What Types of Accidents are the Most Common?
According to AAMI’s annual Crash Index, Victorian
drivers have the highest incidence of nose to tail
accidents in the country with nearly three out of ten
crashes involving one car colliding into the back of
another.
One fifth of Victorian drivers are also failing to give way
and finding themselves in accidents as a result.
AAMI’s analysis of almost 250,000 accident insurance
claims between October 2012 and September 2013
shows the top five types of accidents happening on
Victorian roads are as follows:
1. Nose to tail (28.8%)
2. Failed to give way (21.5%)
3. Parked car dings (21.1%)
4. Collision with a stationary object (13.1%)
5. Collision while reversing (11.7%)
Over the years there has been little change in the type of
accidents on Australian roads. AAMI’s Crash Index
reports show that the incidence of nose-to-tail collisions
has remained stable for the past decade. Parked car
dings however continue on an upward trend having risen
from 15% in 2004 to 21.1% in the latest Crash Index.
These types of accidents happen because of inattention
and driver impatience, which frequently leads to tailgating
or following too closely behind other cars.
Members are encouraged to discuss these statistics with
their students to raise awareness of the most common
types of accidents and what drivers can do to avoid
them.
Thanks to AAMI for providing this information. More
detail is available at www.aami.com.au.
Driving Fatigue.
Fatigue results in thousands of crashes every year.
What do we mean by “fatigue” You are fatigured when you become tired and can’t concentrate on your driving. You may even have a micro-sleep* or fall asleep at the wheel.
Micro- sleeps {nodding off} typically lasts between 2 and 20 seconds – but if you are travelling at 100 /h, in one second the car will have gone 28 m without you being in control.
How do we know?
Unlike alcohol-related crashes, there are no simple tests to determine if fatigue was a cause in a crash.
Investigators suspect fatigue as a cause when;
> The crash occurs late at night, early in the morning or late in the afternoon,
> A single car has run off the roadway.
> Nothing indicates the driver tried to avoid the crash {e.g. no skidmarks}
There are many warning signs for fatigue. A combination of any of the following signals that the driver is becoming fatigured and needs to take a break:
> yawning
> eyes feeling sore or heavy
> vision starting to blur
> start seeing things
> daydreaming and not concentrating
> becoming impatient
> feeling hungry or thirsty
> reactions seem slow
> feeling stiff or cramped
> driving speed creeps up or down
> starting to make poor gear changes
> wandering over the centre line or onto the road edge
What has research told us about fatigue?
Everybody needs sleep and we all have our own patterns of sleepiness and wakefulness. Fatigue {sometimes referred to as drowsiness or sleepiness} causes crashes because it slows down the driver’s reaction times and affects their scanning abilities and information processing skills.
> Although the need for sleep varies among individuals, sleeping eight hour in 24-hour period is common.
> The effect of sleep loss builds up. Regularly losing 1 to 2 hours sleep a night can create a “sleep debt” and lead to chronic sleepiness over time – and cause involuntary micro-sleeps.
> Just being in bed doesn’t mean a person has had enough sleep. Disrupted sleep has the same effect as lack of sleep. Illness, noise, activity, lights, etc, can interrupt and reduce the amount and quality of sleep.
Fatigue can strike any driver, but you are at greater risk as a young person if you:
> Combine heavy study or work with leisure and late night socialising.
> Change your sleep patterns and reduce night time sleep.
> Drink alcohol and or use other drugs.
Here are some ideas to minimise fatigue when you are driving:
> Plan to get sufficient and regular sleep. Most people need around 7-8 hours in every 24-hour period. Making do with less sleep will affect your driving.
> If you are sleepy or tired, don’t drink even small amounts of alcohol. Alcohol acts as a depressant on the central nervous system and can make you even more tired or less alert.
> Try not to drive during your normal sleeping hours. Your body works in a rhythm or pattern and when you upset this rhythm it can badly affect you.
> If possible take a taxi or a lift with another person rather than driving during your normal sleep times. {you can always pick your car up in the morning if you have to .
> Think about what activity you were doing before the drive. If it was physically or mentally demanding then fatigue may “kick in” within a few minutes of beginning the trip.
> Know the signs that indicate you are tired.
> If you are fatigued , you must stop driving. Let a passenger drive or take a short “power nap” before continuing with the trip.
