A suggestion by Overnewton Anglican College students that strict new conditions be imposed on elderly drivers was defeated by just one vote in YMCA Youth Parliament.
Under the proposed scheme, which lost 27-26, drivers aged 75 and older would display S-plates and hold modified licences if they failed a medically assessed driving test.
The divisive bill was aimed at creating awareness of senior drivers on the roads.
Team leader Lachlan Stevenson used a VicRoads statistic that showed drivers 75 and over were the most at risk of a fatal crash.
But the bill’s opposition argued that S-Plates would be discriminatory and humiliating.
Youth Parliament invites young people each year to voice matters of importance and 25 bills have gone on to influence state legislation.
