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Hello and welcome to the March edition of Drive Smart!

 

We are proud to launch our 2026 online seminar series starting in March 2026.

 

In addition to the ADTA conferences and in person events, the Board has approved a planned program of online seminars. We aim to deliver opportunities for Professional Development for members, targeted to support lifelong learning activities that expand knowledge and teach new skills. The online seminars will be delivered via a managed webinar format. We have contracted a platform to deliver professional quality online content, with the end user able to connect through a standard internet connection using a computer/device that has camera and audio.

 

The first online seminar is available to Queensland members and is specific to the incoming Child Safe Standards applying to driving instructors in Queensland from 1 April 2026.

 

We look forward to sharing further details of events planned for the April-June quarter shortly.

 

Happy reading and speak soon!

 

Charles

ADTA ONLINE SEMINAR

QLD Family and Child Commission 

Child Safe Standards Update

 

Queensland's Child Safe Standards come into effect for Queensland Driver Trainers on 1 April 2026. The Standards work to protect learner drivers, aged 16-17 years, from harm when they interact with your driving school. he Child Safe Organisations Act 2024 applies to more than 40,000 organisations across the state that work with children (anyone aged under 18 years) or provide services to them.

 

Here are some steps to getting prepared for this important change:

 

  1. Familiarise yourself with the Child Safe Standards –  Check out the Queensland Family and Child Commission’s short explainer videos to help you understand each of the Child Safe Standards (scroll to the bottom of each of the Standards pages). There’s also a scenario discussion guide, in the Resources section. 
  2. Start to make changes - How you implement the Child Safe Standards is intended to be flexible and tailored to the specifics of your organisation – what kind of work you do, who with, and how often. Look at the Commission’s  Quick Reference Guide which is ideal for small businesses and sole traders.
  3. Make sure your key documents are in place and up to date - Consider whether the policies and procedures you have in place adequately prevent harm to children. The Quick Reference Guide highlights a number of foundational documents and the Commission has links to templates and examples that you can use to help you develop your own. 
  4. Keep track and keep going – Develop a plan of action to develop or refresh your policies and procedures or fill any gaps to ensure you are keeping your learner drivers safe. Set a plan or schedule to regularly review your policies and practices and evaluate whether they need improvement

 

The Commission has also published a 50-minute presentation to help organisations understand the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024. Click here to watch.

 

Implementing the Child Safe Standards will look different for each organisation depending on the sector, the organisation’s size and scale, and the kind of work they do with young people. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and implementation will depend on your circumstances. A Child Safe Organisation will actively prioritise and promote children’s safety and wellbeing, manage risks, and respond to concerns quickly and effectively.

 

Learn more about your obligations on the Queensland Family and Child Commission's website. 

 

ONLINE SEMINAR

 

ADTA is partnering with the Commission to help you understand the Child Safe Standards and actions you can take to meet your obligations.

 

🔗 Register to attend the online presentation on 17 March HERE

Road Safety Week May 2026

 

With Road Safety Week approaching this May, it provides an important opportunity for our industry to reinforce the role we all play in promoting safer roads. As driver trainers and road safety advocates, ADTA members are at the forefront of shaping responsible driving behaviours and building a culture of safety among new and experienced drivers alike. In the lead-up to Road Safety Week, ADTA will be sharing reminders to help keep road safety front of mind for members and the wider community.

 

We encourage members to join us in starting conversations with students and communities about safe driving practices, awareness and the shared responsibility we all have on our roads. By continuing to lead through education and example, we can help reduce road trauma and support safer outcomes for everyone.

 

Check out the Road Safety Week Website and sign up for the newsletter Here. 

Is your Comprehensive Due? Get a quote today!

 

Many ADTA members already benefit from the association’s long-standing partnership with Michael Maksoud from Inner West Insurance Advisers, part of Insurance AdviserNet, which provides cost-effective Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance tailored for driver trainers.

 

Members can also access Commercial Motor Vehicle insurance designed specifically for driver training businesses, and the facility has now expanded to include cover for Motorcycle Riding Instructors. If your insurance is coming up for renewal, it may be worth obtaining a quote through this ADTA member offering.

