Unpacking for the Road Ahead
Covid-Safe practices and requirements for NSW
NSW DTA update
Coming out of lockdown is nearly as challenging as trying to find our way through it. There’s still a way to go.
To summarise: Since Monday 11 October when most of NSW re-opened for business, the NSW Government has been trying to provide compliance obligations in line with their roadmap to ease COVID-19 restrictions. Now with the 80% double vaccination target met, fully vaccinated adults can enjoy more freedoms and many restrictions will ease. This NSW DTA NEWS post will be updated as information is available from authorities.
Driver Testing backlogs and forecasts
Getting a date for your licence test will take time while Service NSW catches up with backlog as COVID-19 restrictions had tests cancelled or postponed.
In a Media Release Service NSW reports “Driver testing will resume in a staged approach as restrictions across impacted LGAs are eased. Appointments are offered to priority customers first, including those who require testing to continue to hold a licence such as aged customers and with medical conditions. Those who had appointments during lockdowns are our focus as we reschedule tests. Phone calls to reach customers are ongoing.
Mobile SNSW and Testing Centres are being set up and Saturday service will be introduced. See dates and locations for Mobile Centres here. https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/mobile-service-centres
Driver testers are required to be fully vaccinated and customers either need to be fully vaccinated or have received a negative result no more than three days before the test. To help ease the backlog more driver tersters are being recruited and trained. To book a test call Service NSW on 13 77 88.
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Impact of P-Plater shortage
With summer holidays coming up fast plus retail and service employers crying for help, teens and parents are worried about getting P-Plates in time to be part of this boom. The unusual change in working hours and the labour force during the pandemic and lockdown will be felt for months to come.
The Association urges all those affected, especially in relation to driving qualifications, to write to the NEW Minister for Transport & Roads (since 6 October 2021), The Honourable Rob Stokes MP.
NSW Requirements and References
Here are the most relevant resources to see current (and updated) rules and guidelines from NSW Government authorities on public and business compliance requirements.
- NSW Public Health Order Public Health Order
- NSW Vaccination Compliance and Obligations for Business Business Compliance.
- Driving & Transport rules https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/changes#driving-and-transport.
- Requirements for workers in Education & Care Requirements for workers (Edu & Care)
- Training NSW updated 11 Oct re double vacc
- Service NSW on Driver Testing: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/driver-testing-and-covid-19
INFECTION CONTROL TIPS
Keep tracking via QR code, ask test history, ask about health/vax status
HYGIENE CONTROL TIPS
Use masks and PPE, hand sani, wipe surfaces, ventilate car with open windows
SAFETY CONTROL TIPS
Have a plan for hostile or high-risk people & situations, take care in being a ‘Vax Police’
Toolkit to show you comply
This toolkit has a selection of artwork (in several languages) that can be printed with any colour printer. By printing and displaying these posters, signs and stickers, you will be helping to protect yourself, your students and the people of your community.
Don’t forget to have a Covid-19 Safety Plan. It’s easy and helps you show you’re in compliance. Register for your Covid-19 Safety Plan.
An example of how one Sydney Driving School does Covid-Safe Business Practices
“All our instructors including Facilitators and Coaches working with us in Safer Driver Courses are fully vaccinated. We also have a COVID-19 plan, and use face masks, sanitise surfaces, temperature checking, QR code sign in and keep windows down and air conditioning off. We also request our students have had at least one dose if preparing for an upcoming driving test, but where possible are fully vaccinated. We don’t ask to see the proof. This may change when required to sight their documentation. All our instructors have theirs if asked.”
–Chris Ringrose, Examiner Driving School
Committee has been reaching out
Throughout August and September, members of the NSW DTA Committee have been reaching out to their MPs and Minsters for clarification on issues facing Driving Instructors and Learner Drivers. Replies were only received in early October and passed on to Service NSW for advice. Sadly, much of the information was inconsistent with Transport for NSW and Health NSW in relation to restrictions or allowances. The information from 5 & 6 October is now superceded but NSW DTA Members may request a copy of this correspondence from secretary@nswdta.com.au
Safer Driver Courses back on track
The Safer Drivers Course (SDC) was suspended for all providers during lockdown. From 11 October SDCs scheduled across 250 NSW locations. This is an excellent learning experience for young drivers (under 25yo) over two modules to receive 20 hours log book credit once completed.
The NSW DTA is proud to partner with PCYC to provide qualified Driving Instructors to their SDC offering at over 60 clubs across NSW. To become an instructor for the SDC at your local PCYC, you must be a current NSW DTA Member so join today!
Our Facebook posts get noticed!
Over 1300 people saw our post alert on how Service NSW was calling anyone who’d had Driving Test postponed but as a ‘Private Caller’. We asked people to pick up their phone so not to miss out! We regularly share any breaking news we can on Facebook so be sure to Follow NSW DTA.
Questions? Suggestions?
Share your comments or concerns with us to help us make our voice loud and clear as an Association of professional Driving Instructors & Trainers who care about road safety and the integrity of our industry.
Leave a comment on our Facebook page or drop a note to us at admin@nswdta.com.au
Remember: 2021 NSW DTA AGM is 28 November 2021, Canada Bay Club Sydney. The venue requires all patrons to be double-vaxxed with proof. Members will receive an email with more details soon.
Authored by Karen Robbins, NSW Admin Support, with full Committee review and approval.
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Get in touch
Need information on membership or driver training in your area?
Drop us an email: admin@nswdta.com.au
