ICAC reveals SA driver training plagued by dodgy dealing

SA’s corruption watchdog says the state’s driver training industry is beset by dodgy deals and even inappropriate behaviour with minors.

The driver training industry is plagued by bribery to pass tests, threats and “inappropriate behaviour with minors”, an ICAC report has found.

Nine recommendations have been made to clean up the industry after a review of dozens of complaints.

Commissioner Ann Vanstone’s report was tabled in state parliament on Tuesday.

In it she states: “I have formed the view that there has been a pattern of wrongdoing

over time among some individuals serving as authorised examiners appointed by the

Registrar of Motor Vehicles for the purpose of conducting practical driving tests”.

“Perhaps the most serious consequence of conduct of this nature is the potential for there

to be licensed motorists in the community who have not demonstrated the required

standards of competency.

The Commissioner found adequate safety controls were missing. Picture: istock

“The risk this presents to public safety is obvious.”

The investigation revealed problems in the industry including the failure of some

examiners to test properly, and inappropriately issuing certificates of competency.

In a written statement ICAC found: “It was also clear there have been instances

of bribery and other improper conduct in the industry”.

Failing the Corruption Road Test: Corruption Risks in South Australia’s Driver Training Industry prompted by an examination of more than forty complaints and reports

assessed or investigated by the Commission.

Ms Vanstone found a “pattern of behaviour that suggest the controls in place to prevent corruption in the driver licensing industry may not be adequate”

In one finding she noted examiners were “engaging in inappropriate behaviour with minors”, and identified 14 cases ICAC had examined in which bribes had been found.

In one case a student had been threatened with failure unless they paid $2200 and another examiner asked for $3000 for a pass guarantee.

Independent Commissioner Against Corruption, the Hon. Ann Vanstone QC. Picture Tony Lewis Photography

She recommended;

PRICE guides for driving lessons and tests.

NO package deal pricing for driving lessons, only on services provided.

RECORDS of amounts charged should be recorded.

MORE information about the examiners and their role be provided to students.

BETTER government records of examiners licences, a history of complaints made against each examiner, and relevant feedback from auditors.

RECORDING the names of students who have undertaken driving lessons and tests, and their instructors, to be able to identify them later.

EXPLORE viability of bookings of tests and assessments being managed by the Department.

GIVE auditors the ability to override a decision of an authorised examiner during a test or examination.