More than 600 truck drivers to sit a licence test again after authorities uncover scam involving fraudulent driving certificates
Ruza Zivkusic-Aftasi | September 21, 2012
More than 600 truck drivers in Victoria will need to sit a licence test again after authorities uncovered a scam involving fraudulent driving certificates.
Victoria Police is investigating the actions of an accredited training provider at the Linfox-operated Anglesea Complex, which is permitted to carry out driver testing.
Up to 650 drivers were issued with fake certificates of competence by a former Linfox driver who allegedly misused his VicRoads accreditation to endorse commercial vehicle licences in the state.
He has since been sacked. Linfox spokesman Gary Max believes no false endorsements have been issued to Linfox drivers.
“This appears to have occurred outside our premises and normal processes,” Max says.
He says the company is “extremely” disappointed by the driver’s actions but had reported the case to VicRoads as soon as it was made aware of the possible breaches.
“We immediately strengthened our internal governance to ensure this can never happen again,” Max says.
“We also reported the matter to police who are now handling these allegations.”
Drivers will have to undergo a re-test to confirm they are entitled to hold their licence. VicRoads CEO Gary Liddle says the department will cover the cost. Those who do not sit the test will have their licence cancelled.
VicRoads has written to the Anglesea Complex demanding it show cause why its right to provide heavy vehicle testing services on behalf of VicRoads.
The company raised the alarm about the breaches and is now assisting authorities with their investigation.
“It’s not necessary to automatically cancel all the heavy vehicle licences issued by the Anglesea Complex because not all drivers were tested by the person accused of misconduct,” Liddle says.
“VicRoads is taking this action because we cannot allow any truck drivers who have not gone through the proper licence processes to drive on our roads.”