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But, as a Learner, you have to remember that it's not always easy to be sitting in the supervisor seat, trying to explain something that an experienced driver probably doesn't even think about any more – the actual mechanics of good driving.
The basics
Under recent changes to the license system, Learners have to be supervised for at least 120 hours before they can go for their Ps (including at least 20 hours of night driving).
This means that you and your supervising driver are going to be spending a lot of time together.
Besides holding a current full Australian driver licence, supervising drivers must also have a good understanding of the road rules, be a competent driver and be able to communicate well. If your older brother leaves two centimetres of rubber on the driveway each time he pulls out – then he's probably not the best person to teach you to drive!
The supervisor will also need to be patient and calm. While you can't control this, patience cuts both ways – you be patient and courteous with your supervisor, and they'll most likely return the favour.
You should both be aware that learner drivers under supervision have a very low involvement in crashes. It is only when new drivers begin to drive solo that their involvement in crashes increases.
The blood alcohol content (BAC) for supervising drivers is the standard limit that applies to their licence class and vehicle type.
Choosing a supervising driver
It makes sense that the supervising driver is going to be someone close to you. Most people are supervised by a combination of a parent (or both parents) and a professional driving instructor.
This is probably the perfect combo. Experienced professional instructors have seen it all which means they're likely to be calm, confident and clear in their instructions.
Your parents, on the other hand, are probably not very experienced in supervising a learner, unless you've got heaps of older brothers and sisters. We've included some tips below for supervisors, so drag them to the computer so they can get the rundown!
Working together
Log it
The Learner Driver Log Book that comes with your Learner licence is a great tool for you and your supervisor. It's the best guide for your supervisor because it shows the tasks you need to learn, step by step. Make sure you both read it and set goals for each period you are in the car together.
The supervising driver is required to mark off your progress against a range of key task points contained in the log book. The book contains instructions on how they should do this.
It's a partnership
The best way to think about your relationship with the supervisor is that it's a partnership. You're going to have to work closely together to meet your goal – a strained relationship won't help you get your Ps.
Remember that it's very important for everyone's safety that the atmosphere inside the car is calm at all times. Don't listen to loud music or the radio.
If you or the supervisor – or both – are getting jumpy, frustrated or angry, then it's time to stop (when safe of course) and try again later. If either of you are tired at the beginning of the session, then reschedule it for another time.
Your attitude is going to be crucial in your success. It might be tough sometimes, but remember that you are the Learner – you don't know much about driving yet, and your supervisor is volunteering their time to help you.
Take your time
Listen to your supervisor and follow their instructions at all times.
Don't rush learning each new task – start with the easy things and work up.
Professional driving instructors tell us that the most successful Learners have not rushed through the tasks and have allowed their supervisor to teach them methodically – bit by bit.
Respect
Successful Learners respect their vehicle and respect their supervisor.
Don't slam your foot on the pedals, jerk the wheel or slam the doors – even if you're frustrated.
The hard yards
Safe and successful Learners put in the hours behind the wheel in all sorts of different circumstances.
Once you've mastered the basics, then get some experience at night (which is now compulsory), in the rain, on busy roads and quieter streets. It all helps.
Tips for supervising drivers
You will be a role model and mentor for your learner driver so you need to be determined and genuine about helping them become a safe and skilled driver.
It's a good idea to reassess your own driving by:
- Reading the Road Users' Handbook or taking our online test to familiarise yourself with current road rules.
- Ensuring you comply at all times with traffic lights, signs and road markings.
- Ensuring you leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front. The 3 second gap is the absolute minimum, learners need more.
- Looking well ahead and checking 'blind spots' and vision blockouts.
- Driving at a suitable speed for conditions.
- Responding appropriately to hazards.
- Being patient and courteous with other drivers.
- Reading the Learner Driver Log Book to understand the content and learning goals.
12 tips for better supervision
When you're working with your learner driver:
- If either you or the Learner is tired, upset or stressed, reschedule the practice session to another time.
- Try frequent, short practice sessions in the beginning.
- Use the Learner Driver Log Book task key points as a guide to practice sessions.
- Begin with the easiest tasks then, once they have been mastered, move to the more difficult stuff.
- Discuss then demonstrate the new tasks before you get the learner to try.
- Use 'commentary driving' - which involves the driver and passenger talking about what is happening inside and outside the vehicle.
- Start the Learner practicing on quiet streets, preferably in daylight, before moving onto busier roads and more challenging conditions.
- Allow the Learner to proceed at their own pace.
- Don't criticise mistakes. Calmly discuss what happened and allow them to try again.
- Be positive and offer praise when the Learner successfully completes a task.
- Teach the Learner the importance of being sensitive to speed. It is important that they realise that the faster a vehicle travels, the more difficult it becomes to respond to hazards. They should also understand that the outcome of a crash will be worse the faster the vehicle is traveling.
- Avoid using the radio, mobile phone or talking to other passengers while the Learner is practicing.
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