South Australia is set to introduce significant changes to its heavy vehicle licensing system, aimed at improving driver competency and safety on the roads. The changes, which follow a petition from the community, will introduce a new Multi-Combination (MC) Licence Program and stricter guidelines for obtaining a licence to drive heavy vehicles.
The overhaul comes after a tragic truck crash on the Eyre Highway in early 2024, which claimed the life of Neville Mugridge. His wife, Delphine Mugridge, has been an advocate for stricter heavy vehicle licensing requirements, and her petition, supported by over 19,600 South Australians, has led to these reforms.
Key Changes to the Licensing System
The MC Licence Program is one of the most significant components of the new approach. The MC licence allows drivers to operate large and complex vehicles such as B-doubles, prime movers, and road trains. Under the new system, drivers will need to apply for the program with their employer’s support before being issued a learner’s permit. They will then complete a competency-based training course through an approved Registered Training Organisation, logging a required number of supervised driving hours.
Heavy Rigid (HR) licence holders will need to complete a minimum of 60 hours of supervised driving, while those with a Heavy Combination (HC) licence will need to complete 50 hours before they can apply for an MC licence. After meeting these training requirements, drivers will undergo a practical driving assessment to ensure their competency.
The new system will also offer drivers the option to continue using the traditional route by holding an HC or HR licence for 12 months before progressing to an MC licence.
Stricter Licensing for Overseas Drivers
In addition to the MC Licence Program, another key change is the restriction on overseas heavy vehicle driving experience. Starting in early 2025, South Australia will no longer recognise overseas driving experience when applying for an MC licence, except for drivers from New Zealand, whose driving conditions are deemed similar to those in Australia. Drivers from other countries will be required to hold an HR or HC licence for a minimum of 12 months or complete the MC Licence Program to qualify for an MC licence.
This move acknowledges the differences in vehicle types and road conditions between Australia and other countries. The government has stated that it is important to ensure drivers are properly trained to operate complex vehicles under Australian conditions.
A Broader Focus on Road Safety
The licensing changes are part of a broader effort to improve road safety across South Australia. From December 1, 2024, the state will also introduce a new licence class for ultra-high-powered vehicles (UHPVs). This Australian-first reform requires UHPV drivers to complete an online course and pass a driving assessment. Once the course is completed, drivers will need to apply for a replacement licence to add the U class to their driver’s licence. Penalties for driving an UHPV without the required licence include fines of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for repeated offences.
The new U class licence was introduced in response to the tragic death of Sophia Naismith in 2023. Since its introduction in July 2024, almost 1,500 South Australians have obtained the U class licence, and the government has launched an awareness campaign to ensure that all UHPV owners comply with the new requirements.
Industry Reactions
While the changes to the heavy vehicle licensing system have received broad support, there are varied opinions from the transport industry. The South Australian Road Transport Association (SARTA) has welcomed the reforms, praising the government’s actions to address industry concerns. Steve Shearer, Executive Officer of SARTA, acknowledged the dedication of Delphine Mugridge in pushing for these changes and emphasised the importance of training and safety.
On the other hand, the introduction of stricter requirements for overseas drivers has raised questions about its potential impact on the availability of skilled drivers, particularly in an industry already facing workforce shortages. While the government asserts that these changes will improve road safety, some industry representatives have expressed concerns that limiting the recognition of overseas experience could exacerbate existing challenges in the transport sector.
The Path Forward
As these reforms are set to take effect in February 2025, the South Australian government has emphasised that the changes will provide clearer pathways for drivers to achieve the required qualifications. Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Tom Koutsantonis, said, “These reforms ensure drivers meet the highest standards of competency while providing clearer pathways for achieving the required qualifications.”
While the government’s actions aim to improve safety, there are broader conversations to be had about the impact of these changes on the heavy vehicle sector, workforce shortages, and the practicalities of training drivers to meet the new standards.
Delphine Mugridge, whose petition was a catalyst for the reforms, expressed hope that the new standards would prevent future tragedies. “It is comforting to know that Neville hasn’t died in vain,” she said.
These changes mark an important step in South Australia’s efforts to improve road safety. As the new measures take effect, the focus will remain on ensuring that heavy vehicle drivers are equipped with the necessary skills and experience to operate safely on South Australian roads.
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