Welcome to the June 2025 edition of DRIVE Lite – Driving Instructors. In this edition, we share key insights from the recent Motorcycle Safety Roundtable and note the role of driving instructors in influencing safe driving behaviour, including the use of mobile phones for learner and provisional drivers. Plus, enrolments are now open for the next Older Driver Assessor workshop. We also share recent engagement between Transport for NSW (Transport) staff and General Practitioners (GPs) at the General Practice Conference and Exhibition (GPCE). Motorcycle safety in the spotlight Motorcycle fatalities in NSW have reached a 10-year high, prompting a NSW Government focus on how we can better protect riders. Novice rider deaths, including those with learner or provisional licenses, also increased year-on-year from nine in 2023 to 14 in 2024. On 29 April 2025, Transport hosted a Motorcycle Safety Roundtable, to bring together motorcycle riders and advocates, road safety experts and government representatives to discuss improvements in areas such as licensing, rider education, training programs, vehicle safety, road infrastructure, and the use of protective gear to enhance safety and save lives. At the forum, expert riders spoke about the importance of: staying under the speed limit watching out for oncoming traffic and curves making sure riders wear a highly rated helmet and the right protective gear Riders can choose the right gear for their ride by checking safety ratings at motocap.com.au. A recording of the Roundtable sessions are available on the Transport Road Safety website to watch. Engaging with GPs to support safe drivers GPs are a critical stakeholder for many customers in getting and maintaining a driver licence. Transport staff attended GPCE Sydney from 16-18 May, directly engaging with GPs to strengthen their understanding, help improve processes, and support safe, medically fit drivers across NSW. During the event, Transport staff engaged directly with GPs to: promote the use of HealthLink to help prevent delays in processing medical assessments discuss the Australian Fitness to Drive guidelines and how they affect a customer's driver licence explore further opportunities to educate and engage with medical practitioners. In the past 12 months, Transport has reviewed and processed more than one million medical assessments. Transport remains committed to ongoing engagement with the health industry to help ensure all road users are safe and that licence holders are medically fit and competent to drive. Older Driver Assessor workshop – enrol now! Are you a driving instructor looking to expand your skills and help older drivers maintain their independence safely? Enrol now for the Older Driver Assessor workshop in July. When: Wednesday, 9 July 2025 Where: 4 Parramatta Square, Parramatta To be eligible you need to havea current NSW Driving Instructor Licence (Class C) held it continuously for three years and have completed (or are completing) the unit of competency TAEASS412 Assess Competence. If you're interested in attending the ODA workshop to become an assessor, download and complete the ODA application form and submit it to OlderDriverAssessor@transport.nsw.gov.au. Successful applicants who meet the criteria will be notified and invited to attend the workshop. Spaces for the July workshop are limited, but don't worry if you miss out - we'll be creating a waitlist for the next session. For more information visit the Transport | Older Driver Assessment website. Phones off: rules for learner drivers Are you aware of the strict rules around mobile phones for provisional drivers? Brushing up on these rules can help keep your learners safe and ensure they avoid hefty fines. Drivers on a P1 or P2 licence are not allowed to use a mobile phone at all while driving. This rule applies even when the car is stopped in traffic or at the lights. No calls, no texts, no maps, no social media - and this includes no hands-free and/or Bluetooth use. There are only two exceptions: Showing a digital Driver Licence to police when asked. Using the phone’s wallet function, but only in areas such as a car park, driveway or drive‑through, and when the vehicle is stationary. As a driving instructor, it's crucial that you ensure your students understand and follow these rules to the letter. Taking the time to clearly explain the mobile phone restrictions - during a lesson can make all the difference! By helping learners understand and follow mobile phone road rules, you’re not just keeping them legal - you’re shaping safer drivers for life. To refresh your knowledge, visit Transport | Mobile phone rules.