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Information for Instructors and Examiners

Learn what the changes mean for motor driving instructors and authorised examiners.

Role of examiners and transparency

Once the reforms start in 2027, authorised examiners who were previously appointed to assess class C applications will no longer be able to assess. However, they may continue to be licensed as a motor driving instructor and deliver driver training.

When the reform commences, we will publish an online register of:

  • licensed motor driving instructors
  • heavy vehicle authorised examiners.

This will help learners and their parents to make informed decisions about choosing an instructor.

Changes to eligibility requirements to enter and remain in the industry

Under the current arrangements, an applicant for a motor driving instructor licence must:

  • have held an unconditional licence for a qualifying period
  • be medically fit
  • be of fit and proper character
  • be proficient as a motor driving instructor.

These requirements will continue under the new legislation. A Code of Conduct and supporting policies are being developed, so that it is clear to industry members how to comply and what is expected in practice.

Applicants who have been convicted of certain serious offences will be automatically excluded from being licensed as a motor driving instructor. This is part of meeting the ‘fit and proper’ person requirements. These offences are currently being considered through consultation with various organisations. The offences include sexual, fraud, financial, violent, drug related or theft offences.

All industry members will need to pass a Regulator Assessment to remain in the industry. This ensures all participants meet a minimum standard. The intention is to require all new and renewing applicants to show that they:

  • have the required driving skills to safely operate a vehicle to set driver standards
  • can provide feedback to learner drivers about changing road conditions and road hazards
  • have the skills to teach others how to drive.

New technology improvements

We are introducing technology improvements.

An online booking system will enable learner drivers to book a practical driving test with a government examiner.

A digital scoring system will be used to:

  • score practical driving tests
  • issue digital certificates of competency.

Cameras and GPS are proposed to be used in vehicles:

  • when training is being delivered by a driving instructor
  • during practical driving tests.

This enables the monitoring of the delivered training standard and behaviour in the vehicle.

Driving instruction vehicles will need to meet minimum vehicle safety standards. Vehicle safety technologies help drivers to avoid crashes. They also reduce the severity of injuries of vehicle occupants and other road users during a crash.

The requirements to ensure a safe learning experience include:

  • dual brakes
  • recommended vehicle safety standards
  • maximum vehicle age.

We are engaging with industry on the standards required.

Training materials

Training materials will be created for motor driving instructors and qualified supervising drivers.

These materials will be recommended for use when motor driving instructors, parents, relatives or friends are training learner drivers who are pursuing a Class C (car) licence.

Online register of industry members

We will publish a public register of:

  • licensed motor driving instructors
  • heavy vehicle authorised examiners.

This online register will give people the ability to verify the credentials of a person offering the services of a trainer or examiner.

New Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct will set minimum standards of conduct and behaviour expected of driver training industry members by the Registrar for Motor Vehicles.

Consultation on the Code of Conduct is being undertaken with industry.

Greater sanctioning authority for the Registrar of Motor Vehicles

It is important that the Registrar for Motor Vehicles has the powers and mechanisms necessary to:

  • identify and respond to corruption risks
  • detect and deal with improper conduct when it occurs.

Investigators will have greater powers to gather information on allegations of unlawful activity. If poor conduct is proven, sanctions could include:

  • expiation notices
  • imposition of conditions on a motor driving instructor licence
  • fines for criminal offences
  • suspension and/or cancellation of motor driving instructor licences

You can learn more about the need for reform. Visit ICAC's website to read the Failing the Corruption Road Test: Corruption Risks in South Australia’s Driver Training Industry report.

Complaints or concerns about an industry member

We encourage industry members, learner drivers, parents and members of the public to raise any concerns with us.

When making a complaint, it should include information on:

  • where, when and how the incident happened
  • who was involved
  • any other supporting information, such as documents, photos, receipts and witnesses.

Complaints will be prioritised based on the details you provide. Depending on the nature of the complaint, we may refer it to a relevant body for investigation. This can include internal investigators, South Australia Police and or other bodies.

Consultative forum

A consultative forum has been established with industry stakeholders, including:

  • Australian Driver Trainers Association of South Australia
  • Professional Driver Trainers Association
  • Get Home Safe Foundation
  • RAA.

The forum helps with advice on the development of the regulations and support the new legislation, the Code of Conduct and standards.

Meeting notes

More information

For more information on the proposed reforms, contact the project team: