Six ways to support a learner driver

When people have their first baby, their minds often turn to things like how to interpret different cries, when to introduce solids, or, for the very organised, even where they might send their child to kindergarten or school.

Helping your child learn to drive, though, isn’t often at the forefront of most parents’ minds, that is, until your 16-year-old (or 15 and 9 months in ACT) walks out of the road safety office with a passed theoretical Driver Knowledge Test and fixes their L plate onto the car.

But how important are parents in their child’s learning-to-drive journey? And what do they need to know?

We asked EzLicence driving instructor, Shaun Thomas, for his expert advice.

“With young?learners?requiring 120 hours [in Victoria], parents and guardians are essential,” said Thomas. 

 “The best thing they should provide is a calm and supportive environment so?learners?can not only develop their skills but more importantly, their confidence and an enjoyment of driving.” 

Start with the theoretical test.

Firstly, Thomas says it’s best to start helping your teen before they have even sat their initial theoretical test by supporting them in studying for it.

“Teens should study for the test, so they are aware of the rules as much as possible.”

To help with studying, practice tests are available on state and territory registration websites, such as VicRoads.

 Additionally, Thomas says it’s important for learner drivers to pay attention to what their parents and other drivers are doing.

“Parents and other networks should point out good and bad driving practices when with your young learners on the road,” said Thomas.

Check the rules and guidelines for learners in your state or territory.

Another thing to do early on is to get up to date on the rules and guidelines, not only the road rules of your state or territory, but also the specific rules for learner drivers, as they do vary.

For example, in NSW and Victoria (for those under 21), learner drivers are required to complete a driving logbook with a minimum of 120 hours, but if you’re over 21 in Victoria, you don’t need to complete one.

In Queensland and the ACT (for under-25-year-olds only), 100 hours logged are required; in Tasmania, it’s 80; in South Australia, 75; in Western Australia, 50; and in the ACT (for those over 25 years old), learner drivers need 50 hours logged.

Meanwhile, learners in the Northern Territory don’t require a logbook at all.

You can get up to date with these different rules on the Office of Road Safety website.

For learner drivers, getting behind the wheel for the first time can be daunting. Rather than going straight onto a main road, Thomas suggests heading somewhere less busy to get started.

“Quiet roads are best. Driving is about managing the risks around you, so for a new?learner?starting by just learning how to stay in a lane, avoid other traffic and accelerate and brake smoothly on quiet roads is not a stretch and gets them into real traffic and managing real situations more quickly.”

And while a deserted car park might feel like a safe bet, Thomas doesn’t recommend it.

“I do not like car parks as they do not give a perspective of how you need to interact with other traffic and can create bad habits,” Thomas said.

It may be easier said than done, but trying to remain positive, supportive, and calm is essential as your teen learns to drive.

“No one is perfect, and no one makes mistakes on purpose,” said Thomas.

“So, stay calm and if something goes wrong, just focus on explaining how to do it the right way next time.”

Thomas says it is important to be extra vigilant and alert as your teen learns to drive.

“They are learning a lot of new skills, so always be the second set of eyes for your?learner?and keep alert to avoid hazards rather than react when things go wrong,” said Thomas.

Finally, Thomas says that driving instructors can be helpful, even if used in conjunction with parental guidance.

“I am a strong believer that a new?learner?should try and do around five hours with a licenced instructor,” said Thomas.

“Then they will have reasonably strong driving skills before they drive with their parents.?This will ensure a calmer and more proactive environment for all.? I also encourage the parents to join in on a lesson or two, so they have some idea of what to do and how to act.”

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