How we aim to help with Driver Testing backlogs across NSW
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From 1 July all NSW Driver Testing resumes
In response to risks and health advice associated with COVID-19, Service NSW put the brakes on Driver Testing at the end of March 2020 (with some exceptions). A recent announcement flagged that all centres would re-commence Driver Testing from 1 July1.
1SOURCE at 1 July 2020: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/book-driver-or-rider-licence-test
As a result, 50,000+ people are in the queue for testing
With over three months of backlog, imagine the challenges for 90 Service NSW Centres (plus 32 Council agencies) to handle driver testing across the state. The limited number of trained Examiners to cover NSW would be stretched beyond imagining. This prompted our NSW DTA Committee to offer input to find ways to help ramp things up. Our priority from 1 June has been to assist with NSW Driver Testing
Two things happened
We entered constructive dialogue with Service NSW and we asked for your input to find meaningful suggestions for return-to-work.
Talking to and meeting with Service NSW and Transport for NSW
We have had excellent dialogue and correspondence with senior managers of Service NSW to talk about how to manage the enormous backlog mainly of Learner Drivers. They have been very supportive of our efforts to work with them and offer assistance. A ZOOM meeting is planned for July (post school holidays) between Service NSW delegates and officers of NSW DTA.
We received specific suggestions on how instructors could ‘help out’ at testing appointments. We outlined this in our June email and some of the key points include:
- Give details for our car registration/Takata Airbags check to Service Officer at door.
- When our client returns from their test, try to stay outside to help stem in-Centre foot traffic unless, for example, our client has language difficulties.
- If our client is advised they were unsuccessful, we can speak to the manager who will then explain any questions/concerns we or our clients might have.
Insights from a good sampling of Survey respondents
Our next strategy was to ask YOU, our Driving Instructor Members, how you have been affected by Covid-19 related events, both testing and instruction. We created a Survey and shared this on our Facebook page and an all-Member email.
Here’s what results look like to nearly 40 Survey responses on the return to NSW Driver Testing from 1 July post Covid-19. Specific answers follow with many individual ideas and experiences shared. We appreciate such a fine cross-section of response.
Survey questions asking for suggestions or experiences included:
Suggest ways to remedy driver testing backlogs
- Schedule Super Saturdays at major Centres for testing (53%)
- Recruit & enlist TAE40116 qualified Driving Assessors/Trainers (47%)
- Extend weekday testing until 4pm (37%)
- Add contract employees for testing & service support (34%)
Have your clients/instructor experienced these during COVID-19?
- They had lessons cancelled due to no testing policies (72%)
- When testing resumed they did not qualify for priority testing (62%)
- They experienced ‘Test Terminated’ after ‘First Fail’ (47%)
- They appreciated ‘designated space’ for Learner parking (28%)
- They could not schedule their priority-test so moved to back of queue (28%)
- They appreciated extra security at Centres for appointment flow (25%)
Describe your COVID-19 safety methods for driving lessons
- I ask all clients about their health (87%)
- I offer hand sanitizer (87%)
- I wipe down all contact surfaces – in and out (87%)
- I practice social distancing except in car (87%)
- I ask all clients if they use the Covid-19 Safe App (40%)
- I offer a face mask (25%)
- I take a client’s temperature (15%)
- I wear a face mask (10%)
- I haven’t had anyone ask about safety methods (25%)
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Survey responses still encouraged
Since we opened our Survey to ALL Driving Instructors, non-members and DTA Members alike, responses have continued to flow in. It’s not too late to take part! Please take a few minutes to have your say so we can share an even greater voice with authorities to get this show on the road!
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What are you waiting for? Get ahead with NSW DTA
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Get in touch
Need information on membership or driver training in your area?
Drop us an email: admin@nswdta.com.au
The NSW Driver Trainers Association (DTA), founded in 2002, aims to promote good driving education standards; to support driving instructors with consultation or resources; and to have a voice in government on road safety and driver responsibility. We are not-for-profit governed by an elected Committee and run by volunteers with administrative staff to help public and member enquiries and promote the NSW DTA.