Budget estimates released by the NSW government confirmed 137,000 people across the state have been left waiting for a driver's examination after COVID-19 slammed the breaks on testing.

However, a spokesperson from Service NSW has confirmed that it is "business as usual" for Wagga as the town's backlog was cleared on October 22.

"Driver testing is now available for all customers at Wagga," they said.

However, they have admitted that other areas across the state are under pressure to service the high number of people awaiting appointments.

Service NSW CEO Damon Rees has advised the government it may take well into 2022 to rectify the issue.

"[We're] experiencing a high demand across the State for driver testing due to the impact of COVID restrictions, dating back to June," the spokesperson said.

"Service NSW understands for many customers having to wait further for testing availability is frustrating and disappointing ... Service NSW appreciates customers' patience and understanding while the teamwork hard to get this service back on track."

IN OTHER NEWS:

Shadow minister for customer service Yasmin Catley released a statement last week criticising what she believes to be a lack of investment into resolving the issue.

"This is simply not good enough. A four-month hiatus has turned into a year-long nightmare for people trying to get their driver's licence ... facing the risk of losing their job," she said

"After testing was paused in line with the Public Health Orders, there was always going to be a backlog.

"Despite this, the Government allowed 50 driving tester positions to remain vacant and has hired only 50 new driver testers."

When asked how Service NSW intends to mend the situation quickly, the spokesperson stated, "to ease the backlog, Service NSW is recruiting additional driver testers, and further strategies are also being developed to fast-track the backlog."

Local driving instructor Glen Gaudron had his own questions, angered by the government's decision to prioritise experienced drivers over those seeking a provisional licence.

"They're giving priority to the senior drivers, but when COVID was on, they gave them exemptions until they could fit them in later so why aren't they doing that now," Mr Gaudron said.

"Giving senior drives an exemption will enable a lot more junior drivers who need their licences for work and things like that. That's a much more sensible idea in my opinion."

When asked why experienced drivers were prioritised, Service NSW stated, "some customers required testing to continue to hold a licence, such as aged care customers and customers with medical conditions."

They continued to state, "these priority customers were the first being scheduled for tests followed by other customers, such as learner drivers looking to get their provisional licence, who booked during restrictions."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: