Following a community-driven petition calling for stricter licensing requirements for drivers, the South Australia Government will introduce significant changes to SA’s heavy vehicle licensing system.
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To improve heavy vehicle driver competency, two state-based initiatives have been tabled in State Parliament as Delphine Mugridge, who lost her husband Neville in a devastating truck crash on the Eyre Highway earlier this year, presented her petition, backed by more than 19,600 South Australians.
The State Government will establish an ongoing Multi-Combination (MC) Licence Program, an initiative that will allow drivers to participate in a structured learning program with the support of their employer.
Transport minister Tom Koutsantonis says South Australia is committed to building safer, stronger road transport that prioritises lives on the road.
“We owe it to families like the Mugridges and to all road users to make our roads as safe as possible,” he says.
“These new standards not only honour Neville’s memory but respond to the needs of the industry and the calls for change from many who work on our roads daily.”
With the support of their employer, drivers will need to apply for the program before being issued a learner’s permit for the MC class.
They will then be required to complete a competency-based training course through an approved Registered Training Organisation before logging a minimum number of training hours and learning components with a qualified supervising driver.
Heavy Rigid (HR) licence holders will be required to complete a minimum of 60 hours of logged supervised driving and additional learning components.
Those with an existing Heavy Combination (HC) licence, will need to complete at least 50 hours of logged supervised driving with additional learning components.
A practical driving assessment in an MC vehicle with an Authorised Examiner will then be required to obtain the MC licence.
Drivers may still choose the traditional route of holding a HC or HR licence for 12 months before progressing to a MC licence.
To further improve road safety, from early next year, South Australia will no longer recognise overseas heavy vehicle driving experience toward obtaining a MC licence, except for drivers from New Zealand because the training and driving conditions are similar to those in Australia.
Drivers from other countries will be required to hold a South Australian HR or HC licence for a minimum of 12 months or complete the newly established MC Licence Program before progressing to a MC licence.
“This is a critical step in ensuring that those behind the wheel of the heaviest and most complex vehicles on our roads have the necessary training and experience to drive them safely,” he says.
“The reforms ensure drivers meet the highest standards of competency while providing clearer pathways for achieving the required qualifications.
“I told Mrs Mugridge that South Australia would consider significant changes to its heavy vehicle licensing system very soon and I am confident these changes will lead to safer roads and ultimately help prevent tragedies like the one experienced by Mrs. Mugridge and her family.”
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