Focus
TRUCK LICENSING CALLED INTO QUESTION
T
he fatal collision in Melbourne which resulted in four police officers losing their lives when a semi-trailer drove into the emergency lane where they were impounding a Porsche sent Australians into a sense of shock and disbelief and called into question truck licensing across the country. Truck drivers are getting licences with only a few hours of experience behind the wheel of a heavy vehicle, prompting the Victorian government to consider a dramatic shake-up in a bid to improve road safety. With increased fatal collisions on Melbourne’s roads and a spike in the number of truck crashes nationwide the Victorian state government is examining an industryled push to improve what some describe as
“dismal” training standards in their state. Under the current system, ‘anyone’ who has an Australian car licence for two years can upgrade to drive a loaded heavy rigid truck, which can weigh up to 22.5 tonnes, after only a few hours of training which is a similar system across other states. Within a year they would then be eligible to drive a loaded semi-trailer, which can weigh up to 42.5 tonnes if they passed another quick test. In Western Australia (see graphs), drivers must pass a Heavy Vehicle Theory Test and a Physical Test through the Department of Transport and can use an authorised Training Organisation to gain their training. What has also been bought into
question is drivers from countries whose road networks, equipment and rules bear little comparison to Australia such as India. Interestingly, Indian drivers licences (car) are recognised in Australia which is not the same in reverse where India’s motor vehicle act prohibits any foreigner from driving in India. Some are arguing that without serious reform, the road toll will continue to climb and Australia will suffer ongoing driver shortages because employers are increasingly reluctant to hire people without the necessary experience. “It’s an easy qualification because all you have to do is pay about $1000 for five hours of your time,” said Victorian
Western Australian Licensing and Vehicle Classes Light Rigid (LR Class) heavy vehicle A motor vehicle with a gross vehicle mass over 4,500kg to a maximum of 8,000 kg (no axle limit) or which carries more than 12 passengers (including the driver) to a maximum of 8,000kg.
Experience required to upgrade your license or remove a restriction
When you can start learning to drive
License authorisation
Must have held: a Car (C class) license for at least one (1) year.
On attaining your Car (C class) license.
If you are authorised to drive LIght Rigid (LR class) vehicles you may drive any: • Motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or motor carrier, with a GVM exceeding 4,500 kg but not exceeding 8,000 kg • Motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or motor carrier, not exceeding 4,500 kg that is equipped to seat more than 12 adult (including the driver). • Car (C class) motor vehicle. • Moped (R-N class).
Medium Rigid (MR Class) heavy vehicle A motor vehicle that has 2 axles and a gross vehicle mass greater than 8,000kg.
2
Experience required to upgrade your license or remove a restriction
When you can start learning to drive
License authorisation
Must have held a Car (C class) license for at least one (1) year.
On attaining your Car (C class) license or LIght Rigid (LC class) licence.
If you are authorised to drive Medium Rigid (MR class) vehicles you may drive any: • Motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or motor carrier, that has 2 axles and a GVM exceeding 8,000kg • Light Rigid (LR class) vehicle • Car (C class) vehicle • Moped (R-N class). • A Medium Rigid (MR class) motor vehicle may be used to tow one trailer (not a semi-trailer) that has a GVM not exceeding 9,000kg, and no other trailer.
WATM • June 2020
