DRIVE Lite – Driving Instructors

Dear driving instructors,

Welcome to the July edition of DRIVE Lite – Driving instructors. In this edition, we share some important information about the policy changes introduced for overseas driver from 1 July 2023 as well as our new Animals on Country Roads campaign. You’ll also find information on access to odometer readings through Service NSW and demerit point relief for safe drivers. We’re always on the hunt for new content, so if your business is interested in providing a case study about something you do well in the driving instructor program, please get in touch with us! Changes introduced for overseas drivers on 1 July 2023Overseas drivers who arrive in NSW from 1 July 2023 and intend to live in NSW for six months or longer will now need to obtain a NSW driver licence to continue driving. If you receive questions about this from your driving students, additional information including a customer fact sheet and a Frequently Asked Questions resource is now available via nsw.gov.au. Overseas drivers are reminded to give themselves plenty of time to meet all the relevant requirements to obtain a NSW driver licence, which may include passing the Driver Knowledge Test and The Driving Test.

Animals on country roads

One in every 41 crashes resulting in injury or death on country roads involves a vehicle hitting an animal. Please remind your students that when driving on country roads, it’s important to be vigilant of wildlife on or near the roadside. Slowing down, particularly around dusk when visibility can be lower, could save a collision or even save your life, Safe driving tips:

• Reduce your speed – Slow down and look out for wildlife on or near the roadside.
• Stay alert – Animals can be more active near waterholes and creeks and harder to see at sunrise and sunset. They can be fast and unpredictable. Stay alert and expect the unexpected.
• Brake safely – Apply your brakes in a careful, controlled manner. Leave space and pass with care when it is safe to do so.
• Don’t swerve – Take great care if you manoeuvre to avoid an animal. You may lose control of your vehicle if you swerve too harshly.
• Follow animal warning signs – Take note of warning signs alerting you to the presence of animals in the area. If you see these signs, slow down, stay alert and be prepared to stop if required.
• Report injured wildlife – call WIRES on 1300 094 737 or use the IFAW Wildlife rescue app to find a suitable wildlife rescue organisation for your location.

For more information, please visit our road safety website. You can also check out our new education video via YouTube by clicking the red play button below.

Protecting vehicle owners against odometer tampering

Odometer tampering involves the disconnection, resetting or changing of a motor vehicle’s display of kilometres it has travelled. It is an offence in NSW to interfere with an odometer reading as it can influence the perceived value and condition of a vehicle. It’s now possible to check the last three odometer readings for free via Check a vehicle registration online. “These readings are available to everyone and will help protect customers from odometer tampering,” said Ruth Clulow, Senior Manager Vehicle Operations. “The readings may show discrepancies between the kilometers travelled – what is displayed on a vehicle’s odometer – versus what has been recorded in previous odometer readings.” Vehicle owners that suspect odometer tampering can find out more on the NSW Fair Trading – buying a used car webpage.

Demerit points relief for safe drivers

All unrestricted NSW licence holders – including professional drivers – are eligible for a demerit point trial that aims to reward responsible driving behaviour. During the trial, if an eligible driver maintains an offence free record during the trial period, one demerit point will be removed from their driving record. The trial will run from 17 January 2023 until 16 January 2024. There is no need to register for the trial, all unrestricted licence holders are automatically included. At the completion of the trial, Transport will undertake a process to identify those eligible for the deduction of a demerit point. The demerit point deduction is expected to take effect mid-April 2024. Learner and provisional licence holders are not included in the trial as they are subject to strict conditions of the Graduated Licensing Scheme. Safe driving behaviour cannot be underestimated as we work together to create a safer driving environment for all road users and ultimately push road trauma to zero. Did you know?All licence holders start with zero demerit points. As a licence holder commits an offence that has a demerit point penalty, the points are then added to their driving record.   Demerit points stay active for a three-year period, starting from the date of the offence.