> Fatigue can set in even on short local trips. If there is no alternative to travelling a short distance when you are tired then make sure you make your journey as uncomfortable as possible – too cold, noisy or windy for example. If this works it won’t work for long and if it doesn’t work you are putting yourself at great risk and you should stop.
Source: Road to Solo Driving
Suburbs Areas
Popular Driving Lessons Areas:
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To see more our driving lesson areas, visit Suburb Area.
Our Service Areas in Melbourne
Popular Driving Lessons Areas:
Find a list of areas where Eastern Suburbs Driving School specializes in below:
Albert-Park | Armadale | Ashburton | Balwyn | Bayswater | Belgrave | Bentleigh | Berwick | Blackburn | Boronia | Box Hill | Brighton | Bulleen | Burnley | Burwood | Camberwell | Canterbury | Carnegie | Caulfield | Chadstone | Cheltenham | Clayton | Collingwood | Cranbourne | Croydon | Doncaster | Donvale | Emerald | Ferntree Gully | Fitzroy | Forest-Hill | Glen Waverley | Glen-Iris | Hawthorn | Healesville | Heidelberg | Kallista | Kalorama | Kew | Keysborough | Kilsyth | Knox | Kooyong | Lilydale | Lysterfield | Malvern | Melbourne | Menzies-Creek | Middle-Park | Mitcham | Monbulk | Mont Albert | Montrose | Mooroolbark | Mount Waverley | Mt-Evelyn | Mulgrave | Nunawading | Oakleigh | Olinda | Park-Orchards | Prahran | Richmond | Ringwood | Rowville | Sassa Fras | Scoresby | Selby | Silvan | South Yarra | St-Kilda | Surrey Hills | Tecoma | Templestowe | Toorak | Tremont | Vermont | Victoria | Wantirna | Warrandyte | Wheelers Hill | Windsor | Wonga-Park | Yarra Ranges | Yarra-Valley | Australia
Need a Driving School? Book a driving now!
A Good Drive School – A Good Driver
You can tell a good drive school by its instructors. A reputation for excellent driving education rests squarely on the shoulders of the teachers themselves. To ensure that the next generation of drivers are considerate on the road and capable of safe decision-making, it’s vital to supply Learners with effective, clear driving instruction whilst remaining patient and alert to any possible problems along the way.
A good drive school selects only the best instructors in their field, with a significant wealth of experience. They must be skillful educators and know the rules of the road inside-out.It’s their overriding goal to ensure that their students receive the best possible chance of passing their drive test and becoming a safe, skilled driver.
There are a few crucial skills to look for when selecting a top-notch instructor. Patience is an essential virtue. Many young drivers make mistakes when they start out, and it’s important to build their confidence despite this. Driving instructors need to foster a good relationship with their students during their driving lessons to make sure that the learning experience is ingrained.
To obtain their probationary licence, or ‘P-plates’, a learner must be able to assure their assessor that they know how to make appropriate decisions on the road and that they abide by traffic laws. A driving school such as ESDS will cover all the bases for the learner driver, giving them the skills they need to pass their P-plate drive test.
A reputable drive school is based on a solid foundation of professional instructors. Book with us, and you can’t go wrong!
More For Parents Of Young Drivers – Part2
It’s essential for young learner drivers to get independent driving experience outside of their driving lessons. Indeed, most of their 120 hours will be made up of this experience, and the way that you drive with you child will hence affect them most. Our driving coaches impart valuable techniques, but unfortunately a lesson doesn’t go for 120 hours! There are a few things you can do while driving with your child that will help them maintain and practice the techniques developed during their lessons.
First and foremost, brush up on the road rules. Though most of us have been driving for many years, we’re often sketchy when it comes to the actual rules of the road. This fact shows up in our driving, and carries over to our children whose ignorance can have dangerous consequences. We recommend that you read ‘The Road To Solo Driving Handbook’ on the VicRoads website. Thus, if your child has any questions for you as a supervising driver, you can inform them correctly.
Another idea is to communicate with your child’s driving instructor. Our driving instructors are very friendly and personable, and are more than happy to answer any queries you may have about the progress of your child’s driving. They can also help you find deficiencies in your own driving style, and recommend ways of dealing with these so that you child doesn’t pick them up.
