Updates for overseas drivers
Demerit points waiver
Modified vehicles
Bus driver recruitment
Regulation changes for overseas drivers
Two changes were recently introduced to the Road Transport (Driver Licensing) Regulation 2017 that impact overseas drivers.
The first part of the regulation change impacts overseas drivers who arrive in NSW from 1 July onwards on a temporary visa If these overseas licence holders intend to reside continuously in NSW for six months or longer, they will need to obtain a NSW Driver Licence to continue driving.
Overseas drivers who are impacted by this regulation change will need to allow plenty of time to meet all requirements for a NSW licence, which may include passing a Driver Knowledge Test and The Driving Test
Person A arrives in NSW on 1 July 2023. Person A will reside continuously in NSW for six months or more from that date.
Person A would be required to obtain a NSW driver licence by 1 January 2024.
Overseas licence holders who are residents of NSW prior to 1 July 2023 can continue to drive on their overseas licence until they become the holder of a permanent visa under the Migration Act or their overseas licence expires or is otherwise cancelled or suspended.
The second part of the regulation change impacts all persons in NSW with an overseas driver’s licence, regardless of how long they have resided in NSW.
From 1 July 2023, Transport for NSW will permanently withdraw a person’s visiting driver privileges if they:
accrue 13 demerit points, are convicted of a serious driving offence, are suspended or disqualified from driving a motor vehicle in any part of Australia or another country, or are convicted of a drug or alcohol-related driving offence
If these overseas licence holders wish to drive again in NSW, they must get a NSW driver’s licence after they have completed their suspension or disqualification period They will not be permitted to use their overseas licence again to drive in NSW
“These regulation changes are going to be very impactful in helping to improve road safety as overseas drivers will learn important information regarding the NSW road transport system,” said Kate Timbs, Director of Customer Licencing.
"Where relevant, overseas drivers will also complete theory and driving tests to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to be safe on our NSW roads.
“By capturing the details of overseas drivers in our state-wide database DRIVES, we will also be able to better regulate driver behaviour."
More information on these regulation changes is available via our website.
Lower CTP Premiums for Safer Drivers
From 1 May 2023, licensed Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurers can now access a driver’s demerit point status when customer consent is given. When determining a driver’s CTP premium, there are several factors that an insurer will consider, including:
the driver’s age how many at-fault accidents they’ve had where the vehicle is parked/garaged the age of the vehicle
“Insurers can now validate a driver’s demerit point status when determining their CTP/green slip premium,” said Kate Timbs, Director of Customer Licensing
“This initiative may incentivise safer driving behaviour, contributing to overall road safety for our NSW driving community,” said Kate
For
drivers that have given consent,
insurers will be able to verify the demerit point status of the nominated drivers for each policy renewal, unless the nominated driver chooses to opt out If a nominated driver chooses not to give their consent, insurers will not be able verify their demerit point status when issuing or renewing a CTP policy.
Demerit points are active on a driver’s licence for 40 months after the offence occurs After 40 months demerit points will not be included in any new licence suspensions.
Further information on this CTP update can be accessed via www sira nsw gov au
Demerit points relief for safer drivers
Unrestricted NSW licence holders – including professional drivers – are eligible for a demerit point trial that aims to reward responsible driving behaviour.
During the trial, if an eligible driver maintains an offence free record during the trial period, one demerit point will be removed from their driving record.
The trial will run from 17 January 2023 until 16 January 2024. There is no need to register for the trial, all unrestricted licence holders are automatically included.
At the completion of the trial, Transport for NSW will undertake a process to identify those eligible for the deduction of a demerit point.
The demerit point deduction is expected to take effect mid-April 2024
Learner and provisional licence holders are not included in the trial as they are subject to strict conditions of the Graduated Licensing Scheme.
Safe driving behaviour cannot be underestimated as we work together to create a safer driving environment for all road users and ultimately push road trauma to zero.
Did you know?
All licence holders start with zero demerit points.
As a licence holder commits an offence that has a demerit point penalty, the points are then added to their driving record.
Demerit points stay active for a three-year period, starting from the date of the offence.
Multi factor authentication is coming
Multi factor authentication (MFA) is being introduced across Transport for NSW (Transport) systems and applications to help protect customer information and data.
