MARNIE CRUICKSHANK
The Palaszczuk Government today announced the current written learner test will be replaced with a new online version, pending online trials.
In an Australian first, students from six different schools across the state will sit a new immersive, digital interactive learners training program instead of a paper one.
It is hoped the new online test will help learner drivers increase their focus on safety-awareness with the new interactive assessment including driving simulation tasks.
Announcing the changes on the new road safety initiative at Harristown State High School in Toowoomba yesterday, acting Main Roads and Road Safety Minister, Steven Miles, said the measures were necessary as young people were over-represented in current accident statistics.
“Despite all of our efforts, young drivers under 24 continue to be over represented in our crash statistics and our road toll and we hope that this new program will assist us to keep young people… safer,” Mr Miles said.
“This new Prep-L will reflect the way that young people now learn and do assessments.”
“We’re learning more and more from behavioural science that understanding why there are rules are is more powerful at encouraging people to comply with them.”
If the trials are successful it is expected the online assessment will be rolled out state-wide next year.
