Authorised examiners are appointed by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to conduct practical driving tests and issue certificates of competency for drivers to obtain or upgrade their licence.
Authorised examiners:
- must be a current licensed Motor Driving Instructor (MDI)
- are appointed to undertake either Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBT&A) and/or Vehicle On Road Tests (VORT)
- are appointed for a particular class or classes of vehicles (eg car only, or car and Light Rigid (LR)/ Medium Rigid (MR) etc.)
- must abide by the Rules Governing authorised examiners (748.0 KB PDF)
- are public officers under the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Act 2012 and Regulations.
Authorised examiners are appointed solely at the Registrar of Motor Vehicles' discretion.
Applicants from interstate or overseas
There is no mutual recognition for interstate or overseas applicants to become a South Australian authorised examiner of any class.
You must become a motor driving instructor in South Australia first and then apply to be appointed as an authorised examiner for the required class or classes of vehicles.
Becoming a class C authorised examiner
Moratorium on appointing authorised examiners for class C (car)
The registrar of motor vehicles has determined as a matter of general policy not to make further appointments of authorised examiners for class 'C' (car) at this time. This policy, will not be applied inflexibly.
Motor driving instructors may still apply to become an authorised examiner and can submit reasons in writing why the general policy should not apply to them.
Applications for exemption should be forwarded to DIT Standards and Accreditation or email DIT.LicenceStandardsandTraining@sa.gov.au.
Applicants for an exemption should note that their submissions or reasons for an exemption should be corroborated by evidence. Relying solely on personal assertions of demand or stating it will be 'good for business' are not likely to be successful.
Authorised examiners for class C (car) may be appointed to undertake competency based training and assessment or vehicle on road tests.
All new applicants to become an authorised examiner must commence with competency based training and assessment.
Becoming a motor driving instructor does not entitle you to be appointed as an authorised examiner by the registrar of motor vehicles.
For further information on meeting the prerequisites for, and the process of, becoming an authorised examiner for competency based training and assessment, see the following information sheet:
What you'll need
Before any application can be considered either for appointment as a new authorised examiner or to upgrade endorsements on your existing appointment as an authorised examiner you must:
- hold a current South Australian Motor Driving Instructor’s licence
- supply a resume (196.4 KB PDF) with employment references
- provide evidence of recently passing (within the last 12 months) the Motor Driving Instructor Road Law Theory Test at a Service SA Customer Service Centre
- provide a current copy (not more than three months old) of a police check
- provide a certified copy of the relevant and current Certificate IV in Transport and Logistics (Road Transport – Car Driving Instruction)
- provide a certified copy of your statement of attainment for the training and assessment units TAEASS401 – Plan Assessment Activities and Processes TAEASS402 – Assess Competence
- provide evidence of successfully training five novice drivers to pass a VORT and supply the verifiable details on a training return form (89.0 KB PDF)
Applicants to be authorised examiners must also:
- demonstrate competency as an authorised examiner by successfully completing the New Authorised Examiner Regulator Assessment (Car) (317.2 KB PDF)
- successfully complete a seven-day CBT&A class 'C' New Authorised Examiner course
It is unlikely your application will be considered if you have:
- not provided sufficient evidence that there is a need for an additional authorised examiner for class C
- been convicted of any sexual, fraud, financial, violent, drug related or theft offences
- a history of driving offences or licence disqualifications/suspensions.
How to apply
Due to the moratorium on the appointment of authorised examiners for car class you will be required to apply to the registrar for an exemption to the moratorium.
If the registrar has granted you an exemption to the moratorium you must fill out the application form (78.8 KB PDF) to become an authorised examiner and lodge it with supporting documentation to DIT Standards and Accreditation.
Applications will be returned if they are not complete and the correct supporting documentation is not attached.
What happens next
Once the application is complete you will be notified by email and must book in for the following:
- A New Authorised Examiner Regulator Assessment (Car), and if successful
- The seven day CBT&A class ‘C’ New Authorised Examiner Course
If the registrar has approved your appointment as an authorised examiner you must:
- provide proof of both public liability and professional indemnity insurance
- pay the fee.
