What Is a Safer Driver Course and What Are Its Benefits?

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(Newswire.net — December 2, 2020) — If you’re under the age of 25 and currently hold a New South Wales learners license, you can sign up for a safer drivers course. Not only will you prepare yourself for the challenges of unsupervised driving, but you’ll have additional confidence when you take to the roads. 

So why are these courses essential, and how can you enrol? In this guide, we’ll take you through these questions and explore them in more detail.   

What Is a Safer Drivers Course?

Acquiring a driver’s license is a ticket to freedom for many Australians. It provides you with a sense of independence and gives you the keys to a world of possibilities. That being said, driving alone also comes with a great deal of responsibility. 

There are many hazards and pitfalls that Australian drivers must consider while on the roads. Without the proper exposure to these circumstances that could arise, you could make the wrong decision, resulting in harm to yourself and others. 

That’s where a safer drivers course comes in handy. It’s an additional programme designed to teach you driving techniques that could potentially save your life. In fact, the NSW Transport department considers this course a vital service, lawfully accessible by learner drivers. 

The programme makes use of group classes as well as in-car coaching lessons. It’s designed to help mould you into a safer motorist that can anticipate treacherous situations. 

What Do You Stand to Gain?

This type of programme has many benefits for a provisional (P-plate) driver. It’ll teach you how to deal with distractions and avoid hazards while you’re on the road. What’s more, the programme counts for 20 points towards your provisional licence logbook. 

The group sessions give you a chance to discuss safety strategies with other learners and share ideas. You’ll learn about how to manage speed, maintaining a safe driving distance and how to choose a gap best. What’s more, you and your classmates will practice hazard management and how to cope with internal and external influences. 

The practical session aims to shed light on the significant accident types that occur on Australian roads and how to avoid them. This includes recognising hazards and responding correctly to them as well as low risk driving.  

Cost and Course Structure

Prices to enrol in a safer drivers course depend on the company providing the service. On average, the programme costs $140 for two modules. You’ll need to pay the full amount in advance after completing the online registration. 

This two-module course takes five hours to complete, consisting of a three-hour group class session. You’ll then move onto the two hour in-car practical lessons where you can put all that theory into practice. 

The first module facilitates a group discussion consisting of ten to twelve learner drivers. You’ll explore safe driving strategies and behaviours with your classmates. To making this segment fun and informative, the session includes several activities and video sources, 

Once completed, you’ll move onto the second module of the course. This segment consists of a practical lesson where two learner drivers and a trainer take to the road. You and your partner will get a chance to practice what you’ve learnt in the classroom, taking turns on a predetermined route.   

Verdict

No matter how confident you feel about becoming an independent driver, there’s always room for improvement. A safer drivers course exposes you to the potential threats on the road, providing the necessary tools to navigate these hazards safety. Register for a class today and become the best driver you can be!