Five things every young driver should know

We’ve already given you our top safe driving tips as well as those for teaching young ones how to navigate Aussie roads, but now, it’s time for the young folk to listen up.

Everyone bangs on about getting a driver’s licence and how it is a key milestone for many of us, unlocking a new sense of freedom and independence. And while that is very true, we also tend to gloss over the huge responsibility we've just taken on.

Admittedly, the excitement attached to receiving that small plastic card often overshadows the power that inevitably comes with it. So here, we bring our top tips to keep you, our young drivers, safe on the roads.

You’d be surprised how many weird and wacky laws there are in Australia. Even more annoying, is the fact they can differ between states and territories.

P-platers, in particular, are affected by even more specific laws, including the use of Bluetooth and smartphone mirroring – the latter of which is considered illegal use of a mobile device in NSW and Victoria among others – along with passenger limitations and more.

Before you hit the road, make sure you’re up to date with the ins and outs of the road rules by visiting your state or territory’s relevant transport authority.  

If you’re the perfect Gen Z stereotype, you probably spend hours glued to your smartphone scrolling TikTok and Instagram, or maybe you prefer slaying dragons on your Xbox or Playstation…

Whatever it is you kids do these days, there’s no harm in getting your eyes tested. It’s not just for the oldies anymore; most optometrists recommend you get your peepers inspected every two years.

One of the best life skills you can learn is how to change a flat tyre.

Also, you should know the ins and outs of your car, what all the buttons and switches do, and how to check things like tyre pressure, the engine oil and the windscreen washer fluid, at a minimum.

Heck, you might even want to learn how to do your own vehicle servicing.

Either way, not only will mastering the basics save you from sticky situations, but they’ll also save you money on things like tow trucks or roadside assistance for tasks you could’ve rolled up your sleeves and done yourself. 

We’ve all been there… “rip a skid”, “you wouldn’t beep at that cop”, “race the amber”, the list goes on. But it’s all fun and games until you get caught doing the wrong thing… or worse...

Don’t risk your licence – independence, job and whatever else – for a few seconds of fun and ‘respect’. After all, your mates aren’t gonna be there when you’re in the courtroom pleading with the magistrate.

If you really want to go fast and see what you and your car are capable of, do it in the right place… which brings us to our next point.

This one isn’t just for the young’uns. Even the most seasoned drivers can get something out of a defensive driving course or driver training day.

They help build confidence, learn car control and ultimately produce better (and safer) road users.

Don’t believe us? Check out what seasoned race driver, carsales reviewer and driving instructor, Luke Youlden has to say.

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