Tips for learner drivers and their supervisors

Posted 30 March, 2021 Jeremy Rochow

If you’ve just passed your learner’s test, you’re probably itching to book a driving lesson and get on the road – I know I was.   Unfortunately, COVID-19’s impact on our everyday lives has been far reaching. Along with social distancing, using QR codes and working from home, driving schools were among the many businesses that had to close last year. As a result, learner drivers are now feeling the effect, with a surge in people booking lessons. “This has created a backlog for driving schools across the country,” says RAA Senior Manager of Community Engagement Ben Haythorpe.  

Currently, there are waiting periods at many driving schools for learners looking to book their first driving lesson.

“While they might have to wait for a driving lesson with an instructor, there’s plenty that learners and their supervising qualified drivers can do now to ensure they’re prepared for that first lesson.” Wondering what to do while you’re waiting? If you’re a learner or a supervising qualified driver, here are some tips – especially if you still need to log your 75 hours of driving time.  

Learner drivers

You’ve just been handed that special piece of plastic with a photograph of your face on it, saying you can now drive a car. So, what’s next?

Read The Driving Companion

Before you jump behind the wheel, take a look at The Driving Companion you received when you passed your learner’s test. Studying this book before your lessons will give you a valuable head start. The book covers everything you need to know about driving.  

Log your hours

There’s a lot you must do to get your provisional licence, including logging your driving hours. Read the section explaining how to use your logbook correctly. It will answer any questions you might have about when and where you can drive, and how to fill out the logbook properly.  

The standard required

While it’s important to log your 75 hours, it’s also vital to ensure you’re learning how to drive to the government’s standards, which you’ll be tested against. The blue section of The Driving Companion highlights what you must do to have full control of the vehicle. It also explains what you need to check in your vehicle before you get behind the wheel, as well as safe driving strategies. You should also study the Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBT&A) section. This provides you with information on each task you’ll be required to perform in order to complete the assessment. You need to understand the CBTA&A and blue sections, so you’ll be practicing correct driving techniques and not getting into poor habits.    

Licence conditions

It’s important you know exactly what you can and can’t do while you have a learner’s permit. This part of the book gives you a run down on driving conditions and the laws that specifically apply to learner drivers. There’s also a section that tells you what will happen if you break the rules and are disqualified.