By Alesha Capone
Wyndham teenager Indi is among the thousands of young Victorians who will soon be able to sit for a learner driving permit at home, rather than at a VicRoads service centre.
The state government is rolling out an online testing system for young people to try for their L-plates.
The initiative is set to become available to all young people across the state by the end of the month.
Ahead of this, some youths who have already booked a testing appointment at VicRoads centres in Hoppers Crossing, Melbourne’s CBD and Ballarat have been invited to enroll for an online test instead.
To access the test, young people need to create a myVicRoads personal account on a compatible device.
The entire course and test takes between four and six hours to complete, with prospective learners having 12 months to sit and pass the online test once they have registered.
The new test takes learners through a course that includes theory, interactive videos and visual graphics before a final assessment.
Key road safety messages with mini-quizzes to test learners’ knowledge in modules like speed, drink and drug driving, seatbelts, fatigue, distractions and road rules also feature.
When the online course and assessment has been successfully completed, learner drivers will need to attend a VicRoads customer service centre to confirm their identity, have their photo taken and complete an eyesight check.
Indi said was planning to book in for her L-plate test after her 16th birthday in July.
“I’m excited to get my licence but it’s also a bit nerve-wracking,” she said.
Indi said she was also keen to find out how easy or hard driving was in reality.
Roads and Road Safety Minister Ben Carroll said the state government was excited to keep rolling out the new online learner test.
“This innovative online platform is removing barriers that many prospective drivers across the state face in starting their driving journey – and that means we’re giving all young Victorians the best chance of getting on the roads safely,” he said.
Details: vicroads.vic.gov.au.
