Learning to drive is an exciting time in our lives but it’s also an extremely important one. But passing the test is just one part, with the first 6 months on the road for a new driver the most important.
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According to NSW Transport, Roads and Maritime Services P1 and P2 drivers made up just 8% of the NSW driving population in 2016 and yet accounted for 15 per cent of NSW road fatalities.
So, gaining the right skills and experience is not just crucial to passing the driving test itself, it will stand new drivers in good stead for a safe driving future.
Providing you are 16 years or older, have passed an eyesight test and the Driver Knowledge Test (DKT), a computer-based road rules knowledge test via the Transport Roads and Maritime Service for NSW, proven your identity and paid all relevant fees, the next step is to undertake a series of driving lessons, either with a family member or friend, or through a driving school.
There are many benefits to obtaining professional driving lessons that will ensure that you know the rules of the road and be able to handle your vehicle under any type of condition, weather or situation.
Learner drivers must obey special rules which have been designed for safety while they build their driving skills and experience.
Some of these rules include; being supervised at all times when driving, displaying L- plates and observing speed limits and never driving over 90km per hour.
Learner drivers also need to log at least 120 hours driving experience, including 20 hours of night driving, in a learner driver log book.
Learner drivers can choose to take a Safer Drivers Course to improve skills and get a bonus 20 hours in your log book.
The course covers areas such as managing speed, hazard awareness and how to drive safely when you have the distraction of having friends in the car with you.
Structured lessons with a licensed NSW driving instructor will also give a bonus of 3-for-1 log book hours.
While parents often take on the role of driving instructor, bad habits can be passed on and a lack of structure or formality can mean that the learner covers less detail than during a driving lesson that requires the instructor to follow a course and ultimately give a thorough foundation of driving.
Whether you are a young driver with low confidence or a seasoned driver, a professional driver education can be the one thing that makes the difference between you passing a road test or failing it.
Whether you intend to take just one or two sessions or several, engaging with a professional driving school has many benefits and can help to equip young or less experienced drivers with the right skills and confidence to stay safe when driving on our roads.