Steering the Learner Driver Training Industry… Into the Future

*Keynote

Presented by Russell White – Managing Director, Driver Safety Australia

Russell White highlights how modern crash causes are increasingly linked to human factors rather than technical driving errors, and he encourages instructors to move from traditional test-focused teaching to a more holistic, coaching-based approach.

Key Points Covered:

• Australia’s road deaths continue to rise, with a 22% increase since 2021.
• Traditional approaches (infrastructure, engineering, enforcement) are no longer enough.
• Human factors—distraction, mental load, fatigue, decision-making—are now major contributors to crashes.
• Vehicles, technology, and social pressures have changed significantly, but teaching methods often haven’t.
• Instructors are encouraged to focus on lifelong safe driving, not just test preparation.
• The importance of Professional development and what it should include:

Behavioural psychology and human factors, Coaching and communication skills, Understanding modern safety technologies, and  Interpreting crash data and applying insights.

Russell left our guests captivated with one final thought:

The challenge: What can instructors change next week to help create safer, more aware drivers for life?

Department of Customer Service, Open Data & Small and Family Business

Presented by Darren Minehan, Penny Mills & Neil Bedford

This presentation from TMR delivered an important update on Queensland’s driver testing landscape, focusing on accessibility, industry engagement, compliance, and statewide testing outcomes.

The team shared insights from the Logan accommodation trial, industry nights held across Queensland, and key feedback from both trainers and examiners. With more than 197,000 tests conducted over the past year, the session highlighted the importance of consistent processes, clear expectations, and strengthened collaboration between Driver Trainers and TMR.

Key Points Covered:

Accessibility Trial – Logan:

• New process to simplify accommodation requests.
• 160+ requests logged, commonly linked to anxiety, autism, dyslexia, and language barriers.

Driver Trainer Industry Nights:

• Sessions across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Townsville, Cairns, Rockhampton, Gladstone & Mackay.
• Most common questions: road rules, safety, and wait times.

SADA Feedback:

• Compliance issues: signage, trainer mirrors, accreditations, ID checks, and report storage.
• Knowledge gaps in B-conditions, road rules, and QSAFE criteria.

Statewide Test Data:

• 197,292 tests conducted in 12 months.
• Pass rates: CA 61%, C 67%, LR 89%, MR 81%, HR 79%, HC 82%.
• Current wait times: 17–22 days.

 Child Safe Organisations

Presented by Jane Reid, Principal Advisor – Education & Capacity Building, Queensland Family and Child Commission

Jane Reid delivered an important overview of Queensland’s new Child Safe Organisations framework, explaining why child-safe practices are essential and what organisations must do to meet upcoming legislative requirements.

The presentation highlighted the prevalence of child maltreatment, the need for proactive safeguarding, and the responsibilities that entities will hold under the Child Safe Organisations Act 2024.

Key Points Covered:

• Child Safe Organisations help prevent harm and support positive outcomes for children.
• New legislation requires entities to meet 10 Child Safe Standards plus a Universal Principle of cultural safety.
• Applies to any organisation providing services for children, including contractors, volunteers, and sole traders.
• Child-safe organisations embed child safety in their culture, reduce risk, respond to concerns, and genuinely involve children.
• Cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children is a core requirement.
• By 1 April 2026, organisations must show awareness, gap analysis, and clear progress toward compliance.
• Support includes self-assessment tools, guidance resources, and assistance from QFCC.

Regulating Driver Training & Assessment

Presented by Andrew Foxall, Transport for NSW

Andrew Foxall provided a concise update on Transport for NSW’s regulatory priorities, highlighting current compliance trends, key audit findings, and upcoming improvements to digital systems, heavy vehicle pathways, and industry standards. The session focused on strengthening safety, consistency, and professionalism across the driver training sector.

Key Points Covered:

Compliance & Quality Assurance:

• 238 instructors sanctioned for major or repeated breaches; common issues include record keeping, instructor licences, vehicle standards, and dual controls.

Program Updates:

• Older Driver Assessments reviewed for consistency.
• New HC booking option for HR–MC upgrades launching February 2026.
• Updated HVCBA procedures coming soon.

Technology & Digital Changes:

• Emphasis on ADAS awareness.
• Online renewals improving turnaround times; 91% reduction in WWCC suspensions through automated reminders.

Professional Standards:

• Proposed revised Code of Conduct with annual training to strengthen safety and service quality.

 MINTEDVR Virtual Reality Driver Training

Presented by Ashley Gore

Ashley Gore introduced MINTEDVR, a virtual reality training system designed to support learner drivers through immersive, standardised, and accessible road safety education.

The presentation highlighted how VR can complement traditional lessons by improving knowledge, confidence, and engagement—especially for digital-native learners.

Key Points Covered:

• MINTEDVR provides full VR kits, headsets, cases, and ongoing trainer support.
• Access to the MINTEDVR software platform via ArborXR with online enrolment.
• Learner progress tracked through the MINTEDVR Dashboard.
• Structured lesson plans featuring MINTRoadRules, VR training videos, and test-tip content.
• Marketing toolkit and advertising support included for driving schools.

Local SEO & AI for Driving Schools

Presented by Carrie Mae Nelson, Global Strategist – BookingTimes

Carrie Mae delivered an energetic and practical session on how driving schools can leverage local SEO, business strategy, and AI to grow sustainably. With extensive industry data from thousands of driving schools, she shared real-world insights into customer behaviour, marketing performance, and the systems that help businesses scale.

Key Points Covered:

• Understanding your business: define your mission, values, ideal customer, and service area to build a strong foundation.
• SEO essentials: optimise Google Business Profile, ensure consistent NAP details, improve website structure, and gather location-specific reviews.
• AI integration: use AI tools for instant lead responses, marketing content, ad optimisation, and consistent branding.
• Growth strategies: track bookings and customer acquisition costs, improve retention, hire effectively, and align customer support with your values