Could First Aid Training Be the Road Rule Australia Needs?

Imagine you’re driving on a quiet country road. It’s dusk, and suddenly, a vehicle veers off into a ditch ahead. You’re the first on scene. Would you know what to do?

In Germany, every driver would—because they’re required to. One of the most distinctive aspects of German driver licensing is the mandatory first aid course. Before getting behind the wheel, German drivers must complete training that includes CPR, bleeding control, shock management, and emergency scene safety. The rationale? Every driver is considered a potential first responder. It's a public safety philosophy that embeds first aid knowledge into the very foundation of road use.

Contrast this with Australia. Here, first aid training is encouraged but not required for a driver's licence. Our system places primary responsibility on professional emergency services. While this model works in populated urban areas, it leaves a gap—especially in regional or remote locations where ambulance response times can be long.

If Australia adopted a similar policy to Germany’s, how would we react?

The case for change is strong. Basic first aid skills save lives. In a vast country like Australia, where many live hours from the nearest hospital, having more first aid-trained drivers could improve survival rates in road trauma. It would also build community resilience—empowering everyday Australians to step up during medical emergencies, whether on highways, farms, or footy fields.

But change isn’t without resistance. Some may see it as bureaucratic overreach—yet another hoop to jump through. Others may worry about the cost of courses, time commitments, or the pressure of responsibility. After all, not everyone wants to feel like they’re on the front line of an emergency.

A balanced solution could lie in education and incentives. What if first aid became part of the high school curriculum, normalising life-saving knowledge from a young age? Or what if driver licence applicants received discounts on rego or insurance for completing a certified course?

At the heart of this debate is a simple question: should Australians be expected to help, or just wait for help?

The truth is, we already value mateship, initiative, and looking out for one another. Perhaps requiring first aid training for drivers isn’t about changing who we are—it’s about equipping us to live those values when it matters most.

So, what do you think? Should Australia follow Germany’s lead, or are our differences too great for such a system to work here?

For those ready to be prepared, you can find a course near you with an Allens Training Provider at www.allenstraining.com.au or www.findtraining.com.au. Learning first aid could one day make you the difference between life and death.