Parents play a role in their child’s driving just as important as that of their driving instructor. By assuming the duties of a supervising driver, you cease to become simply a passenger and become highly involved in you child’s driving. It’s important that you know the rules and be wary of passing on poor driving habits. Do this, and what your child learns in his or her lesson will stick and be well worth the investment. Call us today to find out more.
For more information contact us at Eastern Suburbs Driving School.
Parents of Young Learner Drivers
As much as we’d like to, the driving school can’t be there for all 120 hours prior to a learner’s P-plate test. The young driver must build independence and confidence by driving with a parent; developing and practicing the skills they have gained in their lessons. Parents play a crucial role in the development of a young learner driver, as many of their driving habits are passed on to their children. This can pose a problem if these habits are not conducive to proper driving technique.
It’s essential that all parents with children who are learning to drive brush up on the road safety rules, and know where their own technique’s strengths and weaknesses lie. This way, they can be more wary of passing along their errors. A few examples would include placement of feet in an automatic car, or starting the car in an improper fashion. These mistakes, though minor, can contribute to the failure of a drive test.
To ensure that your young learner driver learns the best driving habits, we recommend that you book regular driving lessons with the Eastern Suburbs Driving School. Our driving instructors impart correct, time-honoured techniques of driving to ensure that their students are amongst the safest on the roads. As a result, we have on of the highest first-time pass rates around.
A mixture of lessons and independent practice is essential for the development of a young learner driver. Parents who follow this strategy and brush up on the road rules before taking their child out on the road are destined for success. Who knows – you might even learn something about your own driving!
For more information contact us at Eastern Suburbs Driving School.
An Established Driving School
Eastern Suburbs Driving School is a solid launching pad for your life as a driver. Our extensive experience allows us to produce drivers of the highest calibre. With regular training, you will become a safe driver by learning how to make quick decisions in a wide range of driving conditions. Our driving school lessons are affordable and our instructors are highly trained.
Learning how to drive can be a daunting task, so we at Eastern Suburbs Driving School do all that we can to make the process more comfortable for new drivers. Our driving school cars are equipped with mechanisms, such as dual brakes, to ensure safety. This allows the driving school instructor to guide the learner driver and prevent him or her from doing anything stupid.
Our driving school aims to produce great drivers, not just ones that are good enough to pass. With continuous coaching, the learner driver develops the skills required to survive the road as well as pass the test. The probationary licence test requires ability on both minor and major roads, so we prepare the learner driver for driving on both types. Great driving begins with a good driving school, so ESDS is a wise choice.
So, book your lessons today, for yourself or for your son or daughter. You have a choice of automatic or manual transmission, and can book via telephone or email. Take advantage of our discount rates by browsing our website. Remember, you too can be a great driver – it just takes the right driving school!
For more information contact us at Eastern Suburbs Driving School.
The Challenge of the Test
VicRoads creates its tests to ensure that drivers have the right combination of skills for safe driving. These represent the final challenge for most learner drivers, a kind of gateway before the world of solo driving is at last opened up for them. The result of these tests are a Probationary licence, which now exists in a graduated system of red and green plates. Driving tests consist of two main parts, the Hazard Perception Test and the Drive Test.
It’s usually recommended by VicRoads that the two tests be completed on separate days. This is is done because, if the Hazard Perception Test is failed, you won’t have to relinquish your booking for the drive test immediately afterwards – a costly mistake to make. The Hazard Perception Test is a video-based test that takes place at a selected VicRoads office. A image appears on screen, and the potential licencee must indicate using a mouse when a hazard (such as a cyclist or passing traffic) arises or clears. With adequate preparation, the Hazard Test can be easily surmounted by most young drivers, placing the learner in a good position for the drive test.
The Drive Test is what most people think of when they consider going for their Probationary licence. This involves an on-road test where a VicRoads assessor conducts a series of exercises designed to test driver’s abilities in actual traffic. This is often the most daunting and challenging part of the licensing ordeal. Of course, like the Hazard Perception test, it can be managed with prior preparation. Driving lessons are useful in their capacity for preparing young drivers for the test. The instructors at ESDS know exactly what skills are necessary for passing. That’s why it’s a great idea to book a lesson with us before your next drive test.
Remember, once you get you P-Plates, don’t forget to display them prominently on your vehicle. The tests are the first steps towards the world of independent driving.
