Driving in Australia: Preparing to drive

Preparation is key before you can fully drive in Australia.

Preparing to drive

Preparing to drive in Australia Source: Getty Images

Here are some of the ways you can make sure you can handle the driver’s seat:

1. Read and study

Different states publish their own individual driving handbooks which they make available in print and online form.

Driving handbooks are available through the following websites:

VIC –

NT –

TAS –
Driving Handbooks
Each state has a number of handbooks to help you become a safer driver. Source: Transport Road and Maritime Services, Department of Transport, ACT Government Information Portal, Department of State Growth Transport
                                                                                                                       

Driving Handbooks
Driving handbooks are available on each state's website for free or for a fee Source: VicRoads, Northern Territory Government information and services, Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure
                                                                                                                      

 
2. Test yourself
 
Before you even consider doing an actual driving test, search for practice tests online.

These tests help assure you that you didn’t miss anything from your readings, and they also typically have contain the questions more likely asked in the driving examinations you need to take.
Online Practice Test
Screenshot of an online practice test available at Queensland Government website Source: Queensland Government website
3. Practice
 
The best way to learn how to drive in Australia is through actual driving. Practicing involves learning through proper driving lessons, and actually going behind the wheel.
 
According to Victorian driving instructor Noel Tolentino, “I would recommend to invest some time and money…to learn how to drive properly…because it is your life and the life of others on the road.”
 
While you may ask help and advice from family and friends, Mr Tolentino encourages would-be drivers to take proper lessons from a professional instructor.

In Mr. Tolentino's experience, he said that the number of lessons to be taken is based on the driving experience of a student. If a person is new to driving, he believes it is best to base the number of hours on either half or the whole age of the said individual. For example, if a person is 18 years old, he or she would be taking 9 or 18 hours worth of driving lessons.

ALSO READ
ALSO LISTEN TO

Share
2 min read
Published 11 July 2018 4:26pm
Updated 16 July 2018 11:50am
By Nikki Alfonso-Gregorio


Share this with family and friends