It’s important to be as driver-educated as possible in preparation for passing a driving test and becoming the holder of an Australian driving licence. By learning important skills around driver safety and gaining a wide variety of experience in road and weather conditions, drivers are best placed to be well qualified drivers.

Learn about safety

A driver can never learn enough about safety when behind the wheel. Before commencement of driving lessons, read as much on driver safety as possible. Prior to gaining a driver’s licence, most people view safety from the eyes of a pedestrian. A driver needs to be aware of safety from an entirely new perspective, especially relating to out of view ‘blind spots’.

Develop the right driving habits

Repetition of correct driving procedures is the best and most effective way to from a correct habit. Procedures implemented under supervision of a driving instructor include adjusting mirrors for the best view and adjusting the driver’s seat before starting the vehicle, checking the passengers are wearing seatbelts and ensuring the correct grip is used on the steering wheel before starting the car.

Gain experience driving in a variety of conditions

In preparation for taking a driving test, it’s important to practice under instruction in a range of conditions and on different types of roads, including single and multi-lane roads, city and country roads in varying traffic conditions. Night driving requires a different set of skills for a learner driver and is challenging because without the colour and contrast of day driving, vision and depth perception is impaired. Driving instruction should also be taken during wet weather conditions.

Practice difficult maneuvers such as parallel parking

Three-point turns, parallel parking and awareness of driver blind spots are all challenging driving skills that will be tested during the driving examination. It’s key that these skills are mastered correctly with the assistance of a driving instructor. No matter how competent a learner driving on roads, a failure to master parallel parking or three-point turns will result in test failure.

Know the road rules

Just as important as practical driving skills, is a learner driver’s knowledge and understanding of the road rules and acceptable driving behaviours. A driver’s licence will not be issued unless a driver has passed the written part of the test, demonstrating a sound knowledge of the road rules in the state or territory where the test is being taken. Practice questions are avaialble online for each state and territory.

Research Driving Schools

The choice of driving school is extremely important so it’s key to do some research before making a choice. Ask friends and family for feedback on their own experience with a driving instructor and school. Choice can include a male or female instructor or a manual or automatic vehicle. Learning to drive can be a stressful experience, so choose a driving instructor that is patient and calm, and that is easy to communicate with and will allow the learner to feel comfortable in the driver’s seat.

Don’t get distracted

When learning how to drive it’s important to be completely focused on the task of driving. Avoid all distractions. Keep the car’s stereo switched off and ensure mobile phones are on silent and kept away from the driver. It is illegal to text or use a mobile phone when behind the wheel. Do not wear earphones and listen to portable music devices when learning to drive.

Take a defensive driving course

The more experience a learner driver can gain before taking the driving test the better. Learner drivers can further challenge themselves by taking defensive driving lessons. Defensive driving instruction helps drivers sharpen their skills and focuses on a variety of on road exercises including practice of driving scenarios that a learner driver is unlikely to practice during standard driving instruction, such as swerving, emergency braking and direction changes.

Driving schools and instructors can help you develop these important skills, before you go for your driver’s licence.