THE region's Service NSW branches will be inundated with locals aiming to get their licences when testing resumes on July 1.
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The Tamworth and Gunnedah Service NSW branches have been restricted to offering just 200 priority tests since April 1, only 22 per cent of their usual capacity.
However, from July 1, the region's next generation of motorists will put their skills to the test in the hope of securing their licences, but the wait for a testing slot may take some time.
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A Service NSW spokesperson said extra measures had been taken to help reduce the wait for testing.
"Service NSW is anticipating a high demand for this service and has hired an additional 50 driver testers across the state to increase the number of tests available to customers," the spokesperson said.
The resumption of testing has been welcomed by the region's driving instructors, including Drivesmart Tamworth owner Jenny Hooper, who said she had been "flat out" with drivers looking to brush up for their tests.
"I've been really busy and because there was a backlog of people who had their tests cancelled, they have all started again and it's been really good," Ms Hooper told the Leader.
"I haven't had a day off in a while, which is good because we did have to stop for a while.
"It was a bit of a scare because while you are in the car, you are not at a safe distance."
Ms Hooper said she had implemented a variety of new safety measures in the wake of the coronavirus crisis.
"Now we are back in the swing of it, I'm taking people's temperatures, getting them to sign a register and making them wear gloves," she said.
"You have to be cautious because in the car you aren't at that safe distance and you just can't be too careful.
"It's great to be up and running again and I'm a bit surprised how quickly they have got through the backlog of people wanting tests."
Professional Driving Education owner Peter Draper echoed Ms Hooper's sentiments saying the resumption of testing was a boost for business.
"I basically closed my business due to pandemic," Mr Draper said.
"I've only recently started taking bookings and I have to say it is down a long way from where it was before COVID arrived.
"It is saving a lot of parents sanity because, there was a lot of frustrated kids who are old enough to do the test but have had to wait.
"I think it's been frustrating for a lot of families so it should make for a far better world once everyone gets their drivers licence."
Service NSW is prioritising customers who had a test cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while others are encouraged to book a test via www.service.nsw.gov.au or by phone on 13 22 13.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