MFA is an extra layer of security for Transport accounts where a one-time code is sent via SMS to a registered mobile phone or Microsoft Authenticator App when attempting to login.
With MFA, information is more secure because no one can log into an account without that code, even if they have the user ID and password.
All users of Transport systems and applications will be sent an email with instructions on how to set up MFA.
Animals on country roads
One in every 41 crashes resulting in injury or death on country roads involves a vehicle hitting an animal. When driving on country roads, it’s important to be vigilant of wildlife on or near the roadside Slowing down, particularly around dusk when visibility can be lower, could save a collision or even save your life
Safe driving tips:
Reduce your speed – Slow down and look out for wildlife on or near the roadside Stay alert – Animals can be more active near waterholes and creeks and harder to see at sunrise and sunset. They can be fast and unpredictable. Stay alert and expect the unexpected
DRIVES privacy training
Transport for NSW (Transport) has recently put together a training package to support external users to meet their privacy obligations regarding DRIVES24.
The DRIVES database holds NSW licensing and vehicle registration details including customers’ personal and health information.
More than 130 external agencies including law enforcement, councils and insurers have limited read only access to this information for approved official purposes. This is available via DRIVES24 a read-only version of DRIVES
Transport is required to ensure that DRIVES24 is secure and only used for appropriate and approved purposes.
Brake safely – Apply your brakes in a careful, controlled manner Leave space and pass with care when it is safe to do so. Don’t swerve– Take great care if you manoeuvre to avoid an animal. You may lose control of your vehicle if you swerve too harshly.
Follow animal warning signs - Take note of warning signs alerting you to the presence of animals in the area. If you see these signs, slow down, stay alert and be prepared to stop if required.
Report injured wildlife – Call WIRES on 1300 094 737 or use the IFAW Wildlife rescue app to find a suitable wildlife rescue organisation for your location
For more information, please visit our website
To achieve this, all DRIVES 24 users must complete training that covers the relevant privacy laws prior to accessing DRIVES24 or DRIVES information.
As Mary
Drewett, Director Customer
Performance and Improvement supported, “We want our customers to feel they can trust that their information is being treated with care ”
“By protecting customers’ information, DRIVES24 users prevent harm to customers, to themselves and the entire community.”
This is an important measure Transport is taking to honour its commitment to its privacy obligations under the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998.
Electric vehicle safety response
In 2022, 20,665 electric vehicles (EVs) were sold in Australia, triple the amount sold in 2020 With the rise of EVs on NSW roads comes the likelihood of more crashes involving EVs, along with the added complexity that an EV crash presents.
Transport for NSW (Transport) was invited to assist Fire and Rescue NSW in staging a multiagency crash simulation at the Emergency Services Academy in Orchid Hills.
The simulation was designed to represent multiple EV crash scenarios, and the creation of safety response videos that will be used in future training for emergency services personnel
The joint agency exercise was a great collaboration between Fire and Rescue NSW,
NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, NSW Rural Fire Service, the State Emergency Service, VRA Rescue and TAFE NSW
“The simulated crashes demonstrate that first responders must deal with battery powered cars in a very specific way,” said Matthew Cafe Partnerships Manager.
“Having fuel labels in place helps first responders know what type of vehicle they are working with and can mean the difference between life and death if a vehicle is on fire or doors are jammed shut."
“Transport’s traffic management commanders participated in the scenarios to explain the role Transport plays in crashes and road incidents to keep road users safe and moving ”
Several previously written off EVs were used for the simulated single-vehicle and multiplevehicle incidents.
The ‘jaws of life’ cut into vehicles, and multiple emergency service teams worked to safely and promptly secure the crash scenes and remove the passengers involved.
Transport is proud to partner with our NSW emergency services colleagues.
We would like to remind all drivers to slow down and make room for emergency service vehicles when their lights are flashing and to listen and follow orders from first responders when they are involved in an incident.
When passing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing blue or red lights:
if the speed limit is 80km/h or less, you must slow down to 40km/h
if the speed limit is over 80km/h, you must slow down safely and move over. This includes changing lanes on a multi-lane road, if it’s safe to do so.
You must not increase your speed until you’ve passed all vehicles and people involved.
Read more about responding to road safety hazards on our website.
