Industry-led driver training and assessment program launches
A new industry-led heavy vehicle driver training and assessment system developed by the Tasmanian Transport Association (TTA) has officially launched in the state.
Devised in direct response to TTA member demand, DriveTrain has been established with the support of the Tasmanian Government and is designed to deliver practical, high-quality heavy vehicle driver licence training for the transport industry, by the transport industry, using experienced driver trainers employed within TTA member businesses.
TTA Chairman John de Bruyn said DriveTrain was developed in response to member demand for a more timely, accessible and industry-aligned heavy vehicle driver licence pathway.
“TTA is a not-for-profit, member-based association working to improve conditions for freight transport to, from, and within Tasmania,” de Bruyn said.
“Our members already provide significant support for their employees as they develop the skills and knowledge to upgrade their heavy vehicle driver licence. DriveTrain formalises this best-practice approach in response to what our members have been asking for.
“It provides a structured system where experienced driver trainers employed by TTA member businesses can deliver high-quality training and assessment, supporting timely and efficient access to heavy vehicle driver licence services across the state.”
de Bruyn said DriveTrain operates within a rigorous regulatory framework to ensure integrity, safety and public confidence.
“All TTA DriveTrain heavy vehicle driver licence endorsed assessors must meet the full requirements set by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles,” he said.
“This includes the use of body-worn cameras, conducting assessments only on approved routes, following mandated assessment scripts, and operating under a strict audit and compliance regime.”
DriveTrain has also been developed in partnership with Tasmanian-based registered training organisation Learning Partners, ensuring nationally recognised units of competency underpin the program while combining real-world industry experience with formal vocational training to deliver a high-quality, consistent and compliant industry-led model.
Earlier this year, TTA called for experienced drivers to become trainers and assessors. Eight signed up for the first intake, and have participated in the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualification as the starting point. So far, three have successfully completed further rigorous professional development and compliance checks and are now endorsed heavy vehicle driver trainers and assessors, with accreditation through the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.
The TTA expects demand for DriveTrain services to continue to grow as industry responds to workforce pressures and increasing demand across Tasmania’s freight and logistics supply chains. More trainers are set to come online in early 2026, alongside TTA’s lead assessor, to support licence upgrades for TTA member businesses right across the state.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said DriveTrain represents an important investment in Tasmania’s freight workforce and supply chain resilience.
“DriveTrain represents the transport industry stepping up,” Rockliff said.
“Our economy depends on a strong transport workforce and DriveTrain is a practical solution that will help secure the drivers we need to keep freight moving while supporting jobs across the state.”
Rockliff said Tasmania was not immune from a national truck driver shortage, with the 2024 Global Truck Driver Shortage Report showing 26,000 drivers were needed nationally, and freight demand is tipped to grow 77 per cent between 2020 and 2050.
“Every supermarket shelf, farm gate, building site and export chain depends on drivers keeping freight moving,” he added.
“Our driver workforce is ageing, and it’s critical that new drivers continue coming through to replace those retiring. Importantly, DriveTrain’s industry-led approach will help address these challenges.”