The Journey of a Young Learner Driver
It’s a fact that teenagers love independence. The thrill of breaking out into the world is universally appealing; going places, meeting people and building a life outside of school and home. Teens on the verge of adulthood, often around eighteen, are generally just finishing their studies and beginning to understand how the world works. There are just as many risks, of course, as there are assured benefits for these young men and women. Getting one’s first car is one of those great moments in any person’s life – not just as a practical means of transportation, but also as a symbol of freedom and independence. Once a teenager gets their P-plates, a brand new world is essentially opened up to them. They’re no longer relegated to the complicated realm of public transport or forced to bum rides off their parents, guardians or peers.
With such freedom, though, comes a considerable degree of responsibility. It’s a tragic fact of life that road fatalities are highest amongst drivers in their early twenties. This is often the result of inadequate road education. Learning road skills isn’t just about memorising the ‘highway code’ of road rules. It’s also about avoiding reckless behaviour, developing courtesy for other drivers and ultimately responsible driving. The best way to ingrain this kind of safe, rational driving attitude is through professional driving lessons, with a qualified instructor. At ESDS, for example, we teach skills that will stick with drivers for many years to come, ensuring safety on the road and sound behaviour. Explore our website for more.
Special Deals
We have a selection of special offers available for those who wish to book a series of lessons. These are a great way to start off the learning process, arranging for a progression of lessons that teach you new skills as you develop. If you are a parent of a young driver, these special deals provide excellent value for money as well as high quality of service.
Our promotional package deals can be found elsewhere on our website . Simply by browsing these pages, you are eligible for one of our package discounts. For example, if you buy five driving lessons, you can get one free. This represents a saving of $55. Or, book a series of ten lessons, and you can save an incredible $110. ESDS provides some of the best value for new drivers, as well as those needing to consolidate their skills for the final test. Peruse our special packages page, and quote one of the codes when booking your next group of lessons. It’s great value, and a convenient way to get quality instruction.
Safety and Reliability
ESDS is a family-run business that you can trust. We’ve been teaching young drivers sound road skills for years, and that’s why we believe that we have some of the best experience in the business. We pride ourselves on providing a safe learning environment that encourages mature and responsible driving, as well as courtesy on the road. Driving with a professional instructor is the best way to develop proper awareness of the road rules, and ESDS can provide the reliability and reassurance essential for learning these vital skills.
Once you book an appointment with us, either online or by phone, one of instructors will spend time assessing your driving ability and any potential areas for improvement. He or she will then guide you through the driving process, giving feedback and suggestions to help you improve. Our rates include pick-up and drop-off from and to your desired location, so lessons with us are convenient and require a minimum of fuss. Before your lesson, it’s a great idea to browse our website and look through our resources for learner drivers – our FAQ section, for example, has some very useful tips and tricks. Browse around, and book your lesson today!
The Merits of Driving Lessons
Some learner drivers tend to rely on a parent or guardian to provide them with driving knowledge. It’s easy to see why; many older drivers have considerable experience on the roads, often in a wide range of conditions, and are familiar to the learner. Unfortunately, the scope of focus of parent ‘instructors’ is generally limited, and this can take a regrettable toll on the eventual skills of the learner. While driving with a parent can be a great way to get the raw hours of driving experience and culture a sense of independence and confidence, it’s virtually essential that professional instruction is available for the young driver. This will allow them to develop proper skills consistent with the demands of the VicRoads assessors and the regimen of safe driving.
Driving lessons focus on developing crucial skills within pupils. Many supervising drivers, despite their often sound experience, all too often lack an extensive knowledge of the road rules and situations outside of their routine driving patterns. Instructors are trained to educate young drivers on all essential facets of driving, ensuring that there are no holes in their knowledge base. This is one of the reasons behind our very high pass rate. Surprises may often come up in the drive test that can throw inexperienced young drivers, and at worst cause them to fail their drive test. Taking lessons greatly improves their chances of succeeding and remaining responsible drivers.
Whether at the beginning of the learning process or the final stretch before the final tests, driving lessons are excellent ways of consolidating driving ability or establishing a firm, reliable and secure skill base for aspiring motorists. Book a lesson today, and ensure that your skills are honed for the world of driving.
What is the two second rule ?
