Taken from MSN News: New plans revealed for state’s learner drivers.
Under recent Victorian government changes, Learner drivers will be allowed to take their licence test online starting from early next year.
During the hard COVID-19 lockdown in Melbourne, driving lessons and practicing have not been permitted. However, with a new $26.8 million package, a digital system will enable people to take their licence tests at home, clearing a major backlog that accumulated during the restrictions caused by coronavirus. Any postponed appointments will be refunded, meaning 80,000 people are expected have their $19 returned and new application fees waived.
“We know it’s a milestone event, getting your identification, but also getting behind the wheel for the very first time,” said Ben Carroll, Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety, “And we want to make sure that we support every young Victorian to get back behind the wheel safely and securely.”
Mr. Carroll also mentioned that drivers will still be required to obtain photo ID and eye tests at an office.
“We’ve already put six testing sites online and we’re going to put another six online as well,” he said, “So that will be both online and physical presence of 12 testing sites throughout Victoria. We’re also adding 180 additional testing staff throughout our registration and licensing offices. The sites we’ve identified include Cranbourne, Ringwood, Coolaroo and Mulgrave.”
These new measures are said to triple the capacity for registration and licensing.