Are You Eligible for the Victorian Apprentice Free Car Registration Scheme?

The Victorian government is set to roll out a groundbreaking initiative that will bring significant relief to eligible apprentices across the state. Premier Daniel Andrews recently announced a $10 million scheme, allowing apprentices to register their vehicles for free, starting from July 1. 2023.

This brand new initiative from the Victorian Government aims to ease the financial burden on apprentices at a time where cost of living has never been higher in Australia. This new initiative will help an industry of young apprentices who often rely on their vehicles for work-related purposes.

Shop for Cars has put together the complete guide to help you understand the Victorian Apprentice Free Car Registration Scheme, Who is eligible for the Victorian Apprentice Free Car Registration Scheme and How you can apply for the Victorian Apprenticeship Free Car Registration Scheme.

Let’s get into it.

What is the Victorian Apprentice Free Car Registration Scheme?

The Victorian Apprentice Free Car Registration scheme is a new initiate introduced by the Victorian government's to supporting its hard-working apprentices. This $10 million initiative, outlined in the Victorian Budget 2023/24, is designed to put more money back into the pockets of Victorian apprentices by offering free car registration to eligible apprentices in Victoria.

Who is eligible for the Victorian Apprentice Free Car Registration Scheme?

Here is the big question, are you eligible for the Victorian Apprentice Free Car Registration scheme?

Trade apprentices in Victoria can apply for a free car registration discount on their vehicle’s registration fee from July 1, 2023, if they meet the following criteria:

• Registered with the VRQA or a Victorian apprentice undertaking training in South Australia or New South Wales.
• Currently employed in an approved training scheme.
• Using your own car, ute, or van for approved work purposes or regularly using it to commute to or from work between 8:30 pm and 5:30 am (vehicle cannot exceed 4.5 tonnes GVM).
• Hold a current Victorian driver's license (not a learner permit).
• Victorian resident.
• Received the registration or renewal notice.

How to Apply for Free Car Registration in Victoria?

Eligible apprentices can apply for the free vehicle registration through the myVicRoads portal on the VicRoads website. When the next registration renewal notice arrives, applicants need to visit the VicRoads website and provide their VRQA registration number, vehicle registration number, and driver's license number. VicRoads will verify these details with the employer, emphasising the importance of ensuring employer support before applying.

How much will you save with the Victorian Apprentice Free Car Registration Scheme?

Victorian apprentices can save up to $865 annually by taking advantage of the Victorian Apprentice Free Car Registration Scheme.

What other incentives are there for Apprentices in Victoria?

This initiative builds upon existing measures introduced by the Andrews Labor Government to alleviate financial pressures on apprentices. Apprentices who require their vehicles for work already enjoy a 50% discount on registration fees under the Trade Apprentice Registration Discount scheme. Currently, more than 12,000 apprentices and trainees are taking advantage of this discount.

Introduced in 2016, the Trade Apprentice Registration Discount scheme aimed to reduce costs for trade apprentices using their vehicles for work purposes. Earlier this year, the scheme expanded to border communities, benefiting apprentices residing in Victoria but working in New South Wales and South Australia.

Financial Incentives in Victoria

In addition to vehicle registration discounts, the Victorian government has introduced short-term registration, allowing families to split the registration fees into smaller payments. Learner and probationary licenses and online testing are now free, providing further financial relief. Drivers with a clean record in the three years preceding license expiration can also benefit from a 25% discount on license renewal fees.

Quotes from Key Figures

Premier Daniel Andrews expressed the government's commitment, stating, "We’re backing our hard-working Victorian apprentices and helping ease cost of living pressures by making vehicle registration completely free, saving eligible apprentices hundreds of dollars every year."

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne added, "We’re putting more money back in the pockets of Victorian apprentices and giving them the support they need by making rego completely free for eligible apprentices."

Minister for Skills and Training Gayle Tierney highlighted the initiative's goal: "This is all about making it easier for our apprentices to get the skills they need for the jobs they want."

Final Word,

The Victorian Apprentice Free Car Registration Scheme represents a significant step towards supporting apprentices in the state. With a focus on easing financial pressures, the government's multi-faceted approach ensures that apprentices can pursue their training and work without undue financial stress. As the initiative takes effect on July 1, eligible apprentices are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the application process to take advantage of this generous program.

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