In July, 2013, the NSW Government introduced the Safer Driver Course. The purpose of the SDC was to build awareness of safe driving behaviours for young learner drivers under 25 years of age. The Safe Driver Course is more than just getting 20 logbook hours. For most young people, after passing the Hazard Perception Test (HPT) and getting their P’s, having the freedom to jump in the car and travel wherever and whenever you want, is surreal. But being a safe driver and having the confidence, knowledge and skillset, is paramount. Before sitting your HPT, it’s a great idea that you have a few practice runs first. Click here to practice the hazard Perception Test.
Once you sit your Driver Knowledge Test (DKT) and get your L’s, you need to get plenty of driving practice in all traffic conditions and environments. Young learner drivers and novice drivers all over Australia, should strongly consider completing a defensive drivers course or advanced driving course, to help build and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be a safer driver.
Should you do the Safer Drivers Course
In the first six (6) months of getting your P’s and driving solo, crash data shows that young drivers are at the highest risk of crashing in their whole driving life. Once you pass the driving test, it doesn’t mean you’re an experienced driver. It means that you were able to abide by the road rules and meet the driving test requirements for the duration of the test. Experience comes over continual driving and time.
Learn Drive Survive want to help learners with the transition to solo driving. The course aims to teach safer driver behaviours and attitudes that lead to a stronger resilience and to develop low-risk driving choices. All participants of the SDC will learn simple techniques and other safe driving strategies, to help reduce and manage distractions and unnecessary risk taking.
How is the SDC Structured?
This awesome SDC is delivered by qualified and experienced trainers and driving instructors both in a classroom environment and a practical driving session with a coach. The course is broken down into two (2) components. Module 1 (theory) and Module 2 (practical). Module 1 is conducted by an experienced facilitator. During this time, learners will engage in a three (3) hour group discussion set in a classroom environment. Throughout Module 1, learners will explore the behaviours and effective management strategies to become safer drivers.
This session allows students to identify external and internal influences and the strategies that can help manage them resulting in better decision making and safe driving behaviours. This includes;
● identifying and managing hazards
● Avoiding and managing distractions
● The importance of speed management
● How and why to maintaining safe following distances
● Safe gap selection and decision making
● And much more
Module 2 is a two (2) hour practical coaching session. This session involves two (2) students and the coach (instructor) in the vehicle at a time. Students will reflect on the content they covered in Module 1 and put things into a practical training environment. Conducted by a qualified driving instructor, learners will focus on everyday defensive driving skills and will be taught how to identify and manage risks and other effective low-risk driving strategies to become safer drivers.
Upon completion of the Safer Drivers Course with Learn Drive Survive, learners will gain the knowledge and a better understanding of low-risk driving and how to better manage internal and external challenges. The course has been designed to accommodate a maximum of twelve (12) students to ensure learners don’t feel over-whelmed and can comfortably educate themselves about the importance of road safety.
Although the course is not mandatory, Learn Drive Survive SDC believe that making our roads safer through safe driving initiatives such as the Safer Drivers Course, helps reduce the road toll and continues to promote road safety.
How to Book a Course
To complete the SDC, you must hold a current NSW Learner Licence, be under 25 years of age and have a minimum of 50 actual log book hours of driving. Bonus hours are NOT inclusive. The cost of the course is $140 and only learners from NSW are eligible to complete the course. Learn Drive Survive is an accredited provider of the Transport for NSW Safer Drivers Course. We currently offer courses at the following locations;
Bankstown | Blacktown | Burwood | Camden | Campbelltown | Castle Hill | Chatswood | Coogee | Dee Why | Hornsby | Liverpool | Penrith | Richmond | Rouse Hill | Ryde | Springwood | Sutherland | Erina | Morisset | The Entrance | Woy Woy | Wyong | Newcastle | Warners Bay | Cessnock | Maitland | Muswellbrook | Nelson Bay | Raymond Terrace | Singleton | Taree | Kempsey | Coffs Harbour | Ballina | Lismore | Tweed Heads | Port Macquarie
If you meet the course requirements, and want to gain an additional 20 bonus logbook hours, click here to book online or call our friendly team on 1800 898 969 and they will be happy to assist you.