 

This insurance offer to ADTA members is direct from IWIA using the following contacts:

 

Proposal Form 

General Email Enquiries 

NSW Updates 

 

New testing requirements for some overseas licence holders

 

From 1 February 2026, NSW tightened its overseas licence conversion rules. Drivers aged 25 and over from several countries must now pass both the Driver Knowledge Test and a practical driving test before they can convert their licence to a NSW licence.

 

Previously, some drivers from certain countries could convert directly to a full NSW licence without testing. The change closes that exemption and aligns NSW with other Australian states.

 

Why it matters for driver trainers:

Likely increased demand for lessons from overseas drivers preparing for tests.

Opportunity to support migrants who may be unfamiliar with NSW road rules and driving conditions.

 

🔗 See Service NSW Website for more info

 

Road safety focus continues toward 2030 targets

 

Transport for NSW continues working toward its road safety targets of reducing fatalities by 50% and serious injuries by 30% by 2030.

 

This ongoing policy focus means education, safe driving behaviours and driver training remain central to the road safety strategy, reinforcing the importance of professional driver training.

 

🔗 See Road Safety Action Plan for more info 

QLD Updates 

 

Driver trainer accreditations now available in the Queensland Digital Licence app

 

Queensland driver trainers and motorcycle rider trainers can now access their trainer accreditations through the Queensland Digital Licence app. This allows instructors to store and display their credentials digitally instead of relying solely on a physical card.

 

The update is part of the Queensland Government’s move to modernise licensing services and give professionals secure digital access to their licences and accreditations. Trainers can also easily check licence status (active, renewal due, etc.) within the app.

 

Why it matters for driver trainers:

  • Easier proof of accreditation when working with students
  • Reduced risk of lost or damaged physical cards
  • More digital government services moving into the app

 

🔗 See TMR website here for the latest  

 

New training materials required for some driver training programs

 

TMR introduced updated training material requirements from 20 February 2026. New drivers starting training after this date must be trained using the updated materials and standards, while learners already part-way through training can continue under the previous version.

 

Why it matters:

  • Trainers may need to ensure their training materials and documentation align with the new standard.
  • A small operational change but relevant for schools delivering structured programs.

🔗 See TMR website here for more info 

Increasing Fuel Costs

Fuel is one of the largest operating costs for transport businesses, so when prices rise, the impact is felt almost immediately. Higher fuel costs reduce profit margins, increase operating expenses, and can make it difficult for businesses to remain competitive while maintaining fair pricing for customers.

 

We hope this discussion provides valuable insights and practical guidance for today’s rapidly changing economy. 

 

VIEW ARTICLE HERE

 

 

Reminder: Conference 2026 - Save the Date!

Even though it’s still some months away, we’re thrilled to be deep into planning our main event of the year – and trust us, it’s shaping up to be a show-stopper!

 

The energy behind the scenes hasn’t stopped. We’re currently curating an exciting guest list and can’t wait to start sharing some sneak peeks with you over the coming weeks.

 

If you haven’t already, mark your calendars – this is one event you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for updates and exclusive previews in upcoming editions!

Reminder: Toll Road Ready Program Relaunched

 

A quick reminder that the Toll Road Ready program has now been relaunched, complete with a new incentive structure to encourage learner drivers to build confidence navigating toll roads.

 

Learners who complete the free online course will automatically be entered into the draw to win one of ten $100 Prezzee Fuel vouchers each month. It’s a great way for young drivers to improve their knowledge while having the chance to earn a little extra help at the bowser.

 

The course is completely free and covers the essentials of safely approaching, entering, and travelling on toll roads — an area many learners aren’t familiar with until they begin driving independently.

 

We encourage instructors to continue sharing this opportunity with their students.

Participants can access the course using the QR code in the Flyer or via the link below:

 

🔗 Toll Road Ready courses

  • Full terms and conditions are available on the website.
  • Instructor Feedback Welcome
  • Transurban is also seeking feedback from instructors to help refine and enhance the program.

If you’d like to contribute, they have created a short feedback form:

 

🔗 Toll Road Ready Feedback Form (Instructors)

 

We're pleased to support initiatives that boost learner driver confidence and strengthen real-world driving skills. This program is a valuable opportunity for both learners and instructors throughout the next six months.

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