Australia’s oldest L-plater bikie
John Newton of Sandringham in Melbourne, may well be Victoria’s and possibly Australia’s oldest L-plater. He’s out on the road after passing his motorcycle licence test recently and enjoys heading down the highway on two wheels.
It has been 35 years since Mr Newton, 85, had his motorbike license, and he is ready to carry on where he left off. He recently bought a motorbike after seeing his daughter riding around on her scooter.
“She helped me go for it. I wouldn’t have done it without her,” Mr Newton said.
Riding to Mordialloc with his daughter, Judy Pine, he admitted it was nice to ride again after such a long time.
“It’s a good little freedom thing,” he said.
Family and friends said they were not shocked when they heard he had got his motorbike licence. Going through different tests and safety classes to get his licence, he admits it is much harder now than when he was young.
Although he feels safe on the roads, he is getting his confidence back.
“You’ve got to look after yourself. It’s not for everyone. You have to make sure you can really ride,” he said.
