Learning to drive can be exciting but for many, it's also quite daunting. Finding the right instructor can help provide much needed confidence on the road, as well as ensure you are driving correctly and safely.
Who can teach you to drive?
Any holder of a Class C unrestricted license can teach a learner to drive. Many young drivers are taught by mum or dad or other family and friends. This is a handy and inexpensive way to learn to drive but also has some draw backs.
A qualified driving instructor is a fantastic way to learn the foundational skills of driving, as well as the all important road rules. Rather than just supervising you, or doing the bare minimum to help you pass the driving test, a qualified driver training instructor can help provide you with the skills to be a confident and safe driver on the road.
It's important to note that any person who receives money or reward for driver training, must hold a valid Driving Instructor’s License. This license must be on display in the cabin of your driving instructor’s car at all times during your lessons.
7 qualities to look for in a good driving instructor
- They provide course guidelines and supporting educational materials. There should be a structured plan in place for each lesson, designed in consultation with you and your supervising driver.
- They offer a system for reporting progress. There should be a progress card that’s updated at the end of each lesson, to tell the you and your supervising driver how you are going along the path towards getting your license.
- They teach safe or ‘low-risk’ driving. These behavioural-based programs focus on the underlying values, attitudes and thought processes that contribute to safer driving. In a practical sense, you’ll learn how to identify and mitigate against road hazards.
- They use the ‘Beyond Test Routes’ program. The notion of this program, developed by the Australian Driver Trainers Association, is that learner drivers should be taught safe driving practices rather than merely be coached to pass their driver license test.
- They provide guidance to the learner’s supervising driver. Communication between the driving instructor and the supervising driver will ensure that good driving practices are cemented during practice driving, that the test competencies are instilled, and that the requirements of the log book are satisfied.
- They offer a choice of vehicle. A choice of either a manual or automatic transmission vehicles is a must, while a driving instructor with a dual-control vehicle makes you safer, particularly in the early phase of the journey towards getting your license.
- They’re flexible with pick up and drop off points. Being able to comfortably schedule your learner driver lessons with study or work commitments will mean you’re relaxed and, as a result, more receptive to learning during your lesson.
All NRMA Driving Instructors posses each of the qualities above, so you can be assured of a valuable experience that will serve you for the rest of your driving journey. You can book a driver training lesson online or call us 1300 561 033 for more information.
