Around 326 truck drivers have had their licenses suspended in Western Australia and the state’s Department of Transport is investigating one of its appointed training organisations for issuing licenses without the proper assessment. Truck and road train drivers who have had their licenses cancelled have an opportunity to reapply for them. Evidence in the investigation by the state’s Department of Transport points to one northern Perth registered training organisation, who are believed to have issued licenses without adequate assessment. A spokesperson for the Transport Workers Union,  state secretary Tim Dawson spoke about the investigation on a Perth radio station, highlighting the danger of the situation. “It concerns our organisations and it should concern everyone out there that people could be driving vehicles out there weighing well over 100 tonnes that haven’t been assessed properly and are going up and down the road,” Dawson says. Source: https://www.fullyloaded.com.au/industry-news/1707/now-wa-truck-driver-licensing-is-under-a-cloud. In an article on Fullyloaded.com.au, a spokesperson for WA senator Glenn Sterle said the revelation was sad but not surprising. Senator Sterle’s Senate Committee spent the last 2 years investigating licensing concerns in Australia’s eastern part. The spokesperson said they had been wondering when such a scandal would surface in this area. Details on what the state government’s actions will be and how the Department of Transport would handle the issue. Currently the Department of Transport admitted to uncovering irregularities in the conduct of a driver assessment provider. Although 326 licenses have been suspended already, the Department said more licenses may be suspended as the investigations continue and drivers’ license records are continually reviewed. A spokesperson for the Department of Transport said,

“Using information arising out of the investigation and subsequent auditing practice, DoT alleges that 326 persons are unlikely to have passed a PDA to the standard required,” a DOT spokesperson says. “These 326 individuals have had or are in the process of having their licence suspended. “The DoT is still reviewing drivers licence records associated with this matter, and further driver’s licence suspensions may be imposed. “These driver’s licences have been suspended in the interests of public safety, and those who wish to regain their licence have been offered a free Practical Driving Assessment with DoT to demonstrate their knowledge of road traffic laws and safe driving techniques. “While the department can’t prevent everyone from committing these types of offences, this identification highlights the robust processes DoT has in place to assist in detection are effective.” Source: https://www.fullyloaded.com.au/industry-news/1707/now-wa-truck-driver-licensing-is-under-a-cloud.