However, a Grampians driving instructor has said there is clearer guidelines for young drivers hoping to get their probationary licence.

In April 2020, a learner driver was fined $1600 for breaking stage three lockdown restrictions.

They had been travelling simply to gain driving experience, which was not among the permitted reasons for leaving their residence.

The fine was eventually withdrawn, but after the incident, police clarified that getting driving experience in itself was not a valid reason to leave home.

Similar rules have hampered learner drivers, albeit for less time, during Victoria's two circuit breaker lockdowns in 2021.

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Grampians Driving School instructor Peter Bowen said while the lockdowns had created difficulties for learner drivers, there is now greater clarity surrounding what they are permitted to do.

"Particularly when they did the first hard lockdown, that was tough on them," he said.

"When the young lady and her mum in Melbourne were fined on one of the freeways, about 15 minutes from their home, that frightened a lot of people.

"But I think people are adapting to it now.

"Even in the last week (during the circuit breaker lockdown from May 28 to June 3), learners can still drive as long as it's with a supervisor and as long as it's for one of the five reasons."

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Mr Bowen said the lessons he has been forced to cancel during the various lockdowns and the effort of meeting COVID-safe protocols have meant the business has been abnormally busy.

"It means you're playing catch-up," he said.

"As per the Department of Health guidelines, there's been deep cleaning in the car, sanitisation between lessons, wearing of face masks, COVID-screening, and taking of temperatures."

The increased regularity with which people are working and schooling from home has also meant many learner drivers have had fewer opportunities to accumulate the 120 hours required to gain their provisional license.

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Mr Bowen said this meant learner drivers needed to be more proactive in amassing their hours.

"That's what I've been telling my students: if you can leave home, even if it's only 10 kilometres when mum or dad goes to the supermarket, it's better than nothing," he said.

"It keeps their skills sharp and they're still working towards their hours."

To help learner drivers obtain their provisional licenses, the state government has accelerated the new Learner Permit Test Online roll-out.

From Monday, June 7, learner drivers will be able to attempt an online test.

Once they have completed the assessment, the learner driver needs to attend a VicRoads Customer Service Centre to have their photo taken and complete an eyesight check before being given their provisional license.

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