Driving is a physical skill, think about the last skill you developed; swimming, footy, tennis or playing an online game you had to practice for hours to perfect the ability to instinctively complete the tasks required to be proficient. Driving is the same and the Government agrees. As a result the Government has developed a structured learning plan (graduated licensing scheme) it’s designed to help new drivers gain experience and become safer drivers by spreading the learning process over 4 years. As you gain more driving experience and your skills improve, you ‘graduate’ to the next licence step – from learner, to P1, P2 and then finally a full, unrestricted licence. YAY!

In case you didn’t realise but the ANSWER to your question “How do I become a good, safe driver?” is simply PRACTICE. Practice makes Progress! As often as possible on different roads at different times, get yourself in as many different scenarios as you can while you have the benefit of your driving supervisor in the seat next to you. Practice makes progress and the more you prepare yourself for your driving test the more confident you’ll be and less likely to make mistakes, more importantly you will be a safe low risk driver.

Some points for think about whenever you go for a drive

• Adjust your seat and mirrors correctly
• scan well ahead so you know what is happening early
• know how to use the controls confidently without distraction (wipers, demister, etc)
• leave and stop at the kerb safely and smoothly
• are you travelling at a speed that suits the conditions
• is there a safe gap between you and other cars, bikes, pedestrians
• when turning make sure you stay in the correct position
• practice one or two manoeuvres each time you drive. Pick one, say 3 point turn and PRACTICE it until you can do it smoothly and correctly
• can you make good/safe decisions at intersections
• can you recognise hazards, real and perceived

By taking a look at accidents that have occurred on the road in the past, we’re able to see how these points can help reduce the risk of an accident.

If you want to drive in a manual car I always recommend starting with automatic, before adding the complexities of the clutch and gears. Get over the initial stress of steering, breaking, etc and when you’re handling the car confidently make a safe transition to manual. If you do your driving test in an auto, you will not be legally allowed to drive a manual until you get your P2 (green) 12 months later.

I can’t fast track this for you, but I can without doubt help you become a safe and confident driver. Once you are confident and safe on the road this is when the love of driving comes in – it’s fun to drive, get away on your own or with friends and spend time doing things you want to do, when you want to do them and where you want to do them without relying on others to get you there. Trust me it’s FUN!!

Don’t hesitate contacting me to see where I can help in your journey to the open road. Let’s Go!