P-platers will face extra restrictions in 2020 as the ACT government rolls out its new drivers licence scheme.
From January 1, new provisional licence holders will be allowed to drive with only one passenger aged 16-22 between 11pm and 5am, unless it is a family member or for work.
Road Safety Minister Shane Rattenbury had originally proposed a blanket ban on P-platers driving between midnight and 5am, a move he argued could result in fewer fatal crashes at night.
The proposal sparked a backlash from politicians and young drivers, with hundreds warning that a night-time curfew would impede their work and social lives.
Mr Rattenbury ultimately abandoned the curfew, but was satisfied that limiting passenger numbers would prevent the most high-risk scenarios for young drivers.
Under the new graduated licensing scheme, learner drivers will have to complete 100 hours of supervised driving - including 10 hours at night - before they can progress to their P-plates.
Provisional licence holders aged under 25 will spend 12 months on red P-plates, where they will be subject to the one passenger limit. They will then graduate to green P-plates, which they will have to display on their vehicle for the following two years.
The new rules won't apply to learner or provisional licences issued before January 1, 2020.
However, all learner drivers and P-platers will be subject to a total ban on the use of mobile devices while behind the wheel, under rules introduced on July 1.
The start of the new year will also mark the beginning of the federal government's new first home buyer program.
Up to 10,000 aspiring first home buyers Australia-wide will only have to save for a five per cent deposit, with the government to guarantee the remaining 15 per cent.
The support will be offered on a "first in, best dressed" basis, according to federal housing minister Michael Sukkar. A $500,000 price limit has been set for Canberra properties which can be purchased under the scheme.
At month's end, the ACT's highly contentious cannabis laws will officially come into effect, allowing Canberrans to grow and possess small quantities of the drug. Federal Attorney-General Christian Porter has cast a cloud over the changes, insisting the territory's laws won't protect cannabis users from Commonwealth legislation which bans the drug.
On February 1, the ACT's new no-fault compulsory third party vehicle insurance scheme will go live.
Meanwhile, Canberrans have largely been spared from increases in government fees and charges to start the new year. The cost to ride light rail or the city's buses remains unchanged; adults will continue to pay $3.22 for a normal peak hour fare.
But some groups and business owners will have to stump up extra in 2020.
The cost for a license to use the reception room at the ACT Legislative Assembly will increase to $150 per day for charities or community groups, up from $102. Other organisations will pay $300 per day, a $96 jump.
It is the first time hire fees have been adjusted since 2012.
Food business owners will pay an extra 2.5 per cent to register or renew their trading license from January 1.
