Event Highlights QLD Heavy Vehicle Event 2025
On Thursday, 6 November, at the Gold Coast Tavern, we were pleased to welcome Heavy Vehicle members from across Queensland for our special Heavy Vehicle Day — a bonus event held as part of our annual main conference program.
Delivered as a full-day session, the program featured important industry updates, insights from key government representatives, and a forward look at upcoming changes within the Heavy Vehicle Training and Assessment sector.
Take a look at our highlights below!
Guest Speakers
John Kenyon
Austroads
Unpacking the New National Heavy Vehicle Driver Licensing Program
John Kenyon from Austroads delivered a comprehensive overview of the new National Heavy Vehicle Driver Licensing Program, breaking down the key changes and what they mean for trainers, assessors, and the broader industry. His session provided clarity on the program’s structure, the transition timeline, and the expected improvements to safety, consistency, and competency standards across Australia. Attendees walked away with a deeper understanding of how these reforms will shape the future of heavy vehicle training and assessment.
Sally Samuels
TMR QLD
Updates on Driving Test Arrangements and Initial Findings from the Updated MC Program
Sally Samuels from TMR Queensland provided an important update on the current driving test arrangements across the state, outlining recent changes, operational pressures, and upcoming refinements. She also shared early insights from the review of the updated MC program, highlighting key findings, emerging trends, and areas targeted for further improvement. Her session offered members valuable clarity on what to expect moving forward and how these developments will shape service delivery and training outcomes in Queensland.
Athena Ferraro
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator
Managing NHVR Compliance in Your Driving School Business
Athena Ferraro from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator delivered an insightful session on navigating NHVR compliance within a driving school environment. She outlined the essential obligations for businesses operating in the heavy vehicle space, practical steps for maintaining compliance, and common pitfalls to avoid. Attendees gained clear, actionable guidance on integrating NHVR requirements into everyday operations, ensuring safer practices, stronger documentation, and improved oversight across their training activities.
Mick Humphries
Elston Consultancy / Australian Driver Trainers Association
Designing and Implementing Meaningful Professional Development in Your Training Business
Mick Humphries delivered a highly practical and insightful session focused on creating meaningful professional development within training businesses. He outlined approaches for identifying instructor skill gaps, structuring effective learning pathways, and embedding continuous improvement into daily operations. Mick emphasised the importance of relevant, engaging, and measurable PD activities that strengthen instructor capability, enhance business performance, and ultimately improve learner outcomes across the industry.
Heath Ward
Graduate School of Motoring / Australian Driver Trainers Association
Discussion and Information Collection on the Austroads Project and Its Implementation
Heath Ward facilitated an open and constructive discussion around the Austroads project, gathering insights and feedback from members to support its implementation.
His session focused on understanding the practical impacts for trainers and assessors, identifying opportunities for improvement, and ensuring the industry’s voice is heard as the project progresses. Attendees contributed valuable perspectives that will help shape a smoother, more effective rollout across the sector.
Why Professional Development Matters
In the heavy vehicle industry, staying up to date isn’t just about skill—it’s about safety, efficiency, and meeting the expectations of a rapidly evolving sector.
Ongoing professional development (PD) gives trainers and drivers the opportunity to sharpen their knowledge, strengthen on-road performance, and stay informed about regulatory and industry changes in Queensland. From understanding updated road rules to refining training techniques or improving business operations, meaningful PD supports safer practices, higher training standards, and stronger outcomes for both drivers and the community.
Investing in PD ensures you remain confident, competent, and competitive in an industry where standards are continuously lifting.
