RACV leading Victoria-first rollout of safety cameras in Drive School vehicles

RACV Drive School has set a new benchmark for safety standards in Victoria, fitting out in-vehicle safety cameras across its entire fleet of 73 drive school vehicles.

Now officially the first drive school in the state to introduce the technology, the rollout reflects RACV’s commitment to improving safety for all Victorians. 

The initiative forms part of RACV's broader Driver Safety Technology program, which has seen RACV’s fleet of more than 850 vehicles fitted with purpose-specific safety technology; including fatigue, distraction and high-risk driving behaviour detection.

RACV General Manager Automotive Services Makarla Cole hopes the decision will raise safety standards and inform government policy.

“Despite not being a regulatory requirement in Victoria, RACV believes this should be best practice in all drive schools throughout Australia,” Ms Cole said.

“Learning to drive is a critical time for developing safe habits, and it’s important both learners and instructors feel supported every time they’re on the road – this technology provides an extra layer of reassurance for everyone.

“We hope that by leading this initiative, other drive schools will follow, and we will help inform future regulatory decisions in Victoria.”

RACV first trialled the technology in nine vehicles late last year, with instructors, parents and students reporting greater confidence in the learn-to-drive service.  

Annique Rochecouste is a parent of a 17-year-old learner driver and claims the additional layer of protection reduced anxiety levels during an already stressful time.

"When your teenager is out there learning to drive, you think about it constantly. Knowing there's a camera in the car and that the lesson is on record gives me real peace of mind,” Ms Rochecouste said.

The camera system includes front and rear facing external cameras, along with an internal camera and audio recording that operates only with learner consent. Recordings are securely stored and can only be accessed by authorised safety administrators in specific circumstances, such as an incident or dispute.

RACV Drive School Manager Lydia Kendray said the move aligns with emerging national and international best practice in driver education. South Australia has passed reforms mandating recording during all driving lessons and tests, with implementation proposed for 2027 and Tasmania already requires video and audio recordings of licence tests. 

“We want Victoria to remain at the forefront of safety innovation, and that means continuing to invest in initiatives that protect people and build trust,” Ms Kendray said.

RACV Drive School instructor of more than 30 years, Mark Morcos, said he can see a major difference in student confidence.

“In my line of work, safety is paramount. It just makes sense that all safety measures are in place when we’re focusing on developing safe driving behaviours,” Mr Morcos said.

“RACV is serious about safety and doing everything it can to ensure a safe learning environment for everyone involved.”

For more information about RACV Drive School, visit racv.com.au.

Additional information

RACV Drive School 

RACV Drive School is one of Victoria’s oldest driving schools, helping educate learners for more than 60 years across Melbourne, Ballarat, Geelong, Warragul and Mornington Peninsula. As a leader in safety standards, the service offers a safe and reliable fleet of cars with 5-star ANCAP safety rating. 

Through RACV’s partnership with Yalari and Berry Street, RACV Drive School offers lessons to young people to boost their confidence and independence. Last year, RACV Drive School Instructors delivered more than 160 lessons to students.

In-vehicle safety cameras

Privacy protections are central to the program, with learners providing consent via a QR code at the start of each lesson, and the system must be switched off entirely during licence tests. Footage is automatically overwritten unless it is required for a specific safety‑related purpose.