Student Handbook

Courtesy Driving School is South Australia’s premier provider of heavy vehicle driver education and training services, dedicated to ensuring that new drivers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for safe and responsible heavy vehicle operation. With over 55 years of experience, we are the oldest and most successful heavy vehicle driving school in the region, trusted by individuals and businesses alike for our commitment to excellence. Since 2007, we have been a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), further enhancing our ability to deliver accredited and industry-recognised training programs.

We thank you for choosing Courtesy Driving School, to be the provider of your training.

Courtesy Driving School is dedicated to delivering high-quality training and assessment services. We consistently ensure that our operations comply with all relevant standards and legislation, upholding professional standards that protect the interests and well-being of all students.

We are excited to welcome you to Courtesy Driving School and look forward to supporting you throughout your learning journey. Our dedicated staff is here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring you have the resources and guidance you need to succeed. We wish you every success in your studies and look forward to helping you achieve your goals.

COURSE OUTCOMES AND PATHWAYS

Please refer to the specific information brochure for your course of study.
Some qualifications, course or units of competency may lead to the client seeking to obtain a licence from the relevant licensing authority provided the client meets all other requirements of the licence.

Please note that any costs involved with obtaining this licence are additional to the fees charged by Courtesy Driving School for your training.

SELECTION PROCESSES

To be considered for a course, students must meet the minimum entry requirements. Most courses have a range of entry requirements, and in some cases, more than one (1) is compulsory. Please refer to the specific information brochure for your course of study as requirements will vary according to the chosen course.

Students wishing to enrol in Motor Driving Instructor course must meet the requirements outlined for a Motor driving instructor’s licence on the sa.gov.au website. These specific entry requirements must be met before Courtesy Driving School can consider your enrolment. Staff can provide you with information regarding this process.

Age and medical restrictions apply to driving licences. Please contact a Service SA customer service office to check your eligibility before enrolling. Courtesy Driving School cannot obtain this information for you.

ENROLMENT PROCEDURES

All students seeking to enrol with Courtesy Driving School will be required to complete a Student Enrolment form. This form becomes your Training Agreement with us. Please ask a staff member if you require assistance to complete this form.

As part of your enrolment, you will need to produce your driver’s licence, a copy will be made of this and placed in your student file. For a qualification such as a Motor Driving Instructors licence – both Heavy and Car there are other enrolment procedures that apply. Please refer to the student information brochures for these qualifications.

At Courtesy Driving School, we are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. If you have any disabilities or learning difficulties, we encourage you to inform us during the enrolment process. By doing so, we can discuss your individual needs and work together to put the necessary support in place to help you succeed.

Your privacy will be respected, and any information you share will be treated confidentially. Our goal is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive in their studies and achieve their goals.

See Reasonable adjustment section in handbook.

UNIQUE STUDENT IDENTIFIER (usi)

Under the Unique Student Identifiers Act 2014, all RTOs must ensure they have a valid USI for any student that enrolls in nationally recognised training. This means (unless you have an exemption issued by the USI registrar) that as a student you must:
• Provide us with your USI

The USI is a reference number made up of 10 numbers and letters that:
• Creates a secure online record of your nationally recognised training and qualification gained in Australia, even from different organisations
• Will give you access to your training records and transcripts
• Can be accessed online, anytime and anywhere
• Is free and easy to create
• Stays with you for life

If you are providing us with permission to access your USI we will need a valid form of identification.
The ID that you provide for this purpose will be destroyed once we have used it for this purpose.
To create your own USI, please visit: USI Portal
We are unable to issue a qualification or a statement of attainment unless we have a valid USI or a notice of exemption from the registrar.

USI Portal

FEES AND CHARGES

The cost of a course depends on the number of hours nominated for each unit of competency, the mode of delivery and the assessment requirements as a result the fees may vary from qualification to qualification. A detailed cost is explained in the relevant student information brochures.
Additional fees may be payable for resources due to the remote location of the venue. These are covered in the relevant student information brochure.
Please note that any costs involved with obtaining licences are additional to the fees charged by Courtesy Driving School for your training.
Ensure that you are clear and committed to paying your fees before signing your enrolment form. If you are experiencing financial hardship at any time during your course, please speak to a Courtesy Driving School staff member who may be able to offer support.
No Qualification or Statement of Attainment will be issued until full and final payment has been received.

