HVLP reference group - April 2023 meeting updates

The Heavy Vehicle Pilot Licence Reference Group continues to progress key issues encompassed by the Review. At the April 2023 meeting the Group discussed the following issues, among related matters:

• Training Providers: Main Roads WA continues to liaise with relevant training agencies and industry bodies regarding Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and the heavy vehicle pilot courses they offer. Main Roads emphasises the standard of instruction and on-road experience as the instructor is required to hold the qualification and have on-road pilot experience. A positive response has been received from RTOs.
• Refresher Training: Main Roads will review the legally required 3 yearly refresher course to increase its relevance. The review will include a balance of theory and practical content. The recently revised Pilots Code of Conduct will be included in the revised content. It was noted that reviewing the refresher course will require a period of time, and this was understood and recognised by the Group.

The Group also considered items such as:

• The availability of places on Pilots refresher courses;
• The roles of Pilots and Traffic Escort Wardens;
• Pilots safety vests;
• Commercial Vehicle Driver Medicals; and
• Pilots fatigue.