Your updated MDI licence, showing your revised appointment, will be posted to you.
Upgrading to class C VORT
Once you are appointed as a class C competency based training and assessment authorised examiner, you can apply to upgrade your appointment to include vehicle on the road testing.
What you'll need
Due to the moratorium on appointment of authorised examiners for car class you will be required to make application for an exemption to upgrade to vehicle on road testing.
In addition to an exemption to the moratorium, to obtain your vehicle on road test appointment you must have:
- A current South Australian MDI licence.
- An appointment as an authorised examiner competency based training and assessment for class C.
How to apply
Fill out the application form (78.8 KB PDF) and lodge it with supporting documentation to:
DIT Standards and Accreditation
Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure
GPO Box 1533
Adelaide SA 5001
For further information on becoming an authorised examiner for vehicle on road testing (VORT) please see the following information sheet:
Authorised Examiner Class C vehicle on road test (VORT) (1004.8 KB PDF).
Becoming a heavy vehicle authorised examiner
The moratorium on the appointment of authorised examiners for car class does not apply to heavy vehicles licence classes.
MDIs or authorised examiners may apply for an appointment as an authorised examiner for heavy vehicles.
If you want to become a heavy vehicle authorised examiner for the first time you can:
- Start at LR/MR competency based training and assessment and work your way through the classes, or
- Seek direct entry at either HR, HC or MC competency based training and assessment.
Note:
- Direct entry at the HC or MC only provides either a HC or MC appointment (no classes below)
- Appointment to conduct vehicle on road testing (VORT) is only available for examiners with an existing LM, MR and/or HR appointment. Vehicle on road testing (VORT) is not available for HC or MC.
What you'll need
Before any application can be considered either for appointment as a new authorised examiner direct entry or to upgrade endorsements or vehicle classes on your existing appointment as an authorised examiner (heavy vehicles) you must meet and supply the following requirements.
- Hold a current South Australian MDI licence.
- Hold the appropriate heavy vehicle licence unconditionally for a minimum of two (2) years and qualify as a qualified supervising driver (QSD)
- Supply a resume (196.4 KB PDF) with employment references
- Provide a certified copy of the relevant and current Certificate IV in Transport and Logistics (Road Transport – Heavy Vehicle Driving Instruction)
- Provide a certified copy of your statement of attainment for the training and assessment units TAEASS401 – Plan Assessment Activities and Processes TAEASS402 – Assess Competence
- Demonstrate competency as an authorised examiner by successfully completing the relevant regulator assessment:
For more details refer to the information sheets for the class of appointment and entry point you may be eligible and wish to apply for.
Entry and upgrade information, all classes
Direct entry - LR/MR Competency Based Training and Assessment Authorised Examiner (1.2 MB PDF)
Direct entry - HR Competency Based Training and Assessment Authorised Examiner (1.2 MB PDF)
Direct entry - HC Competency Based Training and Assessment Authorised Examiner (1.3 MB PDF)
Direct entry - MC Competency Based Training and Assessment Authorised Examiner (1.2 MB PDF)
Upgrade - MR to HR Competency Based Training and Assessment Authorised Examiner (1.2 MB PDF)
Upgrade - HR to HC Competency Based Training and Assessment Authorised Examiner (928.3 KB PDF)
Upgrade - HC to MC Competency Based Training and Assessment Authorised Examiner (966.8 KB PDF)
LR, MR and HR Vehicle On Road Test Authorised Examiner (1.0 MB PDF)
Fill out and lodge the application
Once you are satisfied you meet all the prerequisites outlined in the information sheets, fill out the application form (78.8 KB PDF)
Lodge the form with relevant supporting documentation with:
DIT Standards and Accreditation
GPO Box 1533
Adelaide SA 5001
If your application to commence the training and assessment process is accepted you will be required to complete all the stages of the upgrade program for that class as outlined in the information sheets.
Heavy vehicle training Log
During the upgrade process you will be required to undertake industry training. The attached is a training log (957.4 KB PDF) that has been prepared to guide you in your preparation to be appointed as an authorised examiner.
