Victoria’s delayed off-road driving trial has finally got underway with the first drive taking place in the Melbourne suburb of Bayswater.
Backed by a A$4.9 million investment from the Allan Labor Government, the 18-month, closed-circuit trial is being conducted by Swinburne University of Technology.
It will investigate whether medicinal cannabis patients can drive safely and assist in understanding how THC impacts driving performance and how that translates into risk on the road.
A regional trial is also set to begin in Anglesea.
Lead researcher of Swinburne’s drugs and driving research unit Professor Luke Downey said: “We’ve made significant strides in the articulation of our research vehicles, which are specifically designed to assess driving performance in real-world conditions.”
Researchers will review participants’ ability to manage distractions and assess their driving performance including steering, braking and speed control.
The drivers will be closely monitored throughout the trial with strict protections in place to ensure the safety of people at the track.
A qualified driving instructor will be present in the vehicle during all phases of the assessment, with access to dual controls to intervene promptly if needed.
The private driving course, at METEC Driver Training in Bayswater, mirrors real-world conditions and is away from public roads.
To qualify, participants must have been prescribed medicinal cannabis for a sleep disorder, chronic pain, or a mental health condition for at least six months. The trial will include pre and post-drive drug impairment screenings.
Claiming the trial to be a “world first”, minister for roads and road safety Melissa Horne said: “We have kicked off the first drive to gain a greater understanding on the effects of medicinal cannabis on driving in Victoria.”
Last week, an amendment passed in Victoria’s upper house giving magistrates the power to allow medicinal cannabis patients to keep their driving licence if they are charged after testing positive for THC, assuming there is no evidence of impairment.
Campaigners are hoping the results of the off-road trial will help guide further reform.
