Harmonisation of pilot and escort vehicle driver requirements: stage 2

This report documents the process and results of industry consultation in relation to a nationally harmonised pilot and escort vehicle driver accreditation scheme and operational guideline proposed in 2013. Industry consultation workshops were held in various jurisdictions to engage with the oversize transport industry and obtain a consensus on the final composition of the scheme including, most importantly, the nationally consistent training requirements that would form part of the accreditation process. The consultation workshops focused on graduated pilot accreditation, agricultural exemptions, driver licencing and background checks, and traffic control powers and road rule exemptions. The Project Reference Group came to the view that implementation will be best handled via the coordinated efforts of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and the National Transport Commission, with a decision to be made on whether the scheme will be centrally administered or decentralised with functions in the various jurisdictions.