P-Plate traffic jam a real test for teens

Teenager Ryan Drayton has done all the hard work needed to graduate to his learner’s licence to his P’s, but there’s one final thing standing in his way — Service NSW. Ryan’s story might sound familiar...

For Marks Point teenager Ryan Drayton, starting his first job should be an exciting experience.

Sadly it’s been anything but.

The first-year apprentice electrician starts work at 6.30am every morning, which means getting to work on time is crucial.

But there’s only one problem. He can’t drive.

After passing his L’s at 16 in December 2020, getting his required 120 hours up by the time he turned 17, a dozen driving lessons in the meantime, then passing the hazard perception test, it was the moment Ryan had been waiting for.

Sitting for his P plates.

But this is where the process hit a stop sign.

Ryan Drayton, who has to wait to get his P plates after delays at Service NSW.

For weeks his mother Julia has attempted to book a test through Service NSW but there’s not one appointment available in the next four weeks. Anywhere it seems.

“I’ve looked from Erina all the way to Nelson Bay, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Warners Bay, Wallsend, there’s absolutely nothing,” Mrs Drayton said.

“Every time you change suburbs you have to start the process again as you can’t be in more than one waiting cue.”

Ryan’s new employers have a van ready and waiting for him to drive and have been patient but like any new starter, getting off on the wrong foot isn’t desirable.

With his trade studies due to kick off later this month at TAFE’s Hamilton campus, he’s now feeling more pressure.

“That’s the next worry,” Mrs Drayton said.

“It’s frustrating as Ryan has been so keen to work and become independent. He finished school on the Friday and started his new job on the Monday. We thought this would be done and dusted by now. His employers have been fantastic because they can see the situation.”

Service NSW admitted there is a log jam regarding the booking of driving tests, and a shortage of test instructors doesn’t help.

Tony Parente from Waratahs’s ATP Driver Training believes there’s another reason for the backlog.

“The wait time for Newcastle Service Centre is about four weeks. This number changes when more customers book their test,” they said in a statement.

“Service NSW is experiencing a high demand for driver testing across the state due to the impact of Covid restrictions. However, Service NSW is actively recruiting new driver testers to be better meet the high demand.”

Tony Parente from Waratahs’s ATP Driver Training believes he knows the real reason behind the driving test hold up.

“What has happened is that people from Sydney were booking in and coming to Newcastle to sit for their tests,” Parente said.

“To be honest, I advise my clients to go into the RMS and book over the counter as there’s more chance of getting a spot due to people pulling out. I know of a few times of some young ones getting in the next day due to that.”