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Labor still has no idea how it’s going to fix its licence testing mess

Labor’s Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll has failed to give Victorians any confidence that Labor will be able to clear the growing backlog of people waiting to sit driver license tests. 

Waiting lists had already blown out before the second shut down of testing this year and it’s clear the Andrews Labor Government has absolutely no idea how to get the licencing system back up and operating. 

Speaking with Neil Mitchell yesterday, Minister Carroll also refused to rule out lowering the mandatory 120 hours of driving practice to help get through the backlog – something the Liberal Nationals are opposed to because it will put young drivers at greater risk in their first few years of driving. 

The Liberal Nationals have put forward a plan to get licence testing back up and running, particularly in regional Victoria where restrictions have eased. 

Under our plan all testing centres would conduct tests five days a week at a minimum, computer-based learners permit and hazard perception test would move to a secure online setting and accredited driving instructors would be recruited to conduct licence tests. 

The Andrews Labor Government needs to implement our plan as a priority to ensure young people can get their learners permits and drivers licences as quickly and safely as possible. 

No wonder Victorians has lost confidence in the Andrews Labor Government’s ability to govern our state when its Roads Minister has been asleep at the wheel when it comes to getting Victoria’s licencing system up and running again.

Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Roads (Metropolitan), Road Safety and the TAC, Brad Battin:

“Daniel Andrews’ Roads Minister is failing the more than 100,000 young people waiting to get a licence.

“The Andrews Labor Government has no plans to get young people on the road. 

“So many young people across Victoria want answers of when they can get their licence, and Labor’s Roads Minister remained silent, now we know why – he has no plan.”

Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Rural Roads, Roma Britnell:

“Regional Victoria is now under relaxed restrictions, but Labor still hasn’t announced how or when licence testing will re-open in areas outside the city. 

“Having a driver’s licence is essential for young people living in rural and regional areas where there is no public transport. A licence helps them got to and from work, school and sport. 

“The Minister has said that “everything was being looked at” – I hope that includes the suggestions we have been making for months because so far, Labor’s approach to this issue has been hopeless.”

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