Driver Training Reform

The Government of South Australia is proposing legislation to:

• address corruption and sexually predatory behaviour in the driver training sector
• improve the skills of motorists
• reduce costs for learner drivers.

The reforms are in response to our review into the industry. This is supported by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

The proposed reforms will:

• strengthen industry standards
• safeguard learner drivers against inappropriate and criminal behaviour.

We are committed to:

• protecting people’s safety and welfare, particularly young people and vulnerable South Australians
• ensuring drivers are properly trained and assessed.

Consultation process

In 2017, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles began a review on how driver training and testing should be delivered. Evidence of inappropriate behaviour of some industry members prompted the review. The evidence led to arrests, prosecutions and convictions.

A multistaged consultation and engagement process followed. This helped us understand community and industry issues, concerns and experiences.

We asked the community about their experiences with driver training and assessment. We encouraged them to suggest improvements. Over 1,600 people responded to a YourSAy online survey. Key stakeholders submitted their feedback.

We also engaged with the driver training industry to:

• identify their issues
• offer solutions and feedback on the results of the community consultation.

Key changes

There are several changes under the proposed suite of legislative reforms.

Government examiners will conduct practical driving tests for Class C (car) licences, instead of private operators.

The Competency Based Training Assessment (the logbook method) will change. Learners will have to pass a single, practical driving test with a government examiner to get their provisional licence. This new test will be developed to incorporate aspects of the logbook method.

To enter the industry and maintain accreditation, motor driving instructors will need to obtain:

• working with children checks
• medical fitness to drive certificates
• enhanced practical driving and theory tests.

Industry standards of behaviour will be formalised into a Code of Conduct. This establishes higher standards for motor driving instructors, with sanctions for breaches.

Private operators can continue to deliver driver training. They must follow the new, higher industry standards.

All driver training vehicles will have cameras and GPS installed. This provides protection for instructors, examiners and students.

Instructors will have to increase transparency by disclosing information about their payments, fees and services.

More learning and consumer resources will be created. This will better inform and prepare parents, industry members and learner drivers.

Details