As a trainee heavy vehicle authorised examiner you are exempt from the rule of not allowing a third person in the vehicle while training and assessment is being conducted.
Becoming a motorcycle authorised examiner
Rider Safe is the Government’s compulsory motorcycle rider training program for all novice motorcyclists.
Attendance at the program is mandatory for any person seeking to obtain a motorcycle licence if they reside within 100 kilometres of a Rider Safe training centre.
When a learner resides outside the 100 km catchment area for Rider Safe, a learner’s permit for an R Date class is issued. The learner is exempt from undertaking the Basic and Advanced Rider Safe courses. As a result, the learner must undertake a R-Date Vehicle on Road Test (VORT) on a motorcycle, which can be conducted by an Authorised Examiner appointed to undertake motorcycle riding assessments, or an appropriately licensed police officer (the police officer must hold the licence class for which they are testing).
What you’ll need
Before any application can be considered for appointment as a motorcycle authorised examiner you must meet and supply the following:
- hold a current South Australian MDI licence
- be appointed as an authorised examiner
- be the holder of a current R Class unrestricted motorcycle licence in South Australia.
- hold the TLI41421 - Certificate IV in Transport and Logistics (Road Transport - Motorcycle Riding Instruction) or equivalent qualification and have completed the following three subjects.
How to apply
You must fill out the application form (78.8 KB PDF) identifying that you want to be appointed as an authorised examiner for licence class R-Date and R and lodge it with supporting documentation to DIT Standards and Accreditation.
Applications will be returned if they are not complete, and the correct supporting documentation is not attached.
What happens next
Once the application is complete you will be notified by email and must book in for the following:
- A Rider Safe Returning Rider course.
- Attend as an observer at a Rider Safe “C” course where slow-speed manoeuvres are assessed with a Senior Instructor to explain and guide them through the course.
Note: Evidence of completion of the above must be provided to the Registrar. Rider Safe elements must be demonstrated by certificates of completion or emails from Rider Safe demonstrating satisfactory completion.
Once all the above has been completed the Registrar will consider your application.
Conducting the motorcycle Vehicle On Road Test
When you are appointed, you will be required to undertake motorcycle testing strictly in accordance with the Authorised Examiner Manual - Vehicle on Road Test for R and R-Date class Motorcycles and Trikes (1009.7 KB PDF).
When conducting the test you must use the Motorcycles and Trikes scoring sheet (168.1 KB PDF).
Additional information for authorised examiners
Deactivation and reactivation of appointment
As an authorised examiner you may decide to deactivate (voluntarily or temporarily suspend your appointment) for up to a maximum of five years. You may reactivate at any time within five years.
If you deactivate for five years or more your appointment as an authorised examiner will lapse and you cannot reactivate your appointment.
While deactivated you will not have to pay yearly authorised examiner fees, hold indemnity insurance or complete monthly returns.
To deactivate or reactivate
You can deactivate or reactivate by completing and submitting the deactivation application form (230.0 KB PDF).
To reactivate within twelve months
To reactivate within twelve months you must apply using the application form (78.8 KB PDF). Before you can be reactivated, your MDI licence and public liability and professional indemnity insurances must be current. Upon reactivation you will be required to pay your authorised examiner fees at a Service SA centre.
To reactivate after twelve months but within five years
Before you begin
If you reactivate after twelve months but before five years you must apply using the application form (78.8 KB PDF). Before commencing the process to reactivate, your MDI licence must be current and you must provide with your application:
- evidence of successfully passing the MDI theory test at a Service SA customer service centre
- recognition of current competencies (RCC) will be granted for the MDI theory test if you have successfully completed the test within the last twelve months
- a current (no more than three months old) national police check.
What else you will need
You will need to successfully complete a regulator assessment to the required standard. For more information refer to:
- Authorised Examiner Regulator Assessment for Class Car - Reactivation of lapsed AE licence (682.7 KB PDF)
- Authorised Examiner Regulator Assessment for Heavy Vehicles - Reactivation of lapsed AE licence (723.0 KB PDF)
Once you have completed the above, your public liability and professional indemnity insurances must be current and you will be required pay your an authorised examiner fee at a Service SA centre.
