South Australian driving instructors are pushing back against a government proposal to mandate CCTV cameras in their vehicles as part of sweeping reforms to curb corruption and sexual harassment in the industry. The reforms, introduced to Parliament last month, are intended to ensure safer and more transparent practices in driver training and testing.
Instructors like Mount Gambier-based Mark Briffa argue that mandatory cameras would reduce the “human element” in the driving experience. “A camera can only capture so much,” Briffa explained. “Judging driving performance solely through footage overlooks the complexity and variability of real-life driving situations.”
The proposed changes include transferring practical driving exams to government examiners, removing the role of private examiners altogether. The government’s push follows findings by the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption, which reported widespread bribery in the industry. Under the new law, tests would cost $240—potentially saving students money as some currently pay up to $400 for private testing.
Concerns from Disability Advocates and Instructors
One of the key points of concern is how these changes may negatively affect drivers with disabilities. Currently, South Australian learners can complete training and testing with the same instructor, helping those with anxiety or autism feel more at ease. If passed, the new law would require all students to be tested by unfamiliar government examiners in government vehicles.
Briffa stressed the difficulties faced by students with conditions like anxiety or autism when forced into unfamiliar situations. “It can take several lessons to build trust with a student, particularly those with disabilities,” he said. “Suddenly switching to a new examiner in a new vehicle could overwhelm them and set them back.”
Lachy Miles, a 26-year-old with anxiety and a learning difficulty, had a negative experience with the current Vehicle on Road Test (VORT) system when paired with an unfamiliar examiner in a new car. After failing, Miles eventually passed through the logbook method, with an instructor who understood his learning needs. His mother, Fiona Miles, noted the importance of the instructor-student relationship in the learning process, saying, “It makes a huge difference when there’s trust between the learner and the instructor.”
Driving Instructors Voice Discontent Over In-Car Cameras
The proposed installation of in-car CCTV cameras, aimed at preventing sexual harassment and verifying driving skills, has sparked resistance among instructors. Some have taken to social media to voice their concerns, suggesting that cameras could oversimplify the evaluation of driving skills and undermine the instructor’s judgment.
“We’re losing that human element,” Briffa remarked. “A camera can’t capture every nuance of driving, and those reviewing the footage weren’t present during the lesson.”
The state government maintains that the cameras are a critical measure for protecting vulnerable learners, particularly young people. “We are committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all South Australians, especially those in vulnerable groups,” a government spokesperson said.
Addressing Corruption and Misconduct in the Industry
The reforms come in response to a pattern of corruption and misconduct within the driving instructor industry. Over the past eight years, 137 disciplinary actions were taken against 125 individuals, representing more than 20% of the industry. These actions included cases of bribery, sexual misconduct, fraud, and poor testing standards.
According to the state government, 12 instructors or examiners were convicted of various offenses, including sexual assault and corruption. Raj Patel, owner of Adelaide School of Driving, said the lack of industry consultation prior to the reform was a significant issue. A Freedom of Information request he submitted revealed that between 2015 and 2022, most disciplinary actions related to substandard testing or administrative failings.
While the government insists the new measures will clean up the industry, many instructors believe the reforms will disproportionately affect their ability to serve learners with special needs and create unnecessary complications.
Conclusion
As the South Australian government moves forward with plans to reform driver testing and training, the backlash from instructors continues to grow. While the state aims to address corruption and enhance safety, many within the industry argue that the proposed laws will create new challenges, particularly for learners with disabilities. The debate between government officials and instructors highlights the complexities of balancing safety, transparency, and personalized teaching in driver education.
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