NSW Labor has urged the Government to dedicate additional resources and staff to clear a backlog of driving tests at Service NSW centres.

Driver licence testing was suspended between March and June due to COVID-19. 

While testing resumed on 1 July 2020, there are significant wait times.

A survey of Service NSW locations across Sydney and regional areas shows there are waits of six weeks or longer to book a Driver Knowledge Test – the first step to obtain a Learner Licence. 

NSW licencing statistics show there is a backlog of learner driver licence holders waiting to obtain a P1 provisional licence. 

As of 30 June 2020:

There were 18,588 more learner driver licence holders compared to 30 June 2019 with 22,517 fewer P1 provisional driver licence holders compared to 30 June 2019.

Shadow Minister for Better Public Services Sophie Cotsis said even though a month has passed, in some locations tests cannot be booked for weeks.

“Young people need to be able to drive to access education and employment opportunities.

She added that the Service NSW staff are to be commended for their vital work especially during this pandemic yet reiterated that they need more support. 

“The NSW Government needs to take urgent action to employ additional staff to clear the driver test backlog.”

Since yesterday a Service NSW spokesperson acknowledged the demand since reopening stating that community safety is their number one priority.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this delay has caused," the spokesperson said.

"An additional 50 driver testers have been hired across the state to increase the number of tests available to customers,"

The current driver testing wait time in Lismore is eight days, according to Service NSW; significantly outperforming their city counterparts.

A Service NSW spokesperson said that appropriate safeguards remain in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19, such as disposable seat covers, hand sanitiser and gloves.

"Customers currently need to sign a statutory declaration confirming they are well enough to take the test and temperature checks are being introduced for all driving test applicants."

At present all Service NSW customers are able to book a driver test online, via phone or in a Service NSW Centre.

"Customers currently looking to progress their licence from P1 to P2 and then onto an unrestricted licence can also now do so online," the spokesperson said.