about time
and one for caravans too
Calls for off-road licence endorsement to reduce bush rescues
All the gear and no idea? Some argue training should be required to drive off road
The rise in popularity of off-roading has meant an increase in the number of rescues being undertaken by tow truck drivers and recovery specialists in recent years, leading to calls for a special licence endorsement.
Pundits are recommending the change – which would require drivers to undertake a four-wheel-drive course to gain the endorsement – for people to take their vehicles into certain areas, such as beaches or bushland.
Debate has kicked off in recent days after a 2018 blog post from television personality Pat Callinan surfaced on social media.
Callinan argued a typical driver’s licence wasn’t sufficient for most people to be trusted with controlling a large four-wheel-drive, saying “one licence category covers everything from a Kia Piccanto [sic] to a 79 Series [LandCruiser] via a Porsche 911”.
While drivers require special licence endorsements to operate a motorcycle or truck, anyone with a basic motor vehicle licence can take their car into potentially dangerous areas.
https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/calls-for-off-road-licence-endorsement