Police found driver’s licence breaches throughout West Wyalong. Photo: Mattinbgn/Wikimedia Commons.
Murrumbidgee police have warned businesses to take extra care when inspecting overseas driver’s licences, after being made aware of fake documents circulating in the Riverina.
Police in West Wyalong recently detected several underage youths attempting to use digitally created, fake driver’s licences generated through mobile phone applications to enter pubs and clubs.
“This carries serious consequences, including fines, and may result in an additional six months being added to a P-plate period,” a NSW Police spokesman warned.
Police are also seeing cases where people obtain fake licences within Australia, then take them back to their country of origin to apply for and receive a formally issued driver’s licence, including heavy vehicle categories.
Those licence holders may then return to NSW and legally drive heavy vehicles on that overseas licence.
While the law allows a person to drive on a valid international licence for up to six months in NSW, a licence that has been improperly obtained overseas may not meet NSW licensing, training or competency standards.
Police are urging businesses, particularly in the transport industry, to take extra care when sighting overseas licences.
“Employers should ensure anyone driving heavy vehicles is properly licensed, trained, and assessed as competent,” the spokesman said.
”Encouraging drivers to obtain a NSW driver’s licence provides the highest level of confidence and compliance with state requirements.
“Using a driver who is not properly licensed can lead to significant safety, legal and insurance risks, including the potential voiding of policies if a crash occurs.”
