DRIVING instructor Peter Gregory agrees with a controversial VicRoads decision to cut the opening hours of its offices across the state, including Melton.
The move to close at 4.30 instead of 5pm on Fridays was made to bring its day into line with standard operating hours, according to customer services director Glen Madeira.
“This [decision was made] because demand between 4.30 and 5pm on Fridays is about one third of what’s normally experienced, so more staff are being
allocated to peak periods [between] Monday and Friday,” he said.
Melton MP Don Nardella said it would now be more difficult for families and people with full-time jobs to access VicRoads
services.
“Customers will have to take more time off work to visit a VicRoads office and their
children trying to get their licences will now have to miss school to attend a VicRoads driving test,” he said.
But Melton resident and learner driver Diana Li said she had no problems with the changes and hoped to get her licence within a few weeks.
And Mr Gregory said driving tests were better taken earlier in the day.
“Late afternoon driving tests aren’t a good idea,” he said.
“It’s a very busy time on the roads and it’s not ideal for learner drivers to be tested in those conditions.
“I personally don’t think driving tests should be booked past 3pm.”
