A new phone app will allow Tasmanians learning to drive to record their lessons and practice hours.
The Tasmanian Government has launched a free mobile app called Plates Plus e-Logbook.
Michael Ferguson, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, said the app will make it more convenient for Tasmanians to get their licence.
“The Plates Plus e-Logbook is the latest improvement to our licensing system, streamlining the process for Tasmania’s 6,500 young and new drivers progressing to a full licence each year,” he said in a statement.
Records of driving hours are stored in an easy-to-understand digital format, with clear distinctions between the credit hours undertaken with a certified driving instructor and a parent or other supervising driver.
The credit hours recorded will automatically be added up by the app, allowing new drivers to keep track of their progress.
Supervising driver and driving instructor details are also saved in the app.
Once their logbook requirements have been completed, learners will be notified by the app and they can bring their phone to their P1 practical driving assessment.
Current learners who have already logged hours in the paper learner logbook will need to upload their entries manually if they wish to use the app.
However, paper logbooks will continue to be available, allowing new drivers to choose from the e-Logbook or the hard copy booklet.
This app is part of the government’s Graduated Licensing System initiative to make it easier for Tasmanians to obtain a driver’s licence.
The initiative has already brought about some changes, including fewer visits to Service Tasmania, the streamlining of L1 and L2 into one Learner stage and free lessons under the Plates Plus and Keys2Drive program.
Supervised hours have also been increased and the Safer Driver Reward allows for a potential reduction in licence fees of $189.
Digital logbooks are already in use in other states, including NSW, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.
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