Overhaul of learner driver test
QUEENSLAND’S mul t i p l e choice test for learner drivers could be abolished within months as the state moves toward a rigorous digital education and exam program in a bid to save lives.
In the biggest shake- up to licence testing in more than four decades, the Queensland Government will phase out the 30question multiple choice exam in favour of a unique online learning and assessment program, PrepL.
Developed by Brisbane- based technology company Croomo, PrepL is completed online with users expected to answer about 400 questions, and undertake activities and challenges during the four- to six- hour course.
The program is now going through a second pilot stage and is expected to be rolled out in the second half of the year
“In addition to benefiting from PrepL’s comprehensive road rules instruction, students will learn why the rules exist and, in a virtual environment, they will experience the consequences of poor driving behaviour,” a Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesman said.
“PrepL is designed to improve learner driver education by focusing on developing safe be- haviours and attitudes. It will ensure new drivers know the road rules, and understand the impact of the fatal five road beh haviours.” The course will be available on smart phones, tablets and computers and can be complete ed anywhere at the user’s pace. About 250 people died on Queensland roads last year and RACQ head of technical and safety policy Steve Spalding said he hoped PrepL could help reduce the road toll. “It’s very apparent that young drivers go through a rapid learning curve in terms of getting that basic level of skill and understanding of how to safely drive and be on the road,” Mr Spalding said. “If this gives them an opportunity to take a more interactive or interesting approach and absorb some of those theories before they have to learn the hard way. I think that’s really good. Metro Driving School instructor Omar Khan said he welcomed any initiative that helped educate drivers. “We have quite a big issue where kids are driving with their parents who got their licence a long time ago and the rules have changed a lot and they’re teaching them the wrong thing,” Mr Khan said.