Bookings information and forms
Authorised examiners must book practical driving assessments (competency based training and assessment last training sessions or vehicle on road tests) with the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. Each booking incurs a prescribed fee.
Authorised examiners can make bookings through their mySAGOV account.
Eligibility to undertake an assessment with an authorised examiner
An authorised examiner and an MDI must ensure the applicant for a drivers licence is eligible to operate the vehicle in which they are learning or undertaking a practical driving assessment. If the examiner doesn’t confirm the driver’s licence applicant’s eligibility the applicant may be:
- driving unlicensed
- refused the issue of a licence after completing their training or practical driving test.
Resources to determine if a person is eligible to undertake training and assessment for a particular class of licence include:
If an authorised examiner is unsure if an applicant is eligible to operate a particular class of vehicle, the examiner should refer them back to Service SA for clarification.
Rules governing authorised examiners
The Registrar of Motor Vehicles sets the rules governing authorised examiners (748.0 KB PDF).
The rules provide the framework for all driving assessments for the issue of a licence. The rules ensure consistent and transparent processes for booking and conducting driving assessments, record keeping, the issue of certificates of competency and subsequent reporting to the registrar.
Code of conduct
The Code of Conduct for Motor Driving Instructors (256.7 KB PDF) applies to authorised examiners.
The code outlines the minimum standards of practice expected of all licensed MDIs and appointed authorised examiners covering:
- being honest and acting with integrity
- having respect for others
- being competent
- managing business competently
Authorised Examiner Manual CBT&A Class C (Car)
The Authorised Examiner Manual CBT&A Class C (car) is the resource that describes the outcomes, procedures and standards for the delivery of the CBT&A method for Class C (car). It is the resource all Authorised Examiners must use to deliver CBT&A training and assessment.
The performance criteria listed in the manual are the same as the “task” requirements published in the Driving Companion. The task requirements and procedures in this manual also provide a training framework that anybody can use to prepare a learner driver for their practical driving test (VORT or CBT&A).
This publication is free to download for the learner, their Qualified Supervising Driver or the Authorised Examiner.
Monitoring performance
Authorised examiners are undertaking a statutory function on behalf of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles. This is to conduct practical driving tests and issue certificates of competency that the registrar will accept for the issue of a driver’s licence of a particular class. In the interests of the community and road safety the registrar audits authorised examiners on a regular basis. This ensures authorised examiners conduct assessments within the conditions of their appointment. As a result only applicants for a driver’s licence who demonstrate they are safe and competent drivers are issued with a certificate of competency and receive a driver’s licence from the registrar.
The audit process involves an assessment officer being in the vehicle during a practical driving test. The assessment officer is not assessing the performance of the applicant for a licence but is instead assessing whether the authorised examiner is conducting and scoring the assessment in accordance with the requirements of the registrar.
Additional information on the performance of authorised examiners is gathered from a range of sources. This includes complaints from the South Australia Police, other industry members, and members of the public along with statistical analysis of the driver training industry.
Allegations of poor performance or non-compliance are investigated by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT). If it is found that a breach of the rules has occurred the Registrar of Motor Vehicles may take disciplinary action. If found in breach of the conditions of their appointment the authorised examiner may be subjected to:
- retraining
- suspension, or
- revocation of their appointment as an authorised examiner.
Authorised examiners are also public officials under the Independent Commissioner AgainstCorruption Act (2012). As a result, public officers, including authorised examiners and public servants, are required to report to the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption if there is a reasonable suspicion of corruption, misconduct or maladministration by an authorised examiner.
Information Bulletins
Information Bulletins providing industry updates and news are available from the DIT website.
Contact
Standards and Accreditation
Department for Infrastructure and Transport
Email: DIT.LicenceStandardsandTraining@sa.gov.au
Post:
GPO Box 1533
Adelaide SA 5001
