Wednesday, 24 June 2020
  
People living in the bush are set to benefit from driver testing returning to full capacity from 1 July, thanks to easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
 
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said all customers would be able to book a driver test online, via phone or in a Service NSW Centre.
 
“Thanks to the cooperation and discipline of so many people, Service NSW has been able to reintroduce driver testing,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“Appropriate safeguards will remain in place to help slow the spread of COVID-19, such as disposable seat covers, hand sanitiser and gloves. Customers will also need to sign a statutory declaration confirming they are well enough to take the test.”
 
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said it was a huge win for people living in the regions who typically didn’t always have the same level of access to public transport as those in metropolitan areas.
 
“We know how important getting a licence is for people living in the bush – it can sometimes be the difference between keeping a job, staying connected with family and friends or getting access to important medical appointments,” Mr Toole said. 
 
“Only last week we announced changes to drivers and riders who want to progress from P1 to P2 and then on to an unrestricted licence by allowing them to do it online instead of having to drive to their nearest Centre, and now we’re reintroducing driver testing because we are committed to making life easier for people in the bush.”
 
As driver testing was closed for three months due to COVID-19, Service NSW is expecting a high demand for this service. An additional 50 driver testers have been hired across the state to increase the number of tests available to customers.
 
There are an estimated 4800 driver tests performed every week. Planning is underway to increase capacity to approximately 6500 tests per week to address the backlog of tests.