The NRMA’s new Northern Rivers driver training instructor is calling on drivers to show patience and understanding to learner and provisional drivers on local roads.
The call follows research conducted by the NRMA that found Learner and Provisional (L and P) licence holders in NSW had overwhelmingly experienced tailgating and other forms of dangerous behaviour from other drivers while driving at their restricted speed limits.
The research has been released to the NSW North Coast as the NRMA opens new driving schools in Byron Bay, Ballina and Lismore.
NRMA driver training provides young drivers with professional instruction through 22 schools across NSW and the ACT. Last year, more than 8,500 learner students were taught by NRMA instructors. The NRMA’s curriculum focuses on safety and developing independent driving behaviours which provides our students with the practical skills required to take them well beyond passing the test.
An NRMA survey* of 1,486 Members found 93 per cent of L and P drivers had been tailgated by other drivers while they were driving at their restricted speed limit and almost 45 per cent said it happened ‘always’.
In NSW, L and P drivers have a restricted speed limit to a maximum of 90 km/hr. P2 drivers have a speed limit of 100 km/hr.
The NRMA research also found:
- 94 per cent of L and P drivers have been overtaken in a dangerous manner
- 65 per cent have been honked and flashed at (lights); and
- 50 per cent have been yelled at and abused
NRMA Northern Rivers Driving Instructor Nick Coulthurst said a lot of L and P plate drivers in the region had to quickly learn how to safely navigate traffic on the motorway running through Ballina and Lismore.
“Anyone can learn how to drive but not everyone can learn to drive well. It’s terrific being able to help teach drivers in our area how to be safe and go back to basics in my lessons,” Mr Coulthurst said.
“Depending on the training level, I take students out onto the motorway and explain the three second gap rule and how to be able to identify and respond to hazards. So far it’s been terrific.”
Mr Coulthurst also helps the NRMA deliver the Keys2Drive program, which gives learner drivers one free hour-long lesson with their parent or supervising driver also in the car.
“Not everyone can teach easily so it’s so advantageous for mum or dad to pick up some good teaching habits during the lesson that they can apply during supervising hours,” Mr Coulthurst said.
“It’s a lesson for both the student and for the parent. People know the road rules by the book but they find that sometimes applying the rule in a practical situation can be difficult, so we help to reinforce those rules in my lessons.”
Students who complete a one hour lesson with a professional instructor are granted three log book hours, capped at 10 hours. Five hours of driver training equates to 20 bonus logbook hours at the completion of the course.
For more details about the NRMA’s driver training courses, visit https://www.mynrma.com.au/cars-and-driving/driver-training-and-licences.