Professional driving instructors, who train members of the public in advanced, defensive or race competition activities, will be able to enjoy greater peace of mind and insurance cover thanks to a new product launched by the Australian Auto Sport Alliance (AASA).
The new Driver Trainer’s Licence will cover instructors for public and participant liability, as well as professional indemnity, when they are working at approved venues or racing circuits.
The product is new to the market, and will ensure driver trainers can work with confidence if they are representing a manufacturer, conducting drive days or providing individual, one-on-one coaching services.
To be eligible for a AASA Driver Trainer’s Licence, applicants must meet stringent criteria including being able to demonstrate current driver training experience with employer references, and holding a national-level racing licence. A cheaper Gold Licence is also available for applicants with Certificate IV driver training qualifications.
Benalla Auto Club Group CEO Chris Lewis-Williams said the AASA identified the need for the Driver Trainer’s Licence after dialogue with industry representatives.
“A lot of driver trainers operate at our two circuits, Winton and Wakefield Park, and they are exposed to considerable risk if something goes wrong,” Mr Lewis-Williams said.
“Often driver trainers are operating in high-speed environments, alongside participants with little experience in car control or performance driving; they are putting their own well-being on the line while educating others.
“We decided driver trainers would benefit from a product that provides them with professional indemnity and public/participant liability cover, and it’s very pleasing that we’re a market leader with this sort of product.”
According to Mr Lewis-Williams, an added benefit will be that the Driver Trainer’s Licence will become an accepted industry standard.
“By holding a AASA Driver Trainer’s Licence, professional instructors will have fulfilled certain criteria, so employers or customers will also be able to engage their services, confident they will meet prescribed standards,” Mr Lewis-Williams said.
The AASA Driver Trainer’s Licence covers the licensee for up to $25,000,000 of public liability, $5,000,000 of participant liability and $1,000,000 of professional indemnity for any single incident.
“We will be marketing our Driver Trainer’s licences to the instructor community, and we’re anticipating high demand,” Mr Lewis-Williams concluded.
To apply for an AASA Driver Trainer’s Licence, please visit the following link: https://aasa.com.au/licences/drivers-training-licence-application/.
For any further information, please feel free to contact AASA Business Development Manager, Stephen Whyte on 0438 537 458 or via [email protected].