REFUND POLICY

Courtesy Driving School may collect fees before training commences from a student. Prior to completing the enrolment process the student will have received clear and transparent information relating to fees, other charges and grounds for refunds.
Refunds are not granted automatically. Students are expected to be aware of their work and personal commitments before they enrol, and it will be necessary to establish that the cause of the withdrawel could not be reasonably anticipated before enrolment.
A request for a refund must be applied for using the refunds application.
Once a student starts a program and chooses to withdraw, no refund will be given for units of competency which have been started.
Acceptable reasons for a refund may include:
Sickness (verified by a medical certificate)
Other valid reason at the discretion of the Manager
If a student chooses to terminate a training session early, a refund will not be given and we are not required to make up for lost time.
There is no refund to students who do not obtain their qualification after assessment.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT

Courtesy Driving School, where possible, offers a flexible approach to your training. This means that, within reason, you may have the opportunity to negotiate the time, place and method of learning which suits your needs. Flexible delivery can give you greater control over your learning.

All assessments must be submitted by the due date. If you are having difficulty completing an assessment, you should discuss it with your trainer/assessor well in advance of the due date. This way the trainer/assessor may be able to offer support or grant additional time. Please note there may be
conditions or penalties to gaining an extension.
Assessment in all units of competency is competency based. This means that you need to demonstrate skills and knowledge to the required standards.
Support to complete assessments can be discussed and arranged if possible – these could include:
 Additional reading and/or writing time
 Separate examination or assessment facilities
 Extra support days
 More flexible assessment requirements where appropriate.

At Courtesy Driving School, we are committed to fostering a collaborative, flexible learning environment that encourages innovation and meets the individual needs of both students and staff. We believe that solutions can often be reached to the mutual satisfaction of all parties.

For certain qualifications, especially those leading to licensing outcomes, assessments may be mandated by the relevant licensing authority. Your trainer will inform you of any specific requirements. Additionally, a representative from the licensing body may be present during your final assessment to ensure compliance with these standards.

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of prior learning is a form of assessment that provides the opportunity for you to have you skills knowledge and experience values and count towards a formal qualification.

You may have gained these skills or knowledge through training, work experience or general experiences such as committee memberships or volunteer work. There is a charge for RPL; however the process will save you valuable time and money.

Before you enrol in a course you may speak to your trainer to see if this process will be of value to you. RPL application forms are available from trainers.

MUTUAL RECOGNITION & Credit transfer

Courtesy Driving School will accept and mutually recognise the decisions and outcomes of any RTO or body in partnership with an RTO, thereby ensuring mutual acceptance throughout Australia of the qualifications and Statements of Attainment (SoA) awarded by other RTO’s or AQF authorised issuing organisations.

Courtesy Driving School recognises AQF certification documentation from other RTOs, and authenticated VET transcripts issued by the Registrar and after review and verification of validity will apply a credit to all relevant units of competency.

Mutual Recognition applies when the certification documentation provided by the student contains the same national competency code as those that form part of the training and assessment program offered by Courtesy Driving School.

Certification documentation must be presented as either originals or certified copies of an original. Certified copies must be signed by an authorised signatory or Compliance Coordinator to verify authenticity. Original Certification documentation will be returned to the student.

Courtesy Driving School is not obliged to issue an AQF qualification or Statement of Attainment (SoA) that is achieved wholly through recognition of units of competency completed at another RTO or RTOs. (ie client cannot complete all of their learning and assessment with another RTO and request Courtesy Driving School to issue the qualification under RPL)

ACCESS AND EQUITY

Courtesy Driving School is dedicated to ensuring fair and equitable access for all students participating in training. During the enrolment process, our training staff will collaborate with you to identify any specific learning needs that may affect your ability to successfully complete your training. Whenever possible, we will provide additional learning resources and make reasonable adjustments to your assessments.

All students and staff at Courtesy Driving School have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, or any form of threatening behaviour. If you experience any threats, harassment, bullying, or feel you are being treated less favourably than your peers, please bring this to the attention of your trainer immediately.

student SUPPORT SERVICES

Courtesy Driving School is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all students. This commitment includes providing appropriate support services, both academic and personal, to help students succeed. Trainers and assessors are equipped to make reasonable adjustments in the delivery of training to accommodate individual student needs.

If you require additional support, you may be referred to the CEO, who will guide you to the appropriate support services. Please note that some support services may incur additional fees, which will be the responsibility of the student.

LANGUAGE LITERACY AND NUMERACY(LLN)

Courtesy Driving School will test your language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) prior to enrolment.

If you are found to require LLN support and depending on the type and level of support required a Courtesy Driving School representative will either negotiate and implement appropriate learning support plan to meet your needs or offer a referral to support services outside of Courtesy Driving School, this may incur a cost which will be the responsibility of the student to cover.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

The well-being of students, staff, contractors and visitors is a top priority, with Courtesy Driving School fully adhering to Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA) and Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA) (WHS) legislation.

