Passenger side dual controls for driving instruction vehicles

This page provides an overview of the fitment and certification process for passenger side pedal controls in vehicles used for driving instruction. It doesn't detail every technical aspect of dual control systems.

Installing dual controls in passenger vehicles is considered a vehicle modification and must be approved by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.

This guidance does not apply to heavy vehicles, nor does it apply to modifications involving steering controls on light vehicles.

Minimum requirements

To make a vehicle suitable for professional driver training, it must have:

1. a passenger’s side brake pedal
2. an additional internal rear vision mirror located such that the instructor can see traffic approaching from the rear (sun visor mounted vanity mirrors are not acceptable for this application)
3. a clearly visible label fitted to the passenger’s side of the dashboard carrying the words:

Please note that a major purpose of dual controls is emergency crash avoidance. Dual controls must be able to be operated instantly without the need for visual check of pedal location.

Technical requirements and approval

Driver training vehicles fitted with dual controls will be acceptable for registration subject to the following conditions.

1. The vehicle is to be used by a licensed Motor Driving Instructor (MDI) for driving instruction only.
   Where a vehicle is owned, leased, or operated by a volunteer or qualifying organisation, confirmation of eligibility for an exemption must be obtained from the Driver Licensing Standards section prior to the fitment of dual controls. Approval enquiries should be directed to dit.mdiadmin@sa.gov.au
2. An application for Miscellaneous Vehicle Standards Exemption must be completed prior to any modifications being carried out, unless the passenger side dual brake pedal has already been assessed and approved by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles under a type approval arrangement for the specific kit and installation process to the installer.
   Note: ‘process’ refers to the approved instructions, steps, and best practice guidance for the fitment and certification of passenger side dual controls.
3. The process involves a car park inspection. An engineering report by a Light Vehicle Engineering Signatory and full roadworthy inspection may be requested if any safety concerns are noted during the inspection.
4. The controls must be mounted:
   1. on a suitable structural section of the vehicle
   2. as close as practicable to the same horizontal plane as the driver’s side pedals
   3. as close as practicable to the same vertical plane as the driver’s side pedals
   4. such that travel and response is similar to those of the driver’s side pedals.
5. Pedals, cables and pivots are to be of equivalent strength, material and durability as original controls.
6. A left hand side brake pedal must be fitted with a cover or incorporated a feature to allow it to be folded up, to prevent it being used except for driver training.
7. The installation of controls must not not:
   1. compromise the vehicle’s compliance with any Australian Design Rules
   2. interfere with any occupant protection system, such as knee airbags.
8. Items such as glovebox compartment or parcel tray must not prevent ready access to dual controls.
9. All modifications are to be carried out in accordance with best engineering practice (i.e. current version of the Australian Standard 3954.1-1991 Motor Vehicle Controls – Adaptive systems for people with disabilities).
10. A certificate of exemption will be issued by the vehicle standards section when all required inspections are completed satisfactorily.

Conditions of Use

The vehicle must be primarily used by a licensed MDI or an exempted organisation for driver training purposes, and only when accompanied by a person undergoing driver training.

Appropriate safeguards

When the vehicle is not being used for driver training purposes, the driver of the vehicle is to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent the accidental activation of the dual control system.

Decommissioning a vehicle

Before a modified vehicle is disposed of or on-sold, the dual control modification will need to be removed and returned to standard condition. Validating the safe removal of the modified system may be required unless transferring to another owner who will use it primarily for driver training.

Cautionary note

Failure to comply with modification requirements and obtaining vehicle standards exemption can affect any claim for insurance that may result from an incident arising from the use of a modified vehicle. Any unapproved modification may deem the vehicle to be defective.