You can start learning to drive however, the first step is to pass the Driver Knowledge Test also known as the DKT and if you’re at least 16 years old, you’re ready to start.  Once you pass your DKT, you will be issued with a learner licence and a learner driver log book.  Your logbook will allow you and your supervising driver(s) to accurately record your drives to ensure that your logbook accumulates at least 120 hours of supervised driving, including a minimum of 20 hours of night driving.

Remember, night driving includes hours between sunset and sunrise and are the minimum hours needed to be completed before you can attempt the driving test.  Now that you got your Ls, you need to become a safe and responsible driver.  In order to accomplish this, you will need to practice as much as possible and in different environments.  For many people, learning to drive for the first time, can be an awkward and scary feeling, especially for younger drivers.

Learning to drive is an important stage of your life however, there are a lot of things to learn and remember.  It’s not just about jumping into the drivers seat, starting the vehicle and off you go.  Remember the days of sitting back relaxing and watching the world go by as you got chauffeured around?

Well now that you a occupying the driver’s seat operating a vehicle, those days are gone!  To help you along with your learning to drive journey, we have outlined some very important steps and procedures that not only learner drivers should do but anybody operating a vehicle.

Before you even start thinking about getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, there are a few important things that you need to familiarise yourself with.  This includes knowing the Road Rules, ensuring that your vehicle is roadworthy and in good working order, you have L Plates clearly displayed on the front and rear, your logbook is in the vehicle and that you are carrying your learner licence with you when driving.

But before driving your vehicle, you should complete a good pre-drive vehicle safety check.

1. It’s generally a good rule of thumb to walk around the outside of your vehicle first looking for any obvious damage to anywhere on the vehicle you are about to drive.  During this time, you should check that your L plates are clearly displayed and that your lights are all working correctly.
2. Whilst conducting these checks, you can also ensure that all of the tyres are correctly inflated and that there is at least 1.5mm of tread.  What you need to look for is the tread wear indicator.  If this is exposed, the tyre is not legal therefore your vehicle is not roadworthy which is an offence.
3. Check that there are no wheel nuts missing and there are no slices or chunks anywhere on the tyres.
4. Make sure that there are no cracks or chips in the windscreen and that the windscreen and windows are clean to ensure visibility is not restricted in any way.
5. Check that the horn works and that it is clearly audible.
6. Every vehicle you drive may have the controls and instruments in different positions.  After setting up and adjusting your seating, you have to be within reach of the all of the vehicles controls immediately, should you have the need to access them.
7. Whenever you get into a different vehicle, familiarise yourself with the layout and the controls on the dashboard.
8. And finally,remember that a good idea to check your fuel.

A supervising driver must hold a current full Australian driver licence – not a learner or provisional licence.  It is a good idea to combine professional driving lessons with a qualified driving instructor and reputable driving school.  By learning to drive with a driving school or a driver trainer, you to learn the driving skills you need to be a safe and competent driver.

The supervising driver must have a blood alcohol content (BAC) limit under 0.05 while supervising a learner.

• Depending on your class of licence, your supervising driver must hold the correct class of licence.  For example, if the person taking you has only ever driven automatic vehicles and has a licence class to suit, you can only learn in an auto and not in a manual.
• Holder of a current full Australian driver licence which can include a family member or friend.  (Not a learner or provisional licence holder or anyone with a suspended or disqualified licence status).
• Professional driver training from a reputable driving school with qualified driving instructors.