Tuesday, 1 August 2023

VicRoads testing fees

Tim McCURDY (Ovens Valley) (16:37): As the cost of living soars in Victoria under the Andrews Labor government, I met with an 87-year-old Cobram man who only last week was forced to undertake a driving test, a test he was well aware of and was given ample notice to do. Unfortunately, this man failed the test and his licence will now be revoked. He accepts that. I accept that. His driving skills are no longer adequate. What I cannot accept is that he was charged $500 for a 1-hour driving lesson and a further $150 for the actual test by VicRoads. This is daylight robbery for our older members of the community, those who are already struggling to pay their electricity bills, grocery bills and rates and taxes. He did not get a choice to do this test: he was forced to take it.

When I called one of my local driving instructors they informed me that a 1-hour driving lesson is $75. Now, how does an 87-year-old get charged $500 for an hour-long lesson that a 17-year-old is charged $75 for, in the same car and with the same instructor? I am appalled at the way this government allows the financial gouging of Victoria’s pensioners. If we are serious about road safety, these tests should be free or heavily discounted so family members can ensure that their loved ones are tested to be sure that they can still drive safely. Who is going to proactively encourage their elderly family members to take a driving test so that they can rest easy knowing that the person is still safe to drive when you are charged $650 to take the test? It is another example of the Andrews Labor government, who cares more about revenue than safety. The cost-of-living crisis is being aided and abetted by this out-of-touch government.