Dr Steven Miles
September 18, 2017
The State Government plans to scrap the current written learner driver’s test, and replace it with an online test instead.
On Monday, it began trialling a new high-tech, safety focussed ‘PrepL’ online test with students from six Queensland schools.
Acting Main Roads Minister Steven Miles said if the trial was successful, PrepL could replace the current 30-question written test as early as next year.
PrepL has been developed thanks to a partnership between Transport and Main Roads and Queensland company Croomo.
A team of up to 20 designers, artists, developers and strategists has been working on PrepL for almost two years.
It pushes learner drivers through an intensive interactive course, including driving simulation tasks and powerful real-life interviews.
Mr Miles said drivers under 24 were Queensland’s most at-risk road user group and were 60 per cent more likely to be involved in a serious crash than more mature drivers.
“Young drivers have a greater susceptibility for risk-taking behaviours, succumbing to peer pressure and other driver distractions such as mobile phone use,” Mr Miles said.
“I am proud to announce Queensland is leading the way nationally on improving outcomes for new drivers, and we have developed PrepL to ensure our next generation of drivers are as prepared as they can be before hitting the road.
“Students won’t just learn the road rules with PrepL, they’ll learn why the rules exist, and in a virtual environment, they will experience the consequences of poor driving behaviour.
“If successful, PrepL will ensure that learners not only know the road rules, but understand the impact of the Fatal Five: speeding, drink and drug driving, failure to wear a seatbelt, driving while fatigued and distraction.”
Mr Miles said the program can be used across multiple devices (smart phones, tablets and computers), allowing Queenslander learner drivers to complete their learning and assessment anywhere and anytime, at their own pace.
“The Queensland Government is putting itself at the forefront of road safety in Australia and the world,” Croomo CEO Daniel Bermingham said.
“Through PrepL, learner drivers will be taught modules, unlocking each section as they progress by correctly answering questions on each topic.
“They will also see and hear the true-life stories of people affected by fatal accidents, including paramedics, firefighters and the loved ones victims leave behind.
“Queensland researchers also appear in video clips to explain details like why our brains can’t cope with texting and driving, how alcohol impairs judgement and how seatbelts save lives.”
Schools involved in the trial are:
- The Gap SHS (Brisbane)
- Harristown SHS (Toowoomba)
- Gordonvale SHS (Gordonvale, FNQ)
- Mountain Creek SHS (Sunshine Coast)
- Spinifex State College (Mount Isa)
- Woodridge SHS (Logan)
