Driver Training Schemes and Driver Quality

The issue of adequate training does not only apply to other road-users but also truck drivers themselves. At present in NSW drivers can obtain a license to drive an articulated vehicle either by taking a test run by the RTA or undertaking a competency-based training program with an accredited trainer. The Inquiry received submissions from drivers, current and ex-

trainers, ex RTA officers, industry associations and range of other parties that were critical of either or both of the existing systems.

On the one hand, the examination-based system was criticised as too narrow and failing to sufficiently differentiate between different classes of vehicles. It should be noted that the heavy vehicle driver’s licensing handbook (see RTA, 1999) includes information on different vehicle configurations (and where they are permitted to operate), correct loading and braking procedures, coupling/uncoupling, maximum vehicle dimensions and correct loads (including position and anchors), loading/unloading, drugs, fatigue, record keeping, and a host of other matters. The criticism seemed to focus on issues like the amount of training received from experienced operators in terms of correct restraint. On the other hand, the competency-based system was praised for addressing issues like load restraint but some criticism was registered about the selection/experience of some trainers. For example, it was suggested that some trainers lacked sufficient knowledge of the industry to perform their task effectively (oral submission, competency-based trainer southern NSW).

At the same time, a number of submissions to this Inquiry argued that a new more stringent and comprehensive scheme was needed to improve driver standards and professionalism. In its written submission, the Victorian Road Transport Association, for example, saw a need for both enhanced operator and driver licensing/accreditation. It pointed to (oral submission) problems in relation to limited training given to B-Double drivers (in terms of load restraint, coupling and negotiating narrow bridges) based on presumptions they would be involved in a very restricted set of routes and tasks - presumptions that no longer hold. The Association also cited an inquest by the state coroner into a truck-driver fatality where the coroner observed that a driver's license was not a certificate of competency, and in this case the driver should have undertaken more advanced training.

A not unrelated concern expressed by a number of bodies was that the truck driver workforce was aging and it was difficult to attract sufficient quality young applicants because of the occupation's low skill image. There was a fear that there was a looming shortage of drivers that would affect the ability of the industry to meet the expected substantial increase in the road freight task. In response to this the NSW Road Transport Association has held discussion with the Transport and Distribution ITAB with a view to addressing this problem by establishing transport industry traineeships, involving TAFE level training (written submission and Attachment 'A'). The aim of the scheme would to secure an adequate supply of trainee drivers (and related occupations such as forklift drivers) and to enhance the professional recognition and quality of the profession. A number of existing drivers, including owner/drivers, saw advantages in TAFE or equivalent base training not only as an entry point into the industry but also to upgrade the skills of existing drivers. The Inquiry was impressed with the professionalism of many drivers who made submissions and the stress they placed on the need to gain experience and to keep learning through the course of their driving career. It was also struck by US evidence pertaining to the problems that can arise when the industry becomes the domain of recent immigrants with little training. Of course the standing of drivers is not unconnected to the wages earned and while this will be examined in more detail later it is enough to observe that low earnings may play a large part in future shortages of fully professional, qualified and experienced drivers. At the present time it should be stated that, in the view of the Inquiry, moves to upgrade the training of drivers have considerable merit, especially if this includes areas such as occupational health and safety, relevant regulatory requirements (road transport, OHS and industrial relations) and communication and business skills.

The move towards a National Driver Licensing Scheme for multi-combination class vehicles might have be seen as a logical conduit for this, especially as it has entailed a project for identifying the requisite competency standards and a suitable training package based on those competencies (see Austroads, 2000). Under the new scheme, individual jurisdictions will still

have to tailor courses to meet jurisdiction-specific requirements in relation to private training providers, competency-based training and the like. Unfortunately, examining a recent paper on proposed competencies (Austroads, 2000) this Inquiry could find little or no mention of OHS or a number of the other areas just mentioned. Rather the competencies largely dealt with the technical skills required to drive a truck and road transport regulations. The Inquiry believes this training base is too narrow for a driver operating in a commercial industry such as long haul road freight.

Debates over driver quality/training are by no means confined to Australia. In 1997 a report commissioned by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in the USA concluded only 31% of entry-level truck drivers got adequate training (Johnson, 1997). To address this the Administration proposed mandatory HFWA-registered training, tougher commercial driver's license tests and further initiatives on driver training. However, trucking companies opposed these moves, preferring '…to regulate themselves' (Johnson, 1997:66).

The Inquiry finds that current driver training methods should be evaluated with a view to identifying deficiencies and to also to provide a basis for progressive enhancement of driver competencies. Driving a truck should be regarded as a life long learning experience, with periodic re-testing and upgrading of skills.