The South Australian government has unveiled massive changes to its heavy vehicle licencing system, introducing new MC class permit requirements and no longer recognising overseas heavy vehicle driving experience when obtaining an MC licence.
The significant changes to the state’s system, commencing in February 2025, follows a community-driven petition calling for stricter licencing requirements for drivers, with Delphine Mugridge, who lost her husband Neville in a truck crash on the Eyre Highway earlier this year, presenting her petition that has been backed by more than 19,600 South Australians.
“I am very pleased to see the state government adopt these changes, which should help save lives,” Mugridge says.
“It is comforting to know that Neville hasn’t died in vain.”
What has changed?
The major updates to SA’s heavy vehicle licencing system means the state government will establish a new Multi-Combination (MC) Licence Program. Under the program, drivers will take part in a “structured learning program” with their employer’s support to receive a MC licence.
Drivers will need to apply for the program with their employer’s support before being issued a learner’s permit for the MC licence, with drivers then required to complete a competency-based training course through an approved Registered Training Organisation before logging a minimum number of training hours and learning components with a qualified supervising driver.
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For Heavy Rigid (HR) licence holders, they must complete a minimum of 60 hours of logged supervised driving and additional learning components while those with a Heavy Combination (HC) licence must complete 50 hours of supervised driving with additional learning also attached.
Following this, a practical driving assessment in a MC vehicle with an Authorised Examiner will then determine if the driver obtains an MC licence.
The second change being made is the restriction of overseas heavy vehicle experience being recognised in the state, with the SA government announcing that from early next year the state won’t recognise overseas heavy vehicle driving experience towards obtaining a MC licence, except for New Zealand drivers due to their similar training and driving conditions.
Drivers from other countries will be required to hold a South Australian HR or HC licence for a minimum of 12 months or complete the newly established MC Licence Program before progressing to a MC licence.
The change recognises that, in some cases, heavy vehicle driving standards and vehicle types in other countries do not align with those in Australia and that the road conditions in Australia require rigorous training and experience before getting behind the wheel of complex vehicles like road trains and B-doubles.
Both measures, which mark a significant step forward in fostering a culture of safety, accountability and thorough training in South Australia’s heavy vehicle sector, will take effect in late February 2025.
Drivers may still choose the traditional route of holding a HC or HR licence for 12 months before progressing to a MC licence.
The changes come as drivers of ultra high powered vehicles (UHPVs) are required to hold a U class licence to drive on South Australian roads from next week.
The new licence class, which becomes mandatory on Sunday December 1, is an Australian-first and has been introduced as part of reforms made by the state government following the tragic death of Sophia Naismith.
UHPV drivers must complete the interactive online course. An on-road driving assessment is not required.
After passing the course, drivers are required to apply and pay for a replacement licence that will add a U class to their driver’s licence.
Driving an UHPV without U class licence is punishable by a maximum fine of up to $2,500, with subsequent offences risking a $5,000 fine or imprisonment.
Nearly 1,500 South Australians have already obtained the new licence class since its launch in July 2024.
Multiple letters have been sent to UHPV owners to remind them to obtain a U class licence, complementing a broader digital advertising campaign and engagement with UHPV dealerships and clubs to raise awareness of the new requirements.
“Everyone has the right to go to work and return home safely. South Australia is committed to building a safer, stronger road transport industry that prioritises the lives of everyone on our roads,” SA transport minister Tom Koutsantonis says.
“We owe it to families like the Mugridges and to all road users to make our roads as safe as possible. These new standards not only honour Neville’s memory but respond to the needs of the industry and the calls for change from many who work on our roads daily.
“This is a critical step in ensuring that those behind the wheel of the heaviest and most complex vehicles on our roads have the necessary training and experience to drive them safely. The reforms ensure drivers meet the highest standards of competency while providing clearer pathways for achieving the required qualifications.
“I told Mrs Mugridge that South Australia would consider significant changes to its heavy vehicle licencing system very soon and I am confident these changes will lead to safer roads and ultimately help prevent tragedies like the one experienced by Mrs. Mugridge and her family.
“However it is important to note that road freight passes through South Australia and broader change must be undertaken in conjunction with other states and the Commonwealth government. This will necessarily take longer to implement, however we are doing what we can at a state level to make our roads as safe as they can be.”
This initiative was delivered as part of the state’s Road Safety Action Plan 2023-2025, strengthening both education and enforcement to ensure UHPV drivers are well informed, responsible and safe on the roads to reduce lives lost and serious injuries in South Australia.
“The industry welcomes these effective reforms, which address issues we have been discussing with Minister Koutsantoni,” SARTA executive officer Steve Shearer says.
“I want to commend Delphine on her dedication to pursuing this petition, and for engaging with the industry on solutions.”
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