A Shepparton father has called for the Victorian learner permit test, which is currently suspended because of the coronavirus, to go online.
Aspiring learners can practice the test online, but the real thing must be completed in person at a VicRoads office.
David Doherty said his daughter, Gabby, turned 16 in May and had not been able to sit for her learner permit test because of delays caused by the first lockdown.
"She may not be able to get her Ls this year," he said.
"Some VicRoads offices have said it probably won't be until early next year."
Mr Doherty said his daughter would love to be driving and was concerned the suspension of license tests would lead to further delays on the road to a probationary driver licence.
"Getting the 120 hours doesn't sound a lot in 12 months, but it is actually quite a lot of driving per month for these young people," he said.
"They're trying to do Year 12 at the same time, generally, and trying to get 120 hours, plus VCE, plus working — it is pretty tough."
Questions over integrity of online test
In a statement, a Department of Transport spokesperson said all light vehicle and computer-based licence testing across Victoria had been temporarily suspended.
"We know this suspension will impact many Victorians, especially those whose licence test may have already been postponed due to the stage 3 restrictions in late March," the spokesperson said.
"But this is what needs to be done to protect the health and wellbeing of our staff and customers and slow the spread of coronavirus."
The spokesperson said in-person tests were the best way to ensure the integrity and verify the identity of the person taking the test.
"It also ensures these new drivers have the road safety and road rule knowledge while developing the skills they need behind the wheel to keep them safe on our roads," they said.
But Mr Doherty said with many other businesses going online during the pandemic, licence tests should too.
"They've got to get 120 hours under supervision of an adult anyway," he said.
"I can get a $300,000 home loan online and then go and do the identification process, but you can't get your learner's."
Petition for change
Mr Doherty started an online petition to get the test made available online.
So far it has attracted more than 10,000 signatures.
A formal petition has been established by Mr Doherty so it can be presented to the State parliament.
He hopes this will lead to a change.
"That's a really big step for us, to be able to help tens of thousands of kids to have the freedom to get to university and work when they are 18," he said.
The Department of Transport has a hardship testing process in place to allow those who need a licence for essential work or extenuating circumstances to apply to take an online light vehicle test.
