The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) is calling for refrigeration and air conditioning apprentices to be prioritised among those waiting for driver licence tests.
In Victoria, COVID-19 restrictions have led to the suspension of driver’s licence testing in Victoria, resulting in a backlog of almost 30,000 applicants. This includes refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) trade apprentices, whose ability to drive to work in support of their employers’ businesses is currently in jeopardy.
CEO of the ARC, Glenn Evans, says his organisation is communicating with state driver licensing bodies to ensure that RAC trade apprentices are being prioritised in the queue, as soon as restrictions are lifted.
“This is particularly important for the RAC industry as they support essential services like hospitals and food transport, and play a vital role in modern society,” he says.
VicRoads, the state’s driving test authority, suspended all light vehicle (cars, utes and vans) driving tests and all computer-based (knowledge and hazard perception) licence testing on March 25.