The two second rule is about the following distance behind the vehicle in front.
The following distance is the space or gap between you and the vehicle in front.
You must keep your vehicle a safe distance from any vehicle in front of you. A safe distance should be enough to allow time to slow down and avoid trouble.
You should be at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front. You can check this by a simple test:
>> Focus on a marker in the distance such as a signpost or tree and note when the vehicle in front passes the marker, then count the number of seconds before your vehicle passes the same marker. Ask your supervising driver to also do this and compare your results.
If your count is not at least two seconds then you are to close.
At least two seconds of time and the distance this represents under ideal driving conditions are necessary to give you time to react to any changes which may happen.
Often, you may need more than two seconds,
This includes:
>> when visibility is poor
>> if conditions are dark
>> if conditions are wet or slippery
>> when you have a heavy load
>> when the road is unmade
You need to develop your judgement skills about what distance at different speeds represents two seconds. This skill will only come with lots of supervised driving experience.
But remember , under any conditions that are less than ideal, a longer gap is recommrnded.
Souce: The Road to Solo Driving
Driving Crashes Types and Causes
Drivers of all ages are involved in crashes. However, young drivers have more crashes than others and are more likely to be involved in the same types of crashes.
Two important things that can help reduce the involvement of young people in road crashes are:
1 Having plenty of driving practice during the learner period.
2 Slowing down to provide plenty of space and time to be able to react to the unexpected.
Common errors made by learner drivers are often as a result of:
>> Not scanning the environment well.
>> Misjudging the speed of other vehicles, particularly oncoming cars.
>> Travelling too close to other vehicles.
>> Travelling too fast, both for the road conditions and for their level of experience.
>> Being overconfident in their ability.
>> Speeding.
>> Inattentiveness or fatigue.
The three most common crash types for young drivers involve:
A Both turning and driving straight ahead at intersections.
B Rear end crashes.
C Veering off the road to the left.
A. Both turning and driving straight ahead at intersections
Why do young people become involved in this type of crash ?
>> Poor or insufficient scanning of the driving environment.
>> Not judging the gap in the traffic well.
>> Overconfidence in driving ability.
>> Speeding.
>> Reliance on other drivers to avoid a crash.
B. Rear end crashes
Why do young people become involved in this type of crash ?
Driver at rear :
>> Speeding.
>> Not enough space left between vehicles.
>> Relying on other drivers to avoid a crash.
>> Driver distraction.
>> Misjudging the required stopping distance.
Driver in front:
>> Driver distracted.
>> Not doing enough or any mirror or head checks.
>> Indicating intentions late or not at all.
>> Misjudging stopping distance, and late braking.
C. Veering off the road to the left.
Why do young people become involved in this type of crash?
>> Speeding.
>> Lack of steering control.
>> Distraction from the driving Task.
>> Fatigue.
Source: ATSB Key Facts for New Drivers
Driving for the conditions 2
Why is it often safer to lower your speed limit to below the posted speed ?
Busy roads are full of unexpected problems. A child may see its parents on the opposite side of the road and dart across without looking. You may be in control of your vehicle but you can’t control what other road users may do.
If you reduce your speed, you have more time to react to an unexpected situation.
When roads are wet and slippery it takes much longer for your vehicle to come to a stop after applying the brakes. When it rains after a long period of dry weather it is even more important to go slower, as the rain mixes with oil and dust on the road, making it even more slippery than usual.
Bright sunlight can blind you just for a moment when a hazard appears in the distance. If you are travelling at a slower speed you have time to react safely.
If you are travelling in an unfamiliar area, you will not be aware of the dangers that are around. By slowing down, even by 5 km/h, you give yourself an opportunity to see any hazards and more time to react.
Remember, the slower you go, the more time you have to react to unexpected situations.
Source: ATSB Key Facts For New Drivers
The new Victorian driver licence
From 23 November 2009, VicRoads is introducing a new and more secure learner permit, probationary licence and driver licence.
VicRoads will no longer issue these over the counter at its Customer Service Centres.
When you obtain, renew or replace your licence VicRoads will mail it to you within about a week.
You will be given a temporary driver licence receipt which you can use until your new licence arrives.
Your old licence remains current until its expiry date and there is no extra cost for this new, more secure licence.
Why the Change
There has been an increase in the illegal use of driver licences to commit fraud.
