Businesses across the road transport industry are under pressure.
Driver shortages, an ageing workforce, tightening margins, and increased fees and fines are threatening the sustainability of the industry and, by extension, our national supply chain.
In this environment the demand to get more drivers behind the wheel, to keep trucks moving, and keep businesses afloat, is growing.
When poor regulation adds to this pressure, real dangers emerge.
Time-based licensing models that focus on duration over competence, the rapid provision of multi-combination (MC) licences, and accepting overseas licences without relevant experience are just a few examples.
While these methods might help fill the immediate need for drivers, they also bring significant risks. The rush to fill driver shortages should not come at the expense of safety, but unfortunately this is already happening.
Drivers are finding themselves in charge of larger and larger vehicles without adequate preparation or experience.
We need a more thoughtful, deliberate approach to licencing that ensures every driver on our roads is equipped with the knowledge and experience required to handle the realities of the job.
Time-based licencing is one area that needs reform. Just because a driver has held a licence for a set period doesn’t mean they’re capable of handling the complexities of a large truck on Australian roads.
The industry needs to move towards a competency-based approach, where drivers are tested on their ability to handle a vehicle in different conditions, not just how long they’ve held their licence.
Similarly, overseas licences cannot be assumed to be sufficient in the Australian context, where road conditions, vehicle sizes, and local regulations could be very different to the country the licence was obtained in.
That’s why we need a system that ensures all overseas drivers undergo testing, as well as additional training before they’re allowed to operate here. The number of licence categories and the speed with which drivers can obtain an MC licence is also cause for concern.
It shouldn’t be possible to jump from operating a smaller vehicle to a fully loaded roadtrain in a matter of months without demonstrating the competencies needed to safely operate these vehicles.
The process needs to ensure that drivers are gaining the right experience before moving up to larger vehicles.
What we need is a nationally recognised system of training and licencing that prioritises demonstrated practical experience. This will give businesses confidence that drivers are truly ready to take on the job.
The risk of unsafe practices can be significantly reduced through an education system that equips drivers with the knowledge they need to stay safe on the roads. Our licencing system must also be adaptable.
As technology evolves and vehicle designs change, licencing processes need to allow for these advancements, ensuring that drivers are always operating with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills.
Career pathways also need to be established to encourage new entrants into the industry.
With an ageing workforce, the industry is in desperate need of young drivers who see truck driving as a viable and rewarding career.
Building clear pathways from training to employment will help attract the next generation of drivers while ensuring that they’re properly prepared for the demands of the job.
The bottom line is that licencing reform is not just a nice-to-have – it’s essential for the long-term viability of the trucking industry and the safety of road users.
By ensuring that drivers are properly trained, licenced, and supported, we can maintain the safety, reliability, and sustainability of our national supply chain.
Unfortunately, the pace of change has been slow, and the industry is feeling the impacts now.
But change is possible, and NatRoad is working hard to advocate for the necessary reforms.
Warren Clark
National Road Transport Association CEO
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