The proposal for an MC licence split is progressing after Australian Trucking Association (ATA) CEO Mat Munro spoke to a transport roundtable at Parliament House last week.

Convened by Senator Glenn Sterle, who has been a key delegate to the transport industry, the roundtable included Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The roundtable was briefed on the ATA’s plans for driver licencing, training, road safety and how to attract new workers to the industry.

“One of our most important proposals is to split the MC licence class in two. The new MC2 class we are proposing would require additional training, assessment and experience, to reflect the skill required to drive large combinations,” Munro says.

“We are proposing that the MC class be split at 37 metres of combination length.

“This would mean that A-doubles, B-doubles and B-triples would be in the MC1 licence class. Longer combinations would require the MC2 licence.

“Existing MC licence holders with more than six months of experience would be automatically designated as MC2 under our plan.”

Munro and the ATA proposed a driver passport system, meaning drivers can easily outline their skills and experience to prospective employers.

“A licence is the minimum legal requirement for driving a truck, but it does not deliver the level of skill that working drivers need,” Munro says.

“The passport should be based on nationally recognised units of competency, so it would be available from multiple providers and to ensure RPL would be readily available for experienced drivers.

“The passport units should consist of defensive driving, work health and safety, chain of responsibility, fatigue management and record keeping, load restraint, and a basic awareness of truck mass issues.

“Many driver training RTOs do a great job. Others train to a price or a time.

“Driver training RTOs should be assessed by experienced auditors who understand driver training and competencies.”

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