After 48 years in business, a western suburbs’ driving instructor says he had to take out a private loan to survive the coronavirus crisis.
Altona driving school owner Bruno Ranalli said it was unfair that VicRoads instructors could continue to operate while small businesses went under.
He said he had been unable to provide lessons and had no income since March 23.
“VicRoads are given exemptions so as to go and do their driving tests,“ Mr Ranalli said.
“The tests are done in a VicRoads vehicle by a VicRoads officer, and their excuse is that they are using VicRoads vehicles because they are cleaning the car after each test.
“My question is why can’t I clean my car after each test? What would be the difference?
“They did 10 tests at Werribee yesterday and they’re doing them every day.“
Mr Ranalli said he was still paying for his driving instructor licence, which he couldn’t use, and for registration on two driving cars “sitting in the garage doing nothing“.
“I think it’s grossly unfair,“ he said.
“If testing was stopped altogether and no one could do it, fair enough, but they’re working at the moment while we’re sitting home.
“I got myself a private loan to keep going.“
VicRoads has suspended light vehicle (cars, utes and vans) drive tests and computer-based licensing testing, but heavy vehicle and motorcycle testing “will continue as normal“, its website states.
However, anyone who would experience undue hardship as a result of not having a driver licence or learner permit may be eligible to apply to VicRoads to undertake a test.
“Testing for persons critical to the coronavirus response will also be considered on a case by case basis,“ VicRoads states.
A Department of Transport spokesperson said the Australian Driver Trainers Association (Victoria) had advised that in line with advice from the chief health officer, it had written to its members asking them not to proceed with operations during this time.
The DoT spokesperson said it was their understanding that most major driving schools, such as RACV, had adopted these measures and adhered to the advice.
“We know we’re asking a lot of Victorians right now and we thank everyone for doing the right thing to help save lives,“ the spokesperson said.
“If members of the same household are taking a trip as part of the four reasons to leave home – food and supplies, medical care and caregiving, exercise, and work or education – they can supervise a learner driver in the process of conducting that local trip.”
“We understand the impact these restrictions are having and ask for everyone’s understanding as we seek to protect the health and safety of Victorians.”