The new licence has improved security including a new clear, see through section in the centre of the licence.
These features will protect the personal information of the licence holder and make it more difficult to use the licence fraudulently.
This new licence will be manufactured at a highly secure , centralised facility using state-of-the-art technology and advanced printing processes. That’s why you will receive it by mail not on the spot at VicRoads Customer Service Centres.
Source VicRoads Licensing
http:www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Licensing/TypesOfLicences/ThenewVictoriandriverlicence.htm
Tips for your Driving Test
- It is normal to be nervous on your Licence Test so turn that nervous energy in to a positive so as your awareness skills are totally switched on.
- You would not be attempting your Licence Test if your instructor did not think you were ready and at a standard to pass.
- You have been taught to drive defensively.
- You are aware of the Victorian Road law and are required to obey it.
- You have completed a minimum of 120 Hours driving including at least 10 hours of night driving, if not more, over a two year period.
- You have practised on all types of roads and conditions Including freeways highways and city traffic including busy intersections and high volume traffic areas.
- Your car control and observation skills are at a safe standard and your concentration levels are good.
- You are aware of the Victorian Drive Test Criteria and drive to that standard.
- You are aware of the pre drive check and have no problems identifying the controls as they are checked.
- You have driven around the area that your Licence Test will be conducted in and have been shown any unusual traffic situations road markings or intersections that are out of the ordinary.
- You are set to pass
- The driving test is just like another driving lesson with the exception of the licence testing officer being in the back seat.
- If you are not sure of any directions ask and they will be repeated.
- Your driving instructor sits in the front seat as per normal driving lessons.
- Finally: The licence testing officer is not out to fail you, their job is to assess driving standard; and if it meets that standard, [and it will] issue you with your licence.
Written By David – Driving Instructor at Eastern Driving School Melbourne
Drink Driving .05 .02 or .00
Should we change the blood alcohol concentration from .05 to .02 ? Debate is about to rage as to change the limit or not and we will all have or should have an opinion. Limits vary between country’s example Australia .05, Ireland .08, Italy .05, Jamaica .08, Japan .03, Norway .02, Poland .02, Romania .00, Sweden .02, UK .08, Us .08, {Source Drink and Stay Alive]
As a driving instructor my view is that the limit should be zero not even .02 we as instructors need to be .00 whilst teaching people to drive. Supervising drivers need to be under .05 and it was not that long ago that the law was changed to implement that restriction.
Anything and everything that the State Government can do to decrease the carnage on our roads should be done let us bite the bullet and make the hard but safer decision.
Australian Driver Trainers Association Conference
The conference is being held at the Bayview Eden in Melbourne. Sunday Date 18-10-09 Time 1.30 To 5.30. The conference is sponsored by VicRoads ,the TAC, the Victorian Taxi Directorate, the RACV and Rowland house.You will hear from guest speakers on The latest road safety trends,Road infrastructure Improvement initiatives,Lessons from the Police and accident investigators,Updates from VicRoads on Graduated Licensing. People who are interested in attending call ADTA Andrew Judkins 03 9809 5777
Changes To Victorian Road law as Of November 2009
The new road rules will be effective from 9 November 2009, the changes will improve road safety and make road rules more consistent across Australia.
The Key Changes are:
Line Marking {centre driving line}
Seatbelts
Parking
Mobile phones and visual display units
Motorcyclists
Cyclists
Wheeled recreational devices
Driving with trams
Drivers and Riders {other rules] Visit
Child Restraints *announced in may 2009
For full reference to road rule changes visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
David’s advice finding a Driving School
It’s important that you select a driving school that has been operating for some time and is affiliated with or belongs to The Australian Driver Trainers Association Of Victoria. The Driving School industry is made up of single operators, small to medium operators 1-10 vehicles and major players.You need a driving instructor who is skilled in manner and people skills and enabled to impart knowledge and create a calm and structured learning experience.
THE NEW PRACTICAL DRIVE TEST
· The new drive test is being introduced as part of the new Graduated Licensing System (GLS) to:
oBetter assess the ability of licence applicants to handle the demands of solo driving as P1 driver; and
o Motivate learners to better prepare for their Ps by getting 120 hours driving experience in a wide variety of driving conditions.
