Truck Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Austroads Survey Uncovers Safety Concerns with Overseas Licensed Heavy Vehicle Drivers

Implications for Policy and Road Safety in Australia

Austroads Survey Uncovers Safety Concerns with Overseas Licensed Heavy Vehicle Drivers?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

A recent survey conducted by Austroads has brought to light significant safety concerns regarding overseas licensed heavy vehicle drivers operating in Australia.
With over 1,900 respondents, the survey aims to inform potential policy changes to enhance road safety and driver competency.

Key findings from the survey include:

  • 85% of respondents believe individuals should not be permitted to drive heavy vehicles on an overseas licence.
  • 36% advocate for a mandatory period holding an Australian car licence before obtaining a heavy vehicle licence.
  • 50% support allowing individuals who meet Australian learning and assessment requirements to transfer from an overseas licence to a heavy vehicle licence.

Respondents highlighted concerns such as differing road safety cultures, unfamiliarity with Australian road rules, and potential language barriers affecting communication and comprehension of regulations.

These insights underscore the need for stringent policies to ensure that all heavy vehicle drivers possess adequate knowledge and skills to operate safely on Australian roads. Potential measures may include mandatory training programs, assessments tailored to Australian conditions, and a probationary period for overseas licensed drivers.

For transport business owners and fleet managers, these developments may lead to changes in hiring practices and training requirements. Staying informed about policy changes and investing in comprehensive training programs will be essential to maintain compliance and ensure the safety of operations.

As Austroads collaborates with state and territory authorities to assess and implement these findings, the transport industry must prepare for potential legislative changes aimed at enhancing road safety and driver competency.

Published:Monday, 13th Oct 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Federal Court Denies Truck Driver's Insurance Claim Appeal
Federal Court Denies Truck Driver's Insurance Claim Appeal
26 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In a recent legal development, the Federal Court of Australia dismissed an appeal by a logging truck driver, Mr. Bradley Henschke, concerning his insurance claim through the Australian Retirement Trust. The case, Henschke v Australian Retirement Trust [2026] FCA 80, highlights the critical importance of understanding the specifics of insurance coverage within superannuation accounts. - read more
NTARC Report: Inattention and Speed Major Factors in Truck Accidents
NTARC Report: Inattention and Speed Major Factors in Truck Accidents
26 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) has released its 2025 Major Incident Investigation Report, shedding light on the primary human factors contributing to significant truck crashes across Australia. The findings emphasize the critical roles of inattention, distraction, and inappropriate speed in these incidents, underscoring the necessity for targeted safety interventions within the transport industry. - read more
ICA Unveils Strategy to Combat Rising Motor Insurance Premiums
ICA Unveils Strategy to Combat Rising Motor Insurance Premiums
26 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has released a comprehensive report titled 'Motor Insurance Policy Paper - A Roadmap for Reducing Rising Premiums,' addressing the significant 42% increase in comprehensive motor insurance premiums since 2019. This surge has brought the average annual premium to $1,052 in 2024, prompting the need for coordinated action to alleviate the financial burden on consumers. - read more
AFCA Mandates Insurer Payout for Engine Overheating Incident
AFCA Mandates Insurer Payout for Engine Overheating Incident
10 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled in favour of a truck owner whose insurance claim was initially denied following an engine overheating incident. This decision underscores the complexities surrounding insurance claims related to driver negligence and mechanical failures. - read more
AFCA Supports Insurer in Truck Theft Claim Denial
AFCA Supports Insurer in Truck Theft Claim Denial
10 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently upheld an insurer's decision to deny a truck theft claim, citing misrepresentation of the insured's insurance history. This ruling highlights the critical importance of accurate disclosure when obtaining insurance coverage. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Truck Insurance Articles

Essential Steps to Take Immediately After a Trucking Accident
Essential Steps to Take Immediately After a Trucking Accident
Trucking accidents, while less frequent than passenger car incidents, carry significant repercussions due to the sheer size and logistics involved in commercial trucking operations. In Australia, the vast network of roadways that trucks navigate to deliver goods can often be the scene for a range of accidents. Rollovers, jackknifing, and collisions with other road occupants are comparatively common among these incidents. - read more
What factors affect your truck insurance premiums?
What factors affect your truck insurance premiums?
When it comes to insuring your truck, there are many factors that go into determining your insurance premium. Insurance companies consider a wide range of factors when determining the cost of coverage, including the make and model of the truck, the age and driving history of the driver, and the level of coverage you choose. - read more
Risk Management for Truckers: How the Right Insurance Can Protect Your Livelihood
Risk Management for Truckers: How the Right Insurance Can Protect Your Livelihood
Trucking plays a pivotal role in bolstering the economy, serving as the lifeblood that transports essential goods across vast distances. It is a profession that demands not just skill and precision, but also a deep understanding of the risks that come with the territory. Managing these risks effectively is crucial for the protection and continuation of your operations. - read more
Investing in Your Fleet: When to Buy New Trucks Vs. Repairing Old Ones
Investing in Your Fleet: When to Buy New Trucks Vs. Repairing Old Ones
Managing a fleet of trucks is a complex endeavor that marries mechanical savvy with acute financial acumen. Every truck owner and operator in Australia grapples with the high-stakes decision of whether to invest in new vehicles or to repair and maintain their existing fleet. This predicament is not just about vehicle performance. It's a significant financial consideration that impacts the bottom line of any transport-centric business. - read more
Understanding the Coverage: A Deep Dive into Truck Insurance Policies
Understanding the Coverage: A Deep Dive into Truck Insurance Policies
Understanding truck insurance is crucial for anyone involved with commercial vehicles in Australia. Considering the significant investment that a truck represents, protecting this asset becomes a top priority for owners and operators. But truck insurance goes beyond safeguarding the vehicle itself; it plays a vital role in securing the financial foundation of a trucking business. - read more


Your free Truck insurance quote comparison starts here!
First Name:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Subrogation:
An insurance carrier may reserve the "right of subrogation" in the event of a loss. This means that the company may choose to take action to recover the amount of a claim paid to a covered insured if the loss was caused by a third party.

Quick Links: | Truck Insurance | Heavy Vehicle Insurance | Commercial Truck Insurance | Truck Fleet Insurance | Owner Driver Truck Insurance | Insure My Truck | Best Truck Insurance Australia | Truck Insurance Quote | Bulk Haulage Insurance | Tipper Truck Insurance | Prime Mover Insurance
This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.
IMPORTANT: We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party intermediaries, insurers, and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.