Almost five months after driving tests around the state were first suspended due to covid, a hefty backlog of 137,000 drivers awaiting a test has accumulated, including 17,000 who live in rural areas. The delay to licenses is proving to have a significant impact on people living in the bush. 

According to Service, NSW, clearing the accumulation of delayed driving tests could take well into 2022. 

While the government has filled the 50 vacant positions for driver testers and added an additional 50 positions to assist in clearing the backlog, Shadow Minister for Customer Service Yasmin Catley says that it is not enough. 

“This is simply not good enough when we have people waiting a year for a driving test and facing the risk of losing their job,” Ms Cately said. 

Member for Orange Philip Donato recently brought the matter to Parliament, where he asked of Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello what efforts were being made in response. 

“Many young and elderly people in my community and across regional NSW awaiting several months for Service NSW to undertake their driving examinations. This is now affecting job opportunities, livelihoods and independence,” Mr Donato said. 

Mr Dominello responded that priority for testing will be awarded to those who need testing to retain their current license, such as aged customers and customers with medical conditions. 

Remote and Rural Communities Regional Manager of Service NSW Sal Wall said that since restrictions eased on October 11, they have been working on clearing the backlog. 

“Service NSW is recruiting additional driver testers and exploring options for establishing additional testing sites,” said Mrs Wall. 

“Further strategies are also under development to fast-track the backlog,” Mrs Wall added. 

In Orange, this presented as twenty driving tests per week, according to Mr Dominello. 

In local communities where public transport is much more limited than city environments, being prevented from gaining a driver’s license could also mean restricting access to groceries, work, education and health facilities. 

Across the Western Plains, travel to work is largely reliant on the independence of a license. In the budget estimates this week, they heard of a young apprentice who would lose their job without obtaining their license but was still unable to secure an appointment for a test. 

“A four-month hiatus has turned into a year-long nightmare for people trying to get their driver’s license,” said Ms Cately. 

The long-term impacts of up to a year’s backlog will likely present across the workforce and ability to make their way to the workplace. 

According to Service NSW, driving tests will be made available online before the end of the year, and customers who had a test booking have been contacted and rescheduled.