The Liberal Government is delivering on its promise to remove a road block for Learner drivers trying to progress through the State's graduated novice driver licencing system.
A proposed new model has been developed to allow appropriately qualified driving instructors to conduct the L2 licence assessment.
This is about responding to a concern in the community that novice drivers have been facing unnecessarily protracted delays - some waiting three months to get an appointment - to gain a licence, which is critical for many Tasmanians for employment, education and social opportunities.
We heard this message loud and clear before the March election and that's why we committed to take action to improve the learner driving experience.
The previous Labor-Green Government must have heard the same feedback, but chose to ignore it and do nothing to help learner drivers.
By allowing driving instructors offer L2 licence assessments, in addition to Government Driver Assessors, the Liberal Government is aiming to lower waiting times, particularly in regional and rural Tasmania, so that novice drivers can get their licences sooner without compromising road safety.
We've taken a collaborative, consultative approach with driving instructors, who will soon be asked to comment on the proposed new model before it is implemented.
This initiative is in addition to our promised $1.5 million investment in supporting 17 community organisations that provide the Learner Driver Mentor Program around Tasmania, which assists people who have limited access to suitable vehicles or responsible supervisory drivers to gain the practical driving experience they need to gain their Provisional licence.
The Liberal Government supports Tasmanians wanting to get their driver's licence to help them get a job, pursue education and be involved in their community, and we are working to remove any unnecessary delays.