DRIVERS IN SLOW LANE
LEARNER drivers face lengthy wait times to obtain their licence as VicRoads works its way through a massive backlog of tests.
More than 4500 Greater Geelong drivers had their licensing appointments cancelled when VicRoads suspended testing in March.
But the authority has completed just 700 of the postponed appointments since services resumed in June.
Drivers who did not have licensing and testing appointments booked before services were suspended have not been able to make appointments.
The Geelong Advertiser understands some learner drivers had been told hazard assessment appointments were not available until at least September.
Whittington’s Maddie Rentsch, 22, doesn’t expect to sit her hazard perception for three months.
“I don’t understand why I have to go to a public place to do an online test,” she said. “Why can’t I do it at home?” Ms Rentsch said she feared she would have to wait another three months to sit the driving test after completing her hazards.
The Department of Transport said since licence and computer-based testing resumed, about half of the drive test appointments offered to those on the postponed list had not been taken up.
Hardship and special circumstance licence testing is continuing across Victoria for those who would face undue hardship from not having a licence.
VicRoads is also understood to be looking to increase its appointments capacity at Geelong by 50 per cent.
“Our first priority since testing resumed has been to rebook tests for those whose appointments were postponed due to restrictions – we are contacting these customers to reschedule their appointment, with the re-booking set to occur in the order of cancellation,” a spokesman said.
Opposition spokesman for road safety and the TAC Brad Battin said the government should immediately move to deliver as much testing as possible online in order to help clear the licencing backlog.
“I have written to the responsible minister and asked for clarity and reassurance for young drivers about plans that are in place to help them get their licenses as soon as possible,” Mr Battin said.