They will also be forced to have an interlock device fitted for six months after getting back on the road.

In spruiking the new laws, the state's Transport Accident Commission said driving skills begin to be impaired at a blood-alcohol level of 0.02.

When asked if the Victorian government would consider banning drivers from drinking at all, Roads Minister Luke Donnellan said "we will do some further studies on that".

"That's part of our road safety initiatives that we will look at those issues," he told reporters.

Under the new laws, people caught behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or drugs will have to complete a behavioural program.

First-time drug drivers will also lose their licence for six months, up from three, with repeat offenders forced off the road for a year.

The measures will also cover drivers coming form interstate.

"Everybody who is affected by drugs and alcohol will have the same rules apply, whether you're (on) a Victorian licence at the time or you're coming interstate and wish to get a Victorian licence," Mr Donnellan said.

It comes after Victoria Police revealed there were 43 collisions involving drug driving in Ballarat in the last two years.

In response, Senior Sergeant Ben Young of the Highway Patrol unit previously said local officers had increased oral fluid tests across the region’s roads.

“Use of illicit substances and driving is a recipe for disaster and it is never acceptable,” he said.

“People who use illicit substances cannot be sure of exactly what they are taking.

“This means that their impairment can differ substantially in length and severity.”

Melbourne woman Karen Robinson, whose 25-year-old son Ben died while drink- driving in Bendigo in 2009, welcomed the changes to the laws.

"Sadly, my son was a repeat road traffic offender, he had done that (drink- driving) many times over a 10-year period," she said.

Ms Robinson urged drivers who consider getting behind the wheel while affected by drugs or alcohol to stop and think.

"Think about your loved ones. You really don't want them organising your funeral.”

- AAP