Does your electric, hybrid, hydrogen or LPG powered vehicle have the correct fuel label?
Fuel labels are a legal requirement and help emergency services recognise risks when attending a vehicle incident. It could help save your life and theirs. Find out more about warning and fuel labels.
Mobile Safety Check Inspections app
A new mobile app, R-Safety is currently undergoing user testing, as part of the next phase of making mobile safety (pink slip) inspections possible, easier and more convenient for AIS examiners and vehicle owners.
The app was developed following the successful completion of the mobile pink slips trial. We hope to be able to launch the app to AIS providers later in the year.
Mobile inspections will be an opportunity for AIS examiners to offer more services to their customers. With the app, examiners will no longer have to print and sign each report Instead, they will be able to email or SMS it to the customer immediately after the inspection.
Some of the other benefits and capabilities of the app will include:
Multi-factor log-in and biometrics (increased security)
Mobile inspections for cars, motorcycles and trailers (only if trailer has a VIN/chassis number)
Defect clearance
Offline capability
Modern user interface
Validations and automation
In built site risk assessment
Data in near real-time OCR
More compliance data for Transport such as GPS coordinates,pictures
Inspection reports digitally sent to customers
The app will also make it easier for examiners to meet their obligations regarding compliance to AIS business rules and save time whenever they inspect a vehicle.
Protecting vehicle owners against odometer tampering
Odometer tampering involves the disconnection, resetting or changing of a motor vehicle’s display of kilometres it has travelled. It is an offence in NSW to interfere with an odometer reading as it can influence the perceived value and condition of a vehicle.
It’s now possible to check the last three odometer readings for free through the Service NSW website.
“These readings are available to everyone and will help protect customers from odometer tampering,” said Ruth Clulow, Senior Manager Vehicle Operations.
“The readings may show discrepancies between the kilometres travelled – what is displayed on a vehicle’s odometer – versus what has been recorded in previous odometer readings.”
Vehicle owners that suspect odometer tampering can find out more on the Buying a used car - NSW Fair Trading website.
Lost and stolen plates
In 2022, more than 15,000 plates were recorded lost in NSW This is a 43 per cent increase in lost plates since 2012.
Every vehicle registered in NSW is required to be fitted with number plates that meet the requirements of the Road Transport (Registration) Regulation (2017).
Lost and stolen plates have significant and negative impacts on the NSW community. This includes customers being issued with fines for not complying with the registration regulations and associated costs for replacement plates The circulation of lost and stolen plates in the community can lead to misuse of vehicles and facilitate illegal activities.
When inspecting a number plate, it must meet all the requirements of the regulation, or AIS Rule 105 11 which include;
Being in an upright position that is substantially parallel to the vehicle’s axles
Not more than 1.3 metres above ground level Not obscured, defaced or otherwise illegible
All covers must be clear, clean, non-tinted and flat over its entire surface
All covers have no reflective characteristics preventing successful operation of a law enforcement device
Clearly visible up to 20 metres away and within an arc of 45-degrees from the plate’s surface, above or to either side of the vehicle
In the case of a motor vehicle for which numberplates of different sizes are issued the larger of the numberplates is affixed to the rear of the vehicle
If you find a vehicle with a missing or damaged plate, you should advise the owner of the vehicle to report it via Service NSW and they must apply for a replacement plate as soon as possible.
Suspicious plates: If you suspect the plates on the vehicle may be tampered with, or the plates are non-genuine please report this to Transport for NSW immediately.
Email: Vehicle.safety@transport.nsw.gov.au
Tweed Head compliance blitz
NSW Police joined Transport for NSW (Transport) at Tweed Heads last month for a week-long program of regulatory assurance activities. This included a review of Vehicle Safety Compliance Certification Scheme (VSCCS) certifiers, Authorised Inspection Schemes (AIS) stations, Heavy Vehicle Competency Based (HVCBA) assessment assessors/trainers, and bus operators (BOAS).
The first area of focus was a comprehensive program of audits targeting VSCCS and AIS stations, HVCBA assessors/trainers and bus operators. The second focus area was an onroad vehicle operation, examining suspect highrisk vehicles.
Some results of this assurance work include:
Approximately 65 stations audited over the three days.