· The new test:
o Is longer than the current test;
o Provides a better picture of a licence applicant’s driving ability;
o Incorporates a more thorough assessment system;
o Has Immediate termination errors;
o Introduces scoring of critical errors;
o Is made up of two parts which separate less challenging and more challenging driving tasks;
o Involved extensive trialing with learners with varying levels of experience; and
o Is unique to Victoria and is evidence-based.
· Applicants still need to pass the Hazard Perception Test before taking the drive test.
WHY WAS A NEW DRIVE TEST REQUIRED?
· The new drive test is an important part of GLS and is needed to help support the 120 hour requirement for learner drivers. 120 hours has been shown to significantly reduce crashes.
· Key objectives of the new drive test are to:
· Help discriminate between learners with and without 120 hours;
· Motivate learners to get at least 120 hours in a variety of conditions;
· Replace the current test (POLA) which was developed at a time when most learners had low levels of supervised experience;
· Complement the current HPT;
· Introduce a new test which sets the bar higher and is designed to assess more experienced learners; and
· Better assess the ability of licence applicants to handle the demands of solo driving as a P1 driver.
HOW WAS THE NEW TEST DEVELOPED?
· Developed over 18 months from the results of trials with 1300 learners with a range of driving experience;
· Developed by VicRoads with assistance from road safety and test development experts;
· Not based on opinions but based on evidence; and
· Process was scientific and used:
o best research from Australia and overseas
o causes of crashes for newly licenced drivers
o extensive trials with learners
o input by testers and driving instructors
o occupational health and safety as a key consideration in the design of the test.
TEST OVERVIEW
· 30 minute on-road test (previously 15-20 minutes).
· Has two parts:
o Part 1 – takes 10 minutes and has 7 driving tasks in less challenging driving conditions. Applicants must pass Part 1 before they are permitted to attempt Part 2.
o Part 2 – takes 20 minutes and consists of 14 to 21 day-to-day driving tasks in a range of realistic traffic conditions.
o Applicants must pass both parts of the test to obtain their probationary licence.
SCORING
· The outcome of the drive test does not depend on a single test score – it depends on the number of Immediate Termination Errors, Critical Errors and performance on the specific driving tasks.
· The test scoring involves:
o Immediate Termination Errors – where the applicant does something to create an unsafe situation. This results in the applicant immediately failing the drive test and the test being terminated.
o Critical Errors – where the applicant makes a serious driving error which does not create any immediate danger. Repetition of this behaviour(s) will fail the applicant and terminate the test.
§ Only 2 critical errors are allowed over the course of the test, if a 3rd occurs the applicant immediately fails and the test is terminated.
§ During Part 1 of the test (less challenging driving conditions), only 1 critical error is allowed, if a 2nd error occurs during this part of the test the applicant immediately fails and the test is terminated.
o In addition, to the Immediate Termination Errors and Critical Errors, points are also awarded for correctly and safely demonstrating key driving skills when completing specific driving tasks.
PASSING THE NEW TEST
· The practical drive test checks that licence applicants can:
o Drive safely;
o Control a vehicle smoothly;
o Obey the road rules; and
o Co-operate with other road users.
· Learners are more likely to pass the practical drive test if they:
o Have had more than 120 hours of supervised driving experience;
o Have had supervised driving experience in a broad range of different conditions – such as at night, in wet weather, and on different types of roads; and
o Can drive safely and legally in different driving situations – such as normal and busy traffic, at intersections and on multilane roads.
LOG BOOK CHECKING
· Log Books will be checked by a VicRoads Licence Testing Officer (LTO) at the start of the drive test appointment before the applicant is taken out in the vehicle.
· All licence applicants who obtained their learner permit on or after 1 July 2007 and are under 21 at the time they sit for their probationary licence test must present a completed Log Book i.e. 120 hours (including 10 hours at night).
· Learners who are aged 21 or older or obtained their permit before 1 July 2007 – do not have to present a Log Book.
· Log Book entries must be completed in pen. Blue and black is preferable (as requested in the Log Book), however any pen colour will be accepted if the entry is legible (i.e. the VicRoads LTO can understand the log entry).
LOG BOOK SCENARIOS
· Pass Log Book Check / Pass Drive Test
o If an applicant meets all the requirements of the Log Book check and passes the Drive Test (and other requirements associated with the appointment), they will be issued with a P1 probationary licence.
