Driver Knowledge Tests Menu

Many people crash within the first few years of driving. What is the best way of learning to drive on your own without crashing? Many people crash within the first few years of driving. What is the best way of learning to drive on your own without crashing?

  • A. Start driving in daylight where it is not too busy and only drive in busier traffic as your driving gets better.

  • B. Drive as much as you can with friends on the way to parties.

  • C. Drive in every kind of traffic situation as soon as you get your licence.

  •  
    The correct answer is A
     
    Correct. Build up your skills on familiar roads in daylight and light traffic. Progress to heavier traffic and unfamiliar roads once you are confident in your driving ability.
     
 
 
 
 

Can a learner driver be taught by a P1 or P2 provisional driver legally?

P licences

To take the driving test for a P1 licence you must be at least 17 years old, have logged at least 120 hours of driving time (including at least 20 hours at night), and have held your licence for at least 12 months. You have to hold a P1 licence for at least 12 months before you can attempt the Hazard Perception Test in order to proceed to your P2 licence. A P2 licence must be held a minimum of 24 months before a full licence can be issued.

Gaining driving and riding experience

Driving and riding experience is gained over time. Think of it as the same as playing a music instrument, learning a language or getting good at a computer game. You can't do any of them just by reading about them, you have to actually drive to get better.

The main skills you will learn when driving are related to coordination and judgement. Your ability to read the road will improve. Your brain will develop its own neural networks to help you automatically operate your vehicle without thinking about it.

Over time you will also experience hundreds of different (and sometimes challenging) driving scenarios with all kinds of weather, all volumes of traffic, night and day, and with different types of emotions and things going on in your life.

At the beginning, you don't have these, and you don't have enough experience to help a learner driver stay out of trouble.