A Checklist for the Sydney Learner

 

This checklist applies to learners who have enrolled in a Sydney driving school or are being taught personally by a family member who is a licenced driver.  This is a checklist of helpful ideas that help ensure that you pass the driving tests required to get your provisional licence.

·         Learning the basics with a driving school is best. They make learning less stressful because of the safety standards of the cars used.  Driving School car units in Sydney are required to have dual control so the learner and the vehicle are partially controlled by the expert driver.

·         Even if you are with a driving school, you should do your own homework too. Read the “A guide to the Driving Test” which you can download here. It tells you what is expected of you during the test.  Use this as a guide while you learn by practice and by talking to your instructor.

·         Don’t be afraid to talk to your driving instructor.  It is better that your instructor knows how you feel and what is going on during the driving lessons.  Do ask questions as they arise. This is how you get the most out of your driving school experience.

·         Not everyone’s learning curve is the same, so be patient with yourself.  Not everyone has the dexterity and presence of mind immediately after the first try.  Take it easy and do not be too hard on yourself.  Pause and pull up on the side if you are overwhelmed.

·         Remember to relax.  Your confidence will build up as you go along.  Tension leads to panic at the first sign of and obstacle you’ll encounter. Panic impairs your reaction time.  However, being over confident also gets you in trouble.  The key is to be cautiously relaxed while you take in all the sights and the sounds around you as you drive down the road. 

·         Keep your Driving Log Book with you during the lessons – this is the log book provided for you with your L Plates after you pass the DKT. Do take the time to read it and fill out all forms and sections that apply to you. Make sure that everything is correctly filled up and are signed (when necessary). You will need it when you sign up or pre-book your driving test. 

·         Enjoy.  Learning how to drive may be overwhelming but try and have fun while learning.  It can be an exhilarating experience especially if you know you are in good hands with your driving instructor.