The South Australian government has introduced a bill into parliament to reform driver training laws, including making tests cheaper for learner drivers.
Private tests will also be outlawed for car licenses and will now have to be conducted by government examiners.
Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the proposed reforms were to address “corruption and sexually predatory behaviour in the sector and improve the skills of motorists”.
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It follows the transport department taking disciplinary action against about 20 per cent of industry members over nearly a decade, with some instructors convicted over sexual offences, bribery, fraud and corruption.
Under the proposed changes, the cost of a driving test would change to a set fee of $240.
The government said the median price of on-road testing is currently $319, but some private instructors have been charging $400 or more.
All testing will now also be conducted only by government examiners.
While private operators can still offer driving lessons, instructors will be required to comply with new rules.
These include having to do a practical and theory test to become an instructor and maintain accreditation.
Instructors will also have to demonstrate good character and provide evidence of medical fitness.
Mandatory cameras and GPS will have to be installed in all training vehicles and instructors will be required to disclose information in writing about their fees.
Koutsantonis said the reforms are in response to the state’s Independent Commission Against Corruption flagging industry laws were “less than adequate” in a May 2022 report.
“The changes will create a safer environment for learner drivers and drivers, while cleaning up the corruption, misconduct and low standards in the industry,” Koutsantonis said.
“A competent driver training industry will lead to more skilled, competent and safer motorists on our roads, improving safety for everyone.”
Annually, 50,000 driving tests are conducted in South Australia.
The transport department said it took 137 disciplinary actions over the past eight years against 125 people.
It said 12 authorised examiners were convicted of sexual offences, bribery, fraud and corruption.
If the new bill passes parliament, the government will need to hire 40 examiners across South Australia to conduct licence tests.
There will be no changes for heavy vehicle training and tests, but instructors will be required to install cameras and GPS tracking.
The government is also looking to introduce sanctions for all instructors who breach industry standards of behaviour.