Four stations in breach for not complying with the business rules
Five AIS stations immediately suspended. One examiner charged with issuing false and misleading documents.
15 HVCBA assessors being audited. Several VSCCS certifiers now currently under investigation.
One BOAS operator issued a formal warning letter for non-compliance.
Transport staff and Highway Patrol officers participating in a joint, on-road operation, targeting unsafe vehicles.
NSW Police issued 27 Section 66 - Notice to Produce Vehicle letters for a Transport inspection at the Tweed Heads National Heavy Vehicle Inspection Station
This on-road operation resulted in:
27 vehicles being inspected by Transport investigators and regulatory compliance officers.
26 vehicles issued with defect notices
Eight vehicles issued with a Yellow Defective Vehicle Label, with a large majority of these vehicles only given enough time to be driven home.
Nine vehicles issued with a Red Defective Vehicle Label, these vehicles were Major Grounded and not permitted to be driven and were required to be towed from the scene.
Tuff Trucks
Our vehicle safety team attended the Tuff Truck Challenge to talk with 4WD owners about the most common safety risks of modified vehicles.
Owners were reminded that modifications to increase ride height and accommodate oversize tyres can affect braking performance, change handling behaviour, affect steering response, create directional instability, and increase chances of rollover.
Read more about our team taking the opportunity to engage with owners about the safety of modified vehicles here
Outcomes of the event:
76 vehicles were inspected - 73 were four-wheel drive passenger or light commercial utility type vehicles, one was a passenger sedan and two were trailers
22 vehicles were compliant
54 vehicles found to be defective and issued defect notices - 37 minor, 17 major (yellow label) and four major grounded (red label)
50 vehicles were non-compliant with safety check standards
47 vehicles were significantly modified without appropriate VSCCS certificates and only five vehicles with significant modifications had appropriate VSCCS certifications.
“The high proportion of defective vehicles and vehicles without appropriate VSCCS certificates indicates the need to better inform this cohort of the risks of operating unsafe and non-compliant vehicles,” explained Paul Duignan, Director Vehicle Safety.
“Many of the operators knew their vehicles were not compliant but were not fully aware of the safety risks their vehicles posed to themselves and others
“Transport’s attendance at events like this provides a valuable opportunity to explain to the owners of their vehicles what they need to do to ensure their vehicles meet safety standards ”
Training NSW Police to crackdown on dangerous vehicles
Equipping NSW Police highway patrol officers with the skills and knowledge to identify dangerous, modified vehicles on NSW roads is a key step to improve road safety.
Transport for NSW (Transport) has established an effective working partnership with the NSW Police Far North Coast Highway Patrol (FNC HWP) and has delivered training to address their needs. The training, held at the Wollongbar TAFE, involved classroom learning and practical assessments to provide the specific knowledge and expertise to conduct vehicle assessments. Due to the feedback provided from the FNC HWP, Transport will present a broader program of similar training to the rest of the NSW Police Force.
The training teaches officers how to take appropriate action when identifying noncompliant vehicles
Thanks to the partnership, Transport will be able to collect data on unserviceable and modified vehicles and crashes in the Far North region of NSW This will assist with the review of vehicle schemes and identify areas for improvement.
“A modification to one aspect of a vehicle can have unintended safety consequences to other aspects of the vehicle,” explained Greg Tarbit, Regulatory Compliance Officer who leads the training program
“Modifications to vehicles need to be done to the applicable standards, to ensure that the required level of safety is provided to the vehicle’s occupants and other road users.”
After the training days, the Far North Coast Highway Patrol and Crash Investigation Unit joined Transport for a compliance operation in Ballina where vehicles were directed to the rear of the police station for testing Transport inspectors oversaw the operation and provided further training and advice when required
As part of the compliance, 22 vehicles were inspected and some of the key findings are outlined below:
18 vehicles were given major defects with 11 red labelled (major grounded) and seven yellow labelled (major). Four vehicles were given minor defects with one yellow label and three with no label issued.
19 infringement notices were issued for the defects as well as one charge and one positive random drug test
Two vehicles that were inspected by Transport and Police had previously been issued pink slips without an inspection being performed in accordance with the Authorised Inspection Scheme rules; these vehicles were amongst those found to be defective Those matters are subject to further investigation.
More information about modified vehicles can be found on our website.
