Parents relieved as driving tests resume

Gladstone’s learner drivers will soon be able to sit for their P-plates again with practical driving tests to resume.

PRESSURE RELIEVED: Thirza Scarr said the resumption of P-plate driving tests will bring relief to drivers and instructors alike.

Gladstone's learner drivers will soon be able to sit for their P-plates again with practical driving tests to resume on June 15.

Thirza Scarr from Redback Driver Training said it was a relief to parents and learner drivers alike that tests will resume after they were suspended in late March due to COVID-19.

"It is very exciting news for the kids on their L-plates that have been waiting to have their provisional license test," Ms Scarr said.

"Our drivers, and I imagine plenty of other learner drivers, have been so disappointed that the COVID-19 lockdown has prevented them from getting their P's.

"Tests resuming allows them that little bit more freedom so that their lives can get back to normal."

Ms Scarr said most of the driver training schools in Gladstone have continued operating during the COVID-19 pandemic, taking extra precautions.

"We spoke to the children and other drivers on the phone before they travelled with us because what happens if they got it?" she said.

"We did have a lot of cancellations because drivers didn't want to risk it, they just wanted to see how COVID-19 would hit Gladstone, but we have very fortunate in Gladstone."

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said with coronavirus restrictions easing and Queenslanders smashing the curve, transport authorities have begun preparing for the return of driving tests with new measures in place to ensure examiners and learner drivers are safe.

The approved COVID-safe 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.

"New driving examiners are being brought on board and tests will be conducted six days a week to help catch up on the number of learner drivers whose tests were suspended."

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