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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2)
2008-06-18 Daily Xml
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LEARNER DRIVERS

The Hon. J.A. DARLEY (15:52): Today I will speak about learner's permits and driving instructors. Recently, I was contacted by a constituent regarding the process of obtaining a learner driver's permit. In this case, the student involved had been learning to drive on his learner's permit for just over a year and a half. He had undertaken extensive driving experience of over 100 hours, which included driving in various conditions, both during the day and at night. He had clearly taken it upon himself to ensure he was confident and capable behind the wheel, as learner drivers are required to complete 50 hours before applying for their provisional licence.

As honourable members would be aware, there are two methods of passing from a learner's licence to a provisional licence. The first method is to complete a logbook with an accredited driving instructor who marks off particular competencies once completed in a satisfactory manner. The second method is to undertake a 'vehicle on-road test', which is a practical test completed in the presence of a qualified examiner who assesses whether the student has passed or failed. Both methods require at least 50 hours' driving experience, with a minimum of 10 hours to be conducted at night. The student in this case chose the latter method.

Whilst many people would regard themselves to be good drivers, the habits that many people develop over years of driving often means that they inadvertently pass on these bad habits to learner drivers. It is because of this that qualified driving instructors—who are experts on road rules—are often the best people to teach learner drivers, if their services can be afforded. The student was fortunate enough to have the support of family and friends who were willing and able to teach him to drive; however, he felt that engaging the services of a professional driving instructor would be beneficial in furthering his driving advancement.

The ensuing behaviour of several driving instructors is somewhat questionable. After paying for over half a dozen lessons, he never received a receipt. Time during paid lessons was wasted by sitting stationary and chatting about current affairs. Appointments were cancelled and rescheduled without sufficient warning. His appointment for his final driving assessment was cancelled at the last minute, as the examiner had forgotten to log it with the government agency.

When the student was finally able to find a driving instructor to take him for his final assessment, he was shocked that the test—which cost him over $50—was conducted in five minutes and consisted of a drive around the block. Furthermore, the instructor refused to provide feedback on why he had chosen to fail the student.

Investigations by the young man's mother were made to the road testing auditing department, and she was told that nothing could be done as driving instructors were independent from government control.

Furthermore, preliminary inquiries made by my office have proven how difficult it is to lodge such complaints. Representatives from the same department provided conflicting information which indicates that the complaints and review process are unclear. Driving instructors are subject to audits undertaken by government representatives on a random basis. However, notifications of these audits are given in advance. Instructors are licensed for a period of five years before the need for reapplication for their licence, at which time their competency is not reviewed: only a medical and police clearance is required.

There seems to be no standard code of conduct for driving instructors, and if they are not a part of a driving school the way in which they behave and conduct their business is entirely at their discretion. There are no other reviews except for the audits for which they are given advance notice. Whilst I understand that it is often difficult to investigate specific instances where there are only two witnesses, the student who is making the complaint and the instructor, I believe that there should be a more transparent system of reviewing the standards of driving instructors on a regular basis.

I would like to express my disappointment at situations such as those I have outlined today. The behaviour that was displayed would not have been tolerated by many who have had the life experience to know better; however, there are, no doubt, people who prey on those who are vulnerable. This situation is made worse by the fact that it seems these types of behaviours are becoming more common and, more importantly, unchecked.

Time expired.

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