Who says old age slows you down?

Transport MInister Scott Emerson plans to conduct a review of licensing across Queensland. Source: The Courier-Mail

TWO 91-year-old hoons were among 260,522 Queensland drivers whose licences were disqualified or suspended last year.

One of the speedsters was disqualified outright while the other was disqualified for amassing too many points.

The next oldest driver to be rubbed out was an 87-year-old. Their identities were not revealed.

A shame file produced by the Department of Transport and Main Roads exclusively for The Courier-Mail contained other surprises.

No fewer than 39 16-year-olds were disqualified before they even obtained their open licences.

Other young offenders to lose their licences included 154 aged 17, 472 aged 18 and 811 aged 19.

Drivers aged 23 had the most disqualifications while the 20-26-year-old group made up 26 per cent of all disqualifications.

A majority of licence cancellations were for unpaid fines.

Of 3.3 million licence holders in Queensland, 6 per cent were disqualified or suspended in 2012, said Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson.

Mr Emerson is conducting a sweeping review of licensing, penalties and sanctions and seeks public input.

He wants to see improvements in the way young driver's skills are tested. "It's important that students have skills such as reverse parking, but there is a higher priority on riskier manoeuvres such as turning right across incoming traffic," Mr Emerson said.

"I want to ensure that the test better reflects the competency required for young drivers to stay safe. I'll be making a decision in the coming months about changes to licensing for two of the most at-risk driver groups.

"We are currently considering public feedback and changes recommended by two reports into the Q-Ride motorcycle program and the Q-SAFE driver's license test.

"The review of licensing was prompted by figures which show how significantly over-represented both groups were in crash and fatality statistics.

"Motorcycles make up 4.2 per cent of all motorised vehicles on register, yet in 2011 there were 45 motorcycle rider and pillion fatalities in Queensland, which represents 16.7 per cent of the Queensland road toll. There are 12 recommendations, including pre-learner training, skills refreshment for riders returning after an extended break from riding, and a further assessment of basic motorcycle skills by a Q-Ride service provider after six months," Mr Emerson said.