Driving lessons considered non-essential travel

VICTORIAN authorities are advising learner drivers and supervisors across the state that driving lessons are considered non-essential travel under Stage 3 lockdown restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.

Last week, police fined a learner driver $1,652 for breaching regulations while on a driving lesson with her mother in Melbourne’s south-east.

Although the fine was later withdrawn, driving lessons are still considered a breach of regulations.

“Our message is clear – stay home,” a government spokesperson said.

“We know we’re asking a lot of Victorians right now and we thank everyone for their patience and for doing the right thing to help save lives.”

Victoria Police revoked the fine due to ambiguity surrounding the restrictions, but have the authority to fine people undertaking non-essential activities, including learner driving lessons.

The $1,652 fine is the maximum an individual can face for breaking the Stage 3 lockdown restrictions.

Torquay Driving School instructor Lisa Buckley said the restrictions would cause significant difficulties for learner drivers and their supervisors.

“They (learner drivers) need 120 hours, and that’s actually a lot of effort. So, if they’re having goodness knows how many months without any hours at all, then that’s a fairly big dint in their ability to get those hours up.”

However, learner drivers are not barred from driving altogether. If members of the same household are taking a trip as part of the four reasons to leave home – food and supplies, medical care, exercise, and work or education – they can supervise a learner driver in the process of conducting that trip.