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.

Getting a Learner License

         In Australia, you may start your driving experience and get a for a learner license at the age of sixteen.  And part of that experience is to be well acquainted with the road rules and road safety.  For NSW resident learners, here are the steps to getting your learner license and be on your way to driving on your own and towards a Full License.

Step One: Read the Road User’s Handbook – It is available for purchase at the RTA office and may be read online.  Click here to read the Handbook in PDF.  The handbook is not just for learners but for all drivers and vehicle owners.  It is a comprehensive handbook on driving, road safety, licenses, NSW road laws and penalties as well as vehicle registration.  It may look overwhelming, but once you are on the road, the information will come naturally and you will find all of them very useful.

Step Two: Prepare for the Driver’s Knowledge Test or DKT- This includes step one (reading the Road User’s Handbook) and the pamphlet “Getting Your Driver’s License”.  Try taking the DKT sample test on the RTA website.

Step Three: Register for the DKT – You will need to schedule or pre-book your DKT either in person at motor registry or online. You may also call 13 22 13.

Step Four: Take the Driver’s Knowledge Test – You will need this to pass this test in order to get your Learner License and if you have read the Road User’s Handbook and taken it to heart, your passing grade is guaranteed.  On the day of the test, you have to bring copies of documents that prove your identity such as a birth certificate or a passport. Before the DKT, you will undergo an eye exam for obvious reasons, so make sure you wear proper eye glasses or wear your contacts.

Step Five: Enroll yourself in a reputable driving school – Once you pass the DKT, you get your Learner License which is valid for a minimum of 12 months to 5 years.  You are also given a logbook which will serve as your guide to know what is expected of you. Driving school instructors will log your driving time and your experience while you are with them.  It should have at least 120 hours of logged driving experience which includes 20 hours of night driving.

Step 6: Enjoy the experience of learning be aware of Road Safety rules at all times.

        There are rules that go with the Learner License and that includes being supervised at all times by a holder of a full Australian driver license and having L plates visibly displayed on the front and rear end of your car. That is all for now, stay in touch for more updates and information on driving, licenses and road safety.