Victorian drivers licence tests resume, but long wait for some people desperate to sit test

The state government announced on Monday testing would resume, but the backlog of cancelled appointments would likely mean no new appointments would be available until later in the year.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll said the backlog of appointments would be worked through as quickly as possible.

Tests across Victoria were initially suspended in March to protect all Victorians and customer-facing staff, the state government said.

This has left approximately 5000 licensing appointments postponed across regional Victoria, with a further 25,000 people unable to book a new test since testing has been suspended.

"We'll work through the backlog of appointments as quickly and safely as possible as regional Victoria takes another significant step towards a COVID normal way of life," Mr Carroll said.

But Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell slammed the government, saying it had failed to answer a number of questions including whether extra appointments would be offered to work through the backlog of appointments.

"Increasing the operation of testing centres from only a couple of days a week to at least 5 days a week will dramatically increase the number of licence tests that can be conducted," Ms Britnell said. "This capacity must be increased immediately."

Ms Britnell said the state government had let down prospective drivers in regional Victoria with the "half-baked plan".

"Labor's last plan failed miserably to make any difference to the skyrocketing number of Victorians trying desperately to get their licence," Ms Britnell said.

"The Andrews Labor Government just doesn't understand the importance of getting a licence in regional Victoria, our young people can't just jump on a tram or a train to get around."

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Warrnambool's Vanessa Attrill said her daughter Matilda Allen was disappointed she hadn't been able to sit a test to get her learner's permit when she turned 16 back in July. "It's a real shame she won't get to sit the computerised test until November now," Ms Attrill said.

"I'm disappointed they can't sit the test online. They just need to get out on the road and get experience."