While driving tests hit the brakes in March due to coronavirus, learner drivers will soon be able to sit for their P-plates again with tests to officially resume on 15 June.
It's positive news for Bundaberg Driving School‘s Warren Stark, who said he was very excited for his students to move on from their training.
“We train mostly kids who are on their Learner Licence as well as adults and those who wish to switch from auto to manual,” he said.
“We do about six hours of lessons per day, so that's six hours of contact time in which we sanitise the vehicles after each lesson and ask each driver to sanitise their hands.”
Warren said he loved every aspect of his job, especially seeing the excitement on the students' faces when they passed their driving test.
“It is a very rewarding job, teaching young people who have never driven a day in their life to be comfortable behind the wheel and to eventually gain their P-plates,” he said.
“We are very excited that the restrictions have eased, allowing our students to take the next step in gaining their licence.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey recently announced the change, stating while Queenslanders were smashing the coronavirus curve, transport authorities could start preparing for the return of driving tests.
The approved COVID-safe driving test plan includes mandatory screening questions, vehicle cleaning requirements and reinforcement of general health and hygiene measures.
“Heavy vehicle driving tests resumed last week and with Queensland being among the best-performing states in stopping the spread of COVID-19, light vehicle tests will recommence on June 15 to support jobs and keep our economy moving,” Mr Bailey said.
Practical driving tests were suspended in late March due to COVID-19 and social distancing requirements.
Mr Bailey said a booking process would be introduced to prioritise learner drivers who had their tests suspended due to the pandemic, and those who urgently needed their P-plates for economic, health, and job reasons.
The fee for learner licence renewals is being waived until three months after practical driving tests resume.
This includes learner licences that have expired.
“The impacts of COVID-19 have been far-reaching and I want to express my appreciation to all the learner drivers for their patience and understanding,” he said.
“I also want to thank our driving instructors who will be working hard to safely progress through the COVID-related backlog”.
For more information on the resumption of testing visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au
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