Thousands of trade apprentices who rely on their car to travel to work every day will be hundreds of dollars better off, with the Andrews Labor Government extending its registration discount program.

Under the scheme, eligible apprentices can apply for a 50 per cent discount on their vehicle’s registration fee and Transport Accident Charge.

The Labor Government has expanded the program to include all eligible apprentices who use their vehicle to get to and from work between 8.30pm and 5.30am.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas said the extension of the program will make a massive difference for hundreds of apprentices in the Werribee Electorate.

The scheme, established in 2016, was previously only available to apprentices in defined trades who used their vehicles to travel between work sites during work hours.

All apprentices are now able to apply if they drive their vehicle in the course of their apprenticeship, for example to carry the tools of their trade to and from work sites, or if they use their vehicle for travel to and from work between 8.30pm and 5.30am.

Eligible apprentices paying standard registration on a light vehicle in metropolitan Melbourne, will save $408.20 per year, outer metropolitan areas $381.30 and in rural areas $349.95.

To be eligible for the discount all apprentices must be registered with the Victorian Registrations Qualification Authority, must use their own car, van or ute and regularly use it in the course of their apprenticeship

Bricklayers, carpenters, joiners, chefs, hairdressers, electricians and plumbers will be among those eligible for a discount if their employers agree that the use of the vehicle is an essential part of their work.

The Labor Government is supporting the skills of the next generation of Victorian workers while at the same time helping to ease their cost of living pressures. Money trade apprentices save on rego costs can now be invested in more training and more tools.

Eligible apprentices are now able to apply to receive discounted registration. Applications can only be made online via the VicRoads website.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“We’re supporting our bricklayers, carpenters, joiners, electricians, plumbers, chefs and bakers who all rely on our roads to get to the sites they work at and to get the training they need.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

“The cost of car rego is often a major hurdle for many apprentices and this discount makes it easier for them to get to where they need to go for work.”