Posted by Hubfleet
By Glyn Castanelli, Head of Industry Engagement and Customer Success at Hubfleet
In Episode 4 of Risky Business, hosts Craig Forsyth and Glyn Castanelli dive deep into the critical issue of driver competency in the Australian transport industry. Joined by Dr. Kim Hassel, National Chair of Education at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Australia (CILTA), they dissect recent court cases highlighting the gap between holding a heavy vehicle licence and possessing the genuine competence to handle specific driving conditions.
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The Competency Gap: A Risky Business
The transport industry, Australia’s second most dangerous, is grappling with a critical issue – the misconception that a heavy vehicle licence equates to driver competence. Two recent court cases have exposed this dangerous gap, underscoring the need for comprehensive training and real-world assessments.
In one case, a company was fined $3 million for failing to ensure a driver’s competence in handling a truck on steep descents. The tragic 2014 crash on Adelaide’s South Eastern Freeway, resulting in multiple fatalities and serious injuries, highlighted the company’s reliance on basic licensing instead of targeted training. The court determined that holding a heavy vehicle licence did not guarantee the necessary skills to navigate challenging conditions.
Another company faced a $490,000 fine for neglecting to provide adequate training and supervision for drivers handling milk tankers with dynamic loads. This case, marked by nine rollovers since 2009, exposed a systemic problem where companies prioritise basic licensing over comprehensive training, jeopardising driver and public safety.
Beyond the Licence: Addressing the Competency Gap
These cases are stark reminders that true driver competence extends beyond a licence. Ensuring driver and public safety requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing:
- Training beyond licensing: Holding a licence is only the first step. Companies must provide targeted training for specific vehicles and real-world conditions, going beyond the scope of standard licensing tests.
- Real-world competency assessments: Assessing drivers in realistic scenarios, such as steep descents or handling dynamic loads, guarantees they possess the skills needed to navigate challenging situations.
- Ongoing training and competency assessments: Regular training updates and assessments are crucial to maintain sharp skills and adapt to evolving industry demands, even for experienced drivers.
A New Era of Driver Training and Licensing
Dr. Hassel provided insights into the recently completed National Heavy Vehicle Driver Competency Framework Review. This comprehensive review, undertaken by CILTA in partnership with a university research centre, involved extensive stakeholder consultations, including government agencies, industry experts, and drivers. The review aimed to address shortcomings in the existing framework and establish a robust system ensuring driver competence across all licence classes. Key outcomes and recommendations from the review include:
- Mandatory hazard perception testing: TPrior to enrolling in an RTO or training centre, all new drivers will undergo online hazard perception testing lasting approximately five hours. This testing will evaluate awareness, reaction skills, and observational prowess, incorporating a wider range of hazards specific to regional, rural, and remote areas.
- Revised training packages : New training packages will be implemented for each licence class (LR, MR, HR, HC, and MC), ensuring drivers receive targeted training tailored to the specific vehicle and its operational conditions.
- Elimination of direct progression from HR to MC: The current practice of allowing drivers to progress directly from a heavy rigid (HR) licence to a multi-combination (MC) licence will be abolished. Drivers will now need to obtain an HC licence and demonstrate experience driving a heavy combination vehicle before progressing to an MC licence. This change addresses the high accident rate associated with the significant jump in vehicle complexity and handling characteristics.
- Introduction of driver supervisor roles: Formally recognised driver supervisor roles, with specific qualifications and experience requirements, will play a crucial role in both pre- and post-licensing training. This program offers an accelerated pathway to higher licence classes for drivers who undergo supervised driving hours, potentially reducing the waiting period between licence classes.
- Focus on real-world competency verification: Increased emphasis will be placed on verifying driver competency in real-world scenarios, including reversing, coupling and uncoupling trailers, and navigating challenging road conditions.
- Enhanced auditing of RTOs: The review recommends the creation of a new class of auditor specifically for heavy vehicle licensing, ensuring RTOs possess the necessary facilities, resources, and training standards to deliver high-quality driver training.
These changes signal a positive shift towards prioritising driver competence and improving safety standards in the transport industry. The implementation of these recommendations, however, will require ongoing collaboration between industry stakeholders, training providers, and government agencies.
Industry Responsibility and the Chain of Responsibility
While the new licensing framework lays a solid foundation for improved driver training, the onus of ensuring driver competency ultimately lies with the industry. Chain of responsibility (CoR) NHVR legislation underscores the shared responsibility of all parties involved in the supply chain to ensure safety. Operators must implement robust Safety Management Systems (SMS) that go beyond basic licensing requirements. This includes comprehensive induction programs, Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS), ongoing training and competency assessments, and thorough verification of driver skills for specific tasks and vehicles.
Furthermore, companies should consider leveraging the expertise of experienced drivers through driver supervisor programs and mentoring initiatives. These programs not only provide valuable guidance to new drivers but also foster a culture of safety and continuous learning within the organisation.
By embracing a proactive approach to driver training and competency verification, the transport industry can move beyond the limitations of basic licensing and cultivate a workforce equipped to navigate the complexities of the road, ensuring the safety of all.
This blog post aims to provide an overview of the discussed topics and should not be considered legal advice.
Take the Next Step Towards Safer Roads
Ensuring driver competency is a shared responsibility, and it’s crucial to move beyond basic licensing to protect lives on the road. The insights from Episode 4 of Risky Business highlight the importance of comprehensive training, real-world assessments, and ongoing competency checks.
With Hubfleet’s innovative digital solutions, businesses can simplify compliance, implement robust safety management systems, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
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