More stringent driver testing is on the cards as the investigation of an alleged rogue assessor continues
By Steve Skinner | June 13, 2013
The Victorian driving regulator is considering in-cab filming of truck driver licence tests.
Such filming would identify both the assessor and the candidate undergoing the test.
The confirmation to ATN comes in the wake of the scandal involving a former Linfox driver trainer, who since 2005 allegedly handed out more than 600 fraudulent licences.
ATN contacted VicRoads after hearing it was considering in-cab filming.
An emailed response says: “VicRoads is currently investigating options regarding the introduction of ‘in cabin’ cameras for heavy vehicle assessments.”
If it happens, in-cab filming of licence tests in Victoria will put pressure on the other states to follow suit.
National licence harmonisation is under way amongst road authorities, ahead of the new National Heavy Vehicle Regulator being expected to take over the function sometime in the future.
Meanwhile 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.
The man allegedly at the centre of the scam has been sacked by Linfox.
When the scandal broke last September, a Linfox spokesman told ATN: “This appears to have occurred outside our premises and normal processes.”
“We immediately strengthened our internal governance to ensure this can never happen again. We also reported the matter to police who are now handling these allegations.”
VicRoads has re-tested nearly all of the drivers in question.
Its email says: “While the alleged fraudulent licences were not issued to Linfox employees, VicRoads decided to re-test everyone who was issued a licence from the tester since May 2005.”
“To date 98% of affected drivers have been retested. 26% of all drivers have retained their heavy vehicle licence.”
For much more on driver training and licensing, check out the next issue of ATN.
