Due to a shortage of eligible drivers in the point to point (taxis and hire vehicles, including rideshare) industry in New South Wales, as of Wednesday 12 October there will be a temporary change to driver licence tenure requirements to support an increase in driver availability.
“The temporary exemption will allow people who have held an unrestricted Australian driver licence for a period of 12 months in the previous 4 years to provide passenger services, Point to Point Transport Commissioner Anthony Wing explained.
This is a change from the current rule that a person must have held an unrestricted Australian licence for 12 months within the last two years.
“As the pandemic began more than two years ago, the point to point transport industry has identified that there are drivers who stopped driving during the pandemic who are no longer eligible to re-commence driving. Our hope is that this exemption will help those who stopped driving in NSW during COVID-19, and are otherwise eligible to drive, to re-enter the industry, and help alleviate the difficulties in recruiting eligible drivers” Mr Wing said.
Following assistance from peak bodies and industry and after consideration of safety advice provided by TfNSW's Centre for Road Safety, the Commissioner has issued a conditional exemption to the current driver eligibility requirements.
“This change will be good for industry, good for drivers looking to return to the industry and support improved service availability for passengers” Mr Wing finished.
Background on the Point to Point Transport Commissioner
The Point to Point Transport Commissioner, Anthony Wing, is the independent regulator for taxis, hire vehicles and rideshare, in NSW. The Commissioner's main role is to administer and enforce point to point transport law, including safety standards for the industry.
The Commissioner works with the point to point transport industry to ensure they have the knowledge and capability to implement systems for managing safety; focusing particularly on compliance through education and information, and undertaking advisory, audit and enforcement activities.
For more information see the Point to Point Transport Commissioner’s website.
Media Enquiries:
Alex Thompson m. 0499 612 089
Alexandra.thompson@transport.nsw.gov.au