Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Young Tasmanians who have been waiting to get their driver’s licence will soon be able to go for their Ps, as we progressively recommence practical driving assessments.
Driver assessments are restarting in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie this week, with other testing locations to follow. Government driver assessors will prioritise the assessments that were put on hold before new bookings are accepted.
To keep learners and assessors safe, we will be implementing new industry specific COVID-19 safety guidelines and we will also be providing extra assistance to help move through this backlog and reduce wait times more generally.
With some 1,800 driving assessments put on hold, we are employing more government driver assessors to cut down wait times. These additional assessors will come on-line mid-June.
This will mean we can move through the backlog more quickly, and those in the line have the chance to progress towards their provisional licence, minimising delay as much as possible.
The Department of State Growth is contacting those who had their booked assessments suspended due to COVID-19, and they will be first off the mark as we recommence bookings if available times suit them.
I am particularly pleased to announce we are also expanding the Liberal Government’s nation leading Enhanced P1 Assessment Pilot, which authorises qualified private driving instructors to conduct assessments. We are doing this to further support the reduction of wait times and expand options for learner drivers. An Expression of Interest to deliver these services will be commenced in early June and will focus on expanding service delivery times and locations.
As a further help for young drivers to develop their driving skills and behaviours after the COVID-19 restrictions, a new $250,000 ‘Driver Ready’ package will give eligible learner drivers access to a free government-funded driving lesson with a suitably qualified instructor, and will also be available to those who may need additional support after failing their first provisional assessment.
The Department of State Growth will contact all eligible learner drivers with the ‘Driver Ready’ package which is expected to run through to December 2020.
The Driver Instructor and Assessor Industry COVID-19 Workplace Safety Guidelines are available at www.worksafe.tas.gov.au
