The state Department of Transport is encouraging all users to conduct priority registration and licencing transactions online and has requested all customers to visit the VicRoads service centres only for ‘critical face to face transactions.’
Responding to SBS Punjabi’s query, Jeroen Weimar, the Head of Transport Services at the Department of Transport said, “These temporary changes are an important way to keep all our customers and staff safe.”
Highlights:
- VicRoads suspends all light vehicle drive tests and computer-based licence tests
- Overseas licence holders in Victoria can continue to drive on international licences
- NSW customers will be required to complete a statutory declaration
Image of a woman taking her driving test. Source: Getty images
“This suspension will be reviewed monthly. However, we will continue to be guided by the latest medical advice which means the suspension may be extended,” VicRoads states on its
What if I already have an existing appointment?
Melbourne-based Supreet Randhawa is one of many VicRoads customers who has been impacted.
The 24-year-old business student said she waited for months to get an appointment for a hazard perception test, which she has been informed- now stands suspended.
“It took me two months to get an appointment for the test. Now that I had one for March 30, I have been informed that it has been suspended.
“I totally understand why there was a need to suspend the test. But now I have no idea when I would be able to reschedule it,” said Ms Randhawa.
VicRoads says it is informing each customer individually of these changes. It further states that all booked appointments will be honoured at a time when drive test appointments become available.
We are working through a process to enable drive tests to be carried out in exceptional circumstances, and we’ll have more to say about that in coming days: VicRoads
VicRoads has extended the period for compliance to convert to a Victorian licence for overseas licence holders. Source: Monica Bansal
According to the update, overseas licence holders can continue to drive on their international licence.
“The period for compliance to convert to a Victorian licence has been extended and we will provide more details to customers in due course, heavy vehicle and motorcycle testing will continue as normal.
Heavy vehicle and motorcycle tests:
VicRoads states that heavy vehicle and motorcycle testing will continue as normal.
Who can visit the service centre?
VicRoads is urging all its users and customers to stay at home and check and see whether their registration or licencing transactions can be carried out online via ‘dedicated coronavirus transactions page’ available on the VicRoads website.
It has reduced its customer service centre counter services by 50 per cent to ensure social distancing for customers and staff involved.
“75 per cent of VicRoads transactions can be completed online.
“I urge anyone who has a registration or licensing need to head to the VicRoads website to see whether they can avoid attending a customer service centre unnecessarily,” said Mr Weimar.
NSW digital driver licence Source: AAP Image/Supplied/NSW Government
Update for customers in NSW:
If you're in New South Wales, you will be required to complete a statutory declaration at the Service Centre prior to commencing a driving test.
"Undertaking a driving assessment will require you to be in close contact with your assessing driver for around 30 minutes.
"In order to contain the spread of the virus to our staff, other customers and the community, we are asking applicants for driver tests to confirm that they do not currently have risk factors for infection with COVID-19 virus," according to information available on the .
It further urges the following customers to postpone their tests:
-Those who have returned from overseas within the last 14 days.
-Those who have been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the last 14 days.
-Those who have been advised to self-isolate in the last 14 days.
-Those who feel unwell and/or have any of the following symptoms: cough, fever, runny nose, shortness of breath or other symptoms of respiratory illness.
In addition, the Transport for NSW in partnership with Service NSW has also decided to postpone the aged driving assessments for a minimum period of three months.
"If you were due to have a test your licence status will be maintained," states the website.
What if you already have a booking?
If you already have a test booked, you'll be individually contacted to discuss the options that are available to ensure that your licence remains active.
While for those who haven't made the booking and are required to undertake a test in the next three month period must contact the Transport for NSW, two weeks prior to the due date of the test.
Overseas licence holders:
Holders of a current overseas licence in NSW who have become permanent residents will now have an additional three months to convert to a state licence, making six months in total.
"Driver testing will now cease for overseas licence holders except where an overseas licence has recently expired or is expiring in the next two months.
"Tests will also cease for applicants from overseas who has an NSW learner licence," states the website.
Coronavirus symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia, according to the Federal Government's website. Symptoms can include a fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath.
If you develop symptoms within 14 days of returning from overseas, you should seek medical attention.
If you don’t have symptoms but you have been in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, you should also seek medical attention.
If you believe you may need to get tested, call your doctor, don’t visit. Or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
