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Roads | April 23, 2021

Expand on-line testing now

Following repeated calls from The Nationals, the state government has announced that learner drivers from across regional Victoria will finally be able to sit their learner’s permit test online.

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy, together with her National Party colleagues, has repeatedly called for online testing to be implemented to help manage the huge backlog of testing appointments following the cancellation of testing due to the COVID-19.

“A lot of our young people have been directly impacted by this and have been very patient waiting for their tests,” Ms Kealy said.

“A driver’s licence is crucial for young people in rural and regional areas where public transport is virtually non-existent – they need a licence to be able to get to and from work or seek employment.

“Their employment and future prospects have been severely hampered by their inability to sit a test. It is extremely frustrating that while testing resumed in September, it has taken Labor a further eight months to implement on-line testing when the technology already existed and was available.

The first 500 prospective learner drivers to sit the test are from the Gippsland region.

“While I am pleased for these Gippsland residents, they have been selected in recognition of the long distances many have to travel to sit the test in-person,” Ms Kealy said.

“Well this also directly applies to the residents of Lowan.

“I am calling on the Andrews Labor Government to immediately expand eligibility to include Lowan residents so our young people are not left stranded and even further disadvantaged than they already are by the lack of public transport available.”