Some of us either have our learners, preparing for them or haven’t even been bothered to get them, but that’s ok. I absolutely love driving and think it's so fun, the wind in your hair, family in the back and parents in the passenger seat holding on for their dear lives :)
The day I turned 16 I was at Service NSW Burwood in the afternoon doing my Driver Knowledge Test. It didn’t worry me that my Year 10 Exam block started the day after :).
I PASSED ! and then took an ugly looking mugshot for my licence photo where I was all red in the face. I couldn’t be more excited to drive. I drove 2 days after getting my learner’s on Halloween and haven’t looked back since.
It was such an amazing experience and I have driven every chance I could, from all parts of Sydney, Northern Beaches, Gosford, Mittagong, Goulburn and Crookwell to name a few. So I had the opportunity of having both city and country driving, let’s be real though the annoying part was having a log book. 120 hours (min 100 day and 20 night, also may change) seems like a lot to do in a year which it can be depending on how often you drive and if you want to get your P’s when you turn 17 or there may be no rush.
Being a first time driver on the road can be nerve wracking or you might simply be excited, but stick to quiet streets so you can get used to the car (steering, braking, accelerating ) first and then slowly start working your way to main roads, freeways etc. Having other drivers around you may freak you out but remain calm, you will be ok. Some Sydney drivers can be absolutely no help to learning drivers and you always need to be aware of your surroundings.
If your parents would prefer you drive with an instructor first then there are plenty of driving schools out there (I did mine with onroad and couldn't be happier with the service and expertise)
Driving from the period of sunrise to night is a totally whole new experience. The different light in which you are driving in can be a game changer. There are more things to look out for and to be constantly checking your surroundings, mirrors and blindspots just in case. There is just something about driving at night in the cool air and lights that just hit differently than day, plus you might be lucky to have less traffic on the roads. ( My favourite is driving to work across the harbour bridge on sunset or night and seeing the city lights and darling harbour lit up).
Once you start getting more confidence you start driving better and you start doing things subconsciously, start getting into good habits now on your learners and take them all the way through to your full licence. Your log book and RMS/Government websites also have helpful tips and learning goals to help you achieve your goals step by step.
Once you have hit 50 hours which does not include lessons, those hours you do yourself, I would highly recommend doing the Safer Drivers Course. It is recommended by the Government and they subsidise it from a $450-500 course to around $150. It is a 5 hours course consisting of 3 hour theory and a 2 hour practical driving component where you and another learner go with an instructor just driving around (do it with a friend if you want to). Oh and forgot to mention doing the course gives you an added 20 hours to your logbook, WHAT A BONUS!.
Going for my P’s soon and I will honestly say I’m excited for the freedom and being by myself , no logbook!!! but I’m also so used to having my family in the car with me. My friends can honestly not wait. Whether your parents like to hear it or not Learner drivers are the safest on the roads today. If you are a red P plate driver, please drive safely as you are 821 times more likely to get into an accident within the first 6 months of having your licence.
I am also a Toyota Landcruiser Driver (with a bullbar hahaha ) so no little car for me :)
So have fun and be safe girls !
Here are some links to explore, so feel free to :)
Practise tests
-zali :)
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