The final stage of the National Heavy Vehicle Driver Competency Framework review and revision, which will produce improvements for heavy vehicle driver training and licensing systems across Australia, will finally be started after the appointment of a consortium. This came as an announcement by Austroads on 4 November 2020.
The consortium, appointed by Austroads, will be led by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Australia (CILT-A), in collaboration with the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), the National Road Safety Partnerships Program and the National Truck Accident Research Centre.
NatRoad Chief Executive Officer, Warren Clark, has been appointed as part of the Consortium Project Team.
“It is encouraging that there is progress of reform to heavy vehicle licensing. Reform is urgent and unfortunately the project report isn’t due until mid-2022. Change is needed now to improve productivity, safety and longevity of our drivers,” said Mr Warren Clark, NatRoad Chief Executive Officer.
According to Austroads, this project builds on the work undertaken during Stages 1 and 2 of the Review of the National Heavy Vehicle Driver Competency Framework. Stage 1 provided a comprehensive review of heavy vehicle licensing in Australia, while Stage 2 investigated best practice overseas experience and available research.
This third stage focusses on strengthening national heavy vehicle licence training and assessment standards to ensure drivers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, competence and experience to safely drive in a range of conditions.
The project objective is to deliver a harmonised Australian licence training and assessment framework, that produces safe and competent heavy vehicle drivers, as well as reflecting the current and future needs of heavy vehicles operators and the future freight task.
If you have any feedback regarding the National Heavy Vehicle Driver competency Framework review and revision, please email [email protected] or call 1800 272 144.
