible for a free driver's licence

Hundreds more Western Australian veterans will not pay a fee for their driver's licence under changes announced today.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said the veterans would not have to pay the driver's licence fee as a consequence of changes to the eligibility criteria for exemptions.

Mr Buswell said eligibility criteria for exemptions had been widened to include veterans who hold a Totally and Permanently Impaired (TPI) or Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) card, issued by the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

The change will save veterans $37.60 a year, and would be available by application or at the time of renewal or replacement of a driver's licence, he said.

"Until now, the regulations did not specifically provide for TPI or EDA veterans to receive any driver licence fee concessions. We're pleased to be able to make this change so we can deliver this benefit for our veterans," Mr Buswell said.

Veterans Minister Joe Francis welcomed the expanded eligibility criteria for WA's veterans.

"These regulatory changes will provide equity in the provision of social concessions to those West Australians who have served our country," Mr Francis said.

For further information relating to concessions, contact the Department of Transport, Driver and Vehicle Services on 13 11 56 or online http://ww.transport.wa.gov.au/dvs  

          Fact File

• Hundreds of veterans now exempt from driver's licence fees

Transport Minister's office  - 6552 6400

Veterans Minister's office - 6552 6500