· Pass Log Book Check / Fail Drive Test
o If an applicant meets all the requirements of the Log Book check and fails the Drive Test, the log book results will be recorded.
o The applicant is not required to re-present their Log Book, when re-sitting for their Drive Test.
· Fail Log Book Check
o If an applicant fails to meet all the requirements of the Log Book check then they are unable to undertake Drive Test.
o The applicant forfeits their Drive Test appointment, all test fees and must wait at least 6 weeks before they can attempt another test.
o The applicant must re-present their completed Log Book, when presenting for their next test.
Source: VIC ROADS, Driving Instructor Industry Update, 06-2008
For under 21s – Extra probationary licence stage means 2 P plates
If you get your Ps from 1 July 2008, and you are under 21, you will now have an extra probationary licence stage. In other words, it’s an extra P plate.
As part of Victoria’s new graduated licensing system, there will be two probationary licence stages: a one year P1 (red plates) stage, followed by a three year P2 (green plates) stage.
You will need a good driving record to progress from P1 to P2, then to a full licence.
Any licence suspension, or other serious offence, will add six months to the probationary period, plus the period of suspension.
NEW P1 AND P2 PROBATIONARY LICENCES
P1 Licences (Red Plate)
From 1 July 2008, the new P1 licences will be issued and everyone applying for a probationary licence will need to pass a hazard perception test and an on road driving test. (Drivers with a probationary licence issued before 1 July 2008 will be covered by the current system.)
Probationary drivers aged under 21 years, when first licenced, must hold a P1 licence for a minimum of 12 months. During this time all mobile phone use is banned and there is a restriction on towing unless for work or they are under instruction.
Probationary drivers who are aged 21 years or older when first licenced will move directly to a P2 licence.
What’s different about a P1?
P1 requirements include…
Must stay on a P1 licence for at least 12 months
No mobile phone use of any kind.
P1 driver can only carry one passenger aged between 16 and 21.
No towing (unless for work or if under instruction).
Restrictions on driving high powered vehicles
Drink driving offenders may have an alcohol interlock fitted to their vehicle
Any licence suspension, drink driving offence with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) up to 0.05, or drug driving offence will result in an extension of the P1 licence period for six months, plus the period of suspension.
If the P1 licence is suspended, a passenger limit of one will apply for the remainder of the P1 period.
Other existing P provisions will also apply.
What’s different about a P2?
P2 requirements include…
A three year minimum
Restrictions on driving high powered vehicles
Drink driving offenders may have an alcohol interlock fitted to their vehicle.
Any licence suspension will result in an extension of the P2 period by six months, plus the period of suspension.
Other existing P provisions will also apply
(Source: Arrive Alive Mail Out 17 June 2008 and website)
Why do so many drivers have short memories ?
As an owner operator of a driving school it never ceases to amaze me, the amount of intolerance that is shown to learner drivers.
Learner drivers are the safest category of drivers on our roads and are continually harassed and abused by other road users of all age groups.
Patience and courtesy seem to be sadly lacking in our on road community and lets face it WE ALL HAVE BEEN LEARNER DRIVERS
Changes to Victorian Drive Test
As of the 1 July 2008, the new Practical drive test will be approximately 50 minutes long and will consist off:
- Confirmation of Identity and Eligibility
- Learner Log Book checking (where applicable)
- On Road Drive Test
- Drivers Licence Assessment Results
- Drivers Licence Issue
More information will be available closer to the commencement date explains David from Eastern Suburbs Driving School.
Graduated Licensing System creates rush on Melbourne Driving Schools
New key changes facing Learner and Probationary Drivers due with the introduction of the new Graduated Licensing System on 1st of July 2008 have created a rush for driving schools in Melbourne for driving students wanting to get their driver’s licence before the 1st of July reports David Putney from Eastern Suburbs Driving School.
New Probationary licence criteria creates VIC Roads build up of bookings
As of the 1st of July any person who goes for a driving licence test falls under the new criteria of the Probationary licence which will be covering not a 3 year, but 4 year period. The first 12 months being on a red P plate, the follwing 36 months on a green P plate providing probationary drivers have a clean record over the first 12 months. David reports that as of 4th of April VIC Roads build up of bookings for probationary licence tests at some VIC Roads offices are now at the end of June.
