Today in the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee, the Andrews Labor Government have shown the only roadblock to computer-based learners permit test and hazard perception test going online, is a lack of direction from the Andrews Labor Government.
The test must be moved online to help clear the growing backlog of tests following the second lockdown. Moving both tests, which are already computer-based, to a secure online setting will ensure young people can be ready to start learning to drive sooner. VicRoads resources can then be focused on clearing the backlog of vehicle-based testing.
An online test would mean 16-year-olds living in a Stage 3 restriction area would be able to start their required 120 hours of experience of driving needed to get their licence and make safer drivers. This eliminates the potential of cramming hours into a shorter time to obtain their license when they turn 18.
This is a sensible move and should be adopted as a matter of priority, and with VicRoads’ admission that it is ready to go online, why won’t the Andrews Labor Government allow it?
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Roads (Metropolitan), Road Safety and the TAC, Brad Battin:
“120 hour driver training is not just number; it is the hours to ensure we have safe drivers in the future.
“We continue to see a high road toll in young age groups even during restrictions due to COVID-19.
“This highlights the need to have tests online, and get young people on the road sooner to make them safer drivers.”
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Rural Roads, Roma Britnell:
“Schools and universities are doing exams online, businesses have moved to an online model, but the Andrews Labor Government doesn’t seem capable of allowing computer-based tests to be done remotely.
“Young people were facing a huge delay after the first shutdown of testing and that wait is getting even longer now because of the mess that Victoria is in.
“Moving to a remote computer-based test makes sense, it reduces the waiting lists, eases the demand for resources in VicRoads offices and protects the health and safety of staff.”
