A suite of reforms has been unveiled by the Marshall Liberal Government to address longstanding issues of corruption and misconduct by some within the driver training industry.
Key industry bodies representing the driver trainer industry will soon be given an opportunity to review a draft Bill aimed at better protecting our young learner drivers and stamping out those within the industry who are taking advantage of the current system, before it is presented to parliament.
The industry bodies invited to provide feedback will include the RAA, the Professional Driver Trainers Association and the Australian Driver Trainers Association.
Members of the industry will also shortly receive a bulletin outlining the key aspects of the reform package contained in the draft Bill.
The reforms, including mandatory cameras and GPS in all cars, and a mandatory code of practice, will strengthen standards to gain accreditation to enter the driver training industry and for the conduct of instructors and examiners as they undertake their work.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Corey Wingard, said the sweeping changes come after three rounds of consultation on how best to improve standards in the driver training industry and stamp out corruption and inappropriate behaviour.
"The Marshall Liberal Government has already responded to alarming reports of driving instructors and examiners accepting bribes, engaging in inappropriate behaviour with minors and misusing their accreditation," Minister Wingard said.
"Instructors and examiners now need to present a current working with children check as part of the accreditation application process, and with these reforms there will be cameras and GPS in all driver training vehicles.
"These new measures will give greater confidence to all road users that those assessing novice drivers for a car licence are upholding the highest of standards, and will help protect the safety of young and novice drivers.
"It's vital for road safety that everyone who gets their drivers licence has gone through a rigorous and safe process."
Reforms to be implemented include:
- Mandatory cameras and GPS in all driver training vehicles
- Mandatory code of practice
- Higher standards to enter the driver training industry
- Ability for the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to issue sanctions such as suspension and cancellation of accreditation or fines for unacceptable or inappropriate behaviour
- Mandatory training material to be used to train learner drivers.
- Following successful passage through Parliament, it is expected the reform package will start to be implemented in late 2022.
