Five defensive driving courses across Australia to consider doing
If you haven’t done one of these courses before it’s not just worth a try, it’s essential to make you a better and safer driver.There is one thing that every defensive driving school has in common: they don’t believe in accidents. Or rather, that most if not all crashes are avoidable if the driver is on the ball.
We’re not talking about how to steer a car like Peter Brock; instead, there are a myriad of skills that can be passed on such as exploring your car’s awesome stopping power, where your eyes should be pointing when behind the wheel or even keeping your car tidy to avoid injuries.
Insurance companies love courses like these, and if you know a P-plater, offer to pick up their bill (usually around $300). Sound intriguing? Hopefully one of these five defensive driving schools is nearby.
Murcotts Driving Excellence, Melbourne
This school was founded by the late Jim Murcott back in 1969 and these days, devotee Mark Lane continues the Murcott passion for keeping drivers on the roads and out of hospital. MDE’s defensive driver training starts with a full day of theoretical and practical tuition in venues all over the country (Sandown Raceway is its Melbourne base) and those who progress to Level 2 experience more behind-the-wheel time.
Driving Solutions, Sydney
Driving Solutions is based at Sydney Motorsport Park at Eastern Creek and its full-day Defensive Driver Training course has an emphasis on practical exercises behind the wheel of your own vehicle. As well as braking and emergency manoeuvres on the skidpan there’s enough crucial knowledge imparted in the classroom to have you come away a better and safer driver. There’s also a specific youth driver training course.
Adrenaline, Brisbane
The business name Adrenaline might sound a tad risqué but believe us, this Brisbane driving school’s defensive driving course is all about concentration and control behind the wheel. At the Mount Cotton track south-east of Brisbane, students will learn elements of car control and most importantly, how to stay out of trouble all under the eye of chief instructor Paul Stokell.
Bates Advanced Driving, Canberra
Sure you’ve heard of Rick Bates. The race and rally driver’s consummate skill at sliding a car around forest roads (and teaching others how to) has evolved into instructing novices how to stay out of trouble and what to do if things look like going pear-shaped. The Bates Advanced Driving defensive driving course goes the full day, is held at the Driver Training Centre near Canberra airport and has a good mix of theoretical tuition and wheel time. It’s entertaining as well as informative so don’t hold back.
Driver Dynamics, Murray Bridge, South Australia
Driver Dynamics operates in three states including South Australia and its defensive driving course held at Murray Bridge is a must for novice drivers, or those with more experience (and probably bad habits). Braking and skid control, smooth technique and a raft of handy tips to avoid bingles and become a better driver are all included.
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