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Almost 20,000 Teenagers In Georgia Receive Driving Licence Without Taking Practical Test

Almost 20,000 Teenagers In Georgia Receive Driving Licence Without Taking Practical Test

It comes as the US state tries to deal with the backlog of road test requests

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

Thousands of teenagers in the US have been given driving licences without having to pass their practical test.

In a bid to deal with the backlog of requests for tests as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the US state government has issued 19,483 licences to learners.

The documents were only sent out to those who fulfilled all other criteria other than the practical exam.

One of those is 17-year-old Willa Pevey from Tucker, who told CNN she was very happy with not having to take the dreaded practical.

She told the publication: "I had been nervous about the driving test - with the parallel parking and all that.

"So I was happy that I didn't have to do it."

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced the waiver scheme in April.
PA

It comes a week after the state governor Brian Kemp announced the road test waiver would be introduced to help deal with the pile-up.

But Georgia isn't the only state to bring in the measure. Legislators in Wisconsin confirmed they too would be waiving exams for 16 and 17-year-olds.

From 11 May, those under 18 who have completed the 'required training and have the endorsement of a parent or guardian' will be given a licence to drive.

According to the state's government, it has seen a backlog of around 16,000 requests for tests, of which 10,000 will be available for the waiver scheme.

Secretary-designee Craig Thompson said: "The Division of Motor Vehicles has been at the forefront of making changes to protect the public and our associates during the public health emergency, while continuing to provide vital public services.

"These pilot programs represent innovative solutions to help Wisconsin address challenges created by the pandemic."

Thousands of learners in the US have been given their licences without having to take the practical test.
PA

DMV Administrator Kristina Boardman added that the programme is not mandatory and the safety of motorists and others is of paramount importance.

She added: "Safe driving is a result of practice and instruction. When young people learning to drive have completed all necessary requirements and demonstrated to their instructors and to their parents or guardians that they are ready for a probationary driver license.

"This program, which has been safe and effective in other states for years, will allow them to move forward.

"The DMV will offer road tests, but this pilot program will allow another path forward for those who qualify."

The state also confirmed that the '80,000 people whose driver license expired have received an extension to renew'.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Interesting, Coronavirus, US News