Massive backlog of driving tests could leave learners waiting for months

Young Victorians ready to get their learner’s permits will have to wait months to get their licence because of a massive backlog in tests caused by the state’s coronavirus restrictions.

VicRoads suspended all licence testing, including computer-based tests, across Victoria on March 25 in line with Premier Daniel Andrews’ pandemic restrictions.

Under Stage 4 restrictions, driving lessons and even practice drives with a family member are not permitted.

More than 100,000 people had licence appointments cancelled in March, according to the ABC, but the backlog started moving again in June when restrictions eased.

VicRoads set up temporary licence testing sites to help with the delays - but testing was once again cut off in early July when Victoria was placed back into lockdown.

It’s understood about 259,000 learner drivers are seeking to do computer driving tests and 124,000 are waiting to do a driving test on the road, which includes existing bookings.

That’s up from 108,000 in total for both computer and road tests in March before testing was suspended.

Stan Gates, driving instructor and president of the Australian Driver Trainers Association in Victoria, told 3AW’s Tom Elliot the issue needs to be addressed.

• Coronavirus Victoria: Stage 4 lockdown measures extended in Melbourne

• 'Not helpful': Premier fires back at ScoMo's criticism of roadmap

• Coronavirus Victoria: Daily cases drop again, nine more deaths

Mr Gates believes VicRoads should “lift all the conditions” and allow the driving instructors to work six days a week.

“VicRoads should open up their offices on Saturdays and have longer hours so we can cut the backlog,” he said.

RACV senior policy advisor Elvira Lazar told the radio show the government should look at different options to move through the backlog without compromising the safety of the public.

“I think it’s frustrating for a lot of families out there… but we need to make sure we maintain the system that’s in place at the moment and not make any compromises on safety,” she said.

Ms Lazar shut down suggestions of reducing logbook hours for L and P-plate drivers to compensate for the extensive delays, saying any concessions are putting inexperienced drivers at risk.

“Any move to change that will only compromise the safety of our young drivers,” she said.

A petition to allow computer-based learner tests to be taken from home has gathered more than 2700 signatures.

“VicRoads have yet to process the backlog of learner permit applications from the first lockdown, and it will be many months before eligible individuals can get their permits,” the petition states.

“Some VicRoads offices have stated that it is unlikely that they will take bookings for learners permits prior to 2021.”

A transport department spokesperson to Yahoo News Australia due to COVID all light vehicle drive tests and computer-based licence testing across Victoria continues to be suspended.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.