Trainers integrate WHS practices into both the planning and delivery of their training, ensuring students are informed about relevant WHS requirements and are supervised appropriately. All staff and students are expected to avoid any actions that conflict with WHS standards. As a student, you are responsible for completing your training safely and promptly reporting any incidents or concerns, including injuries or harassment, to your trainer or Courtesy Driving School administration.

Courtesy Driving School is dedicated to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for staff, students, contractors (including trainers), and visitors. Accident prevention and safe work practices are encouraged as shared responsibilities among all involved. Courtesy Driving School acknowledges its obligations under WHS Acts and regulations, with students, trainers, and assessors sharing accountability for the health and safety of everyone within the workplace. Trainers are specifically tasked with providing, to the extent possible, a learning environment that minimizes health risks and upholds safety.

This includes to:
•Providing and maintaining safe equipment and systems of work.
•Providing, monitoring and maintaining systems for safe use, handling, storage of equipment and substances.
•Maintaining the workplace in a safe and healthy condition by conducting regular risk assessments.
•Providing adequate facilities to protect the welfare of all employees and students.
•Providing information, training and supervision for all staff and contractors, helping them to integrate WHS into their work areas and roles.
•Integrating continuous improvement into the training - WHS performance.

duty of care

Under Workplace Health and Safety legislation, students have a duty of care to maintain a safe environment for both themselves and their fellow students.
• Should you be involved in an accident which results in personal injury and/or damage to equipment or facilities, notify your trainer/assessor immediately.
• If you have a personal health condition which may become critical while attending training, please advise us before commencing the course. All information will be treated in strict confidence and is only needed so Courtesy Driving School can provide support or treatment should an emergency arise.
• Emergency procedures and exit plans must be followed.

You have a duty to:
o Protect your own health and safety and avoid adversely affecting the health and safety of any other person;
o Not wilfully or recklessly interfere or misuse anything provided by Courtesy Driving School in the interests of health, safety and welfare;
o Cooperate with health and safety directives given by the staff of Courtesy Driving School;
o Ensure that you are not affected by the consumption of drugs or alcohol.

protective clothing

Courtesy Driving School requires that all students wear protective clothing as determined by your course and your trainer. High visibility vests or shirts must be worn by all students during their training.
Vests may be purchased from our front office.
Closed in footwear is compulsory.
Students must wear protective gloves when attending vehicle training. These must be supplied by you or can be purchased from our office.

smoking

Courtesy Driving School provides a smoke free environment. The no smoking policy applies to all persons on the premises and extends to all vehicles operated by Courtesy Driving School.
Breaching the Non-Smoking policy will result in a first and final warning being issued to the individual.
Persons caught a second time will be asked to leave the grounds.

car parking

There are no provisions for students parking on the grounds of Courtesy Driving School. Students are to park their vehicles on the street and their own risk. To ensure that students are aware of this, No Parking signs have been placed throughout the grounds of Courtesy Driving School.

HEAVY VEHICLE LEGISLATIVE AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

Where the course of study is part of the requirement for a heavy vehicle drivers’ licence, student’s need to be aware of other requirements such as age, medical fitness, or driver licence history that the licensing authority may have in place. Staff at Courtesy Driving School can assist you to obtain information relating to this.
Courtesy staff cannot access your personal information held by licensing bodies. If in doubt of your eligibility, you will need to contact a Service SA customer service office directly to check your eligibility before enrolling.

COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS

Courtesy Driving school encourages all students, staff, and contractors to voice concerns arising from any situation within the control of the management or staff, including any educational matter that causes a student or contractor serious concern or distress.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT

Courtesy Driving School keeps complete and accurate records of the attendance and progress of students, as well as financial records that reflect all payments and charges and the balance due, and can provide copies of these records to you upon request. Student's access to their personal records within the assessment context is permitted and is facilitated by the Trainer.

Outside the assessment context, student requests for access to personal file information and personal records on file, need to be in writing, and will need supporting evidence of identification, as well as a signed statement from the student authorising the release of personal information by Courtesy Driving School.

Copies of information on file including new copies of qualifications, statements of attainment and record of assessment results, incur fees for reproduction, mailing and administration. A "Replacement Certificate Request" form and advice on costs are available from your Trainer or from the Administration office.

OPPORTUNITIES TO HAVE YOUR SAY.........

As a student enrolled at Courtesy Driving School, you’ll have opportunities to share your thoughts and
experiences with us. We are dedicated to listening to and acting on student feedback to continually
improve the quality of our services. You can provide feedback in two ways:
• By completing a confidential student survey, or
• By speaking directly with your trainer/assessor or instructor.
Rest assured, all feedback is valued, respected, and handled confidentially. We’ll carefully consider and
respond to all input to ensure we’re meeting your needs effectively.
Thank you for your time, and your future input

Troy Williams
Chief Executive Officer
Courtesy Driving School

Download Student Handbook