New measures including video recorders in driving instructor cars considered under industry safety overhaul
Learner driver lessons would be filmed under a State Government plan to stamp out dodgy instructors accused of corruption, bribery and sexual assault that have plagued the industry.
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Driving instructors would have to be filmed during lessons under plans being considered to crack down on dodgy operators.
From this month driving instructors have had to get the more onerous working with vulnerable people check instead of the traditional police clearance.
But the State Government want stronger measures to oversee the sector that has been given a woeful report card by both students and teachers.
Draft new laws will go out for consideration over the next few months.
On the table will be the requirement for driving instructors to be forced to have video cameras installed in their cars as taxi and Uber drivers are required to do.
In February The Advertiser revealed that driving teachers putting the next generation of motorists on South Australian roads have been accused of corruption, bribery and inappropriate behaviour with minors.
The shocking allegations – highlighted in a State Government survey that found 85 per cent of drivers and students were aware that the system was corrupt – have prompted an overhaul of the driver-teaching sector.
Transport Minister Stephan Knoll told The Advertiser this week that new laws were under development.
“We are currently considering a range of options as part of our reforms to crack down on corrupt and inappropriate behaviour to keep our kids safe while they learn to drive,” Mr Knoll said.
“The recent alleged incidents that have come to light are absolutely sickening and that’s why we are looking at a range of options as part of our reforms to keep our kids safe, including in car cameras like we have in taxis or on public transport.”
Last month a 68-year-old male driving instructor was arrested and charged with indecently assaulting a teenage girl during a learner driver driving lesson.
It was the latest in a number of concerning alleged incidents involving driving instructors.
In February instructor Ibtisam Dimachki, who bribed her corrupt son to pass her students and give them licences without testing them, narrowly avoided prison.
RAA senior manager community engagement Ben Haythorpe said the motoring organisation, that conducted thousands of driving lessons every year, does not currently use cameras, but would have no problem in doing so.
“We would welcome the use of cameras, providing all the relevant legislation was developed beforehand around filming of minors and storage of the footage,” Mr Haythorpe said.
In a submission to the government regarding a preliminary proposal to put cameras in driving instructor’s vehicles SA Law Society President Tim White has raised a number of concerns.
“While the Society is concerned as to the prevalence of improper behaviour and corruption
within the industry, it would be beneficial to have a better understanding of how the proposed
measures are intended to address these issues,” Mr White said.
“At this time, it is difficult for the society to take a view on the regulations due to the lack of detail provided.”
Mr White said it was important to establish how the rules would relate to the
use of in-vehicle cameras and consent, noting that passengers will often include minors.
“For example, will drivers be required to disclose that there is a camera installed that will record both audio and visual surveillance?,” Mr White said.
“There are also additional administrative issues as to how the proposed regulations will operate where drivers own their vehicles, including whether it will be an offence for a driver to turn off the camera when the car is not being used to provide driver trainer activities.
Mr White also questioned who would pay for the costs of installing the surveillance device.