Welcome to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme safe driving hub
Driving can be dangerous wherever you are. It is important you understand Australian road rules, and how the roads are different to your home country. You must also have a driver’s licence that is valid for driving in Australia.
Explore the resources, talk to your employer about training opportunities and take the next step toward safer, smarter driving.
Safe driving starts with the decisions that you make
This video explores the real-life impact of our choices behind the wheel, showing how good decisions can keep everyone safe and how poor ones, especially drink driving, can have lasting impacts. It’s not just about you, it’s about your friends, your family and your future.
This video covers important information about safe driving in Australia - from road rules and fines, to driving in different conditions, avoiding distractions and knowing what to do in an accident.
Do you want help with your driving skills?
Click the link to read how PALM scheme worker, Ilai, used the skills development funding to gain new driving skills:
How PALM scheme workers like Ilai are driving toward independence
About the Skills Development Program
For PALM scheme workers
The Skills Development Program (SDP) is here to help you grow while working in Australia. Whether you are working in agriculture, aged care or another essential industry, the SDP gives you access to training that builds your confidence, independence and career potential.
You can take part in:
- driver safety training – learn Australian road rules, how to operate a vehicle safely and work towards getting your driver’s licence.
- first aid and health and hygiene courses – improve safety and wellbeing at work and in your daily life.
- reading, writing, maths and computer training – build your skills to help you do better at work and feel ready to study more.
- forklift and hospitality training – gain recognised qualifications that can open up new job opportunities.
Training is available online, in the classroom, or at your workplace. Talk to your employer about what’s available and how to get started. If they’re unsure, they can contact the PALM scheme support service line at (1800 51 51 31) or visit the Skills Development page.
For employers: apply for funding to upskill your workforce
The SDP provides funding to PALM scheme employers, including direct and host employers, to deliver accredited and non-accredited training to their workers. This helps improve productivity, workplace safety, and long-term outcomes for both workers and businesses.
Employers must:
- apply on behalf of their workers
- choose and coordinate with their own training providers
- use funding to cover training costs in areas like driver safety, first aid, English language, and more.
The application process is simple and support is available, visit the Skills Development Program webpage for more information. Please email (PALMCapability@dewr.gov.au) for guidance.
Employers can also access the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) literacy program offered by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. Refer to the SEE Program website for more information.
Did you know that road rules can be different in each state in Australia?
Road rules and requirements can be different in each state in Australia. Click on the below headings to find information that can help you while driving in Australia.
PALM scheme resources
Worker experiences
Driving in Australia comes with unique challenges - left-hand driving, long distances, and wildlife on the roads. That’s why practical training and expert supervision make all the difference, giving workers the confidence to drive safely in their communities.
Watch this video to see how this training is making a difference.
Have questions or need advice?
Your employer can help answer your questions about driving in Australia. If you or employer need more information, please call the PALM scheme support service line on (1800 51 51 31), or email (palm@dewr.gov.au) between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm AEST. If there is a serious problem, please call the support service line any time of the day or night.
Follow the PALM scheme Facebook and LinkedIn pages for more driver safety reminders and information on how to stay safe during weather events.