How many driving lessons do I need?
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How many driving lessons do I need?
If you’ve recently obtained your learner’s permit or are soon to take the test, you might be wondering whether or not you’re required to have private lessons with an accredited driving instructor, and how many hours of supervised driving you need to accrue in your log book before you can take the practical driving test.
The truth is, it’s not a one-size-fits-all process. The amount of driving lessons you need to pass the driving test is very individual, based on your own strengths and weaknesses. You’ll need as many lessons as it takes to become a safe and competent driver.
Read on to find out how many driving lessons the average person takes to learn to drive and the requirements for getting your license in your state.
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How many lessons before the driving test
In Australia, it’s not mandatory to attend a driving school. However, we do recommend researching different driving schools and opting for a few lessons to sharpen your skills before your licence test, at the very least. Driving instructors know exactly what to teach you in order for you to pass your practical exam.
In certain states, lessons with an accredited driving instructor will act as a bonus on your log book hours, giving you a “3-for-1”. This means, one hour with an instructor counts as three hours of normal supervised driving.
The average number of hours a beginner learner driver usually benefits from with a good driving instructor is between 7 and 10. A less confident driver may require up to 20 hours to learn to drive safely and become a good driver.
New drivers who have been learning with a family member or friend may only need 5 to 7 hours with an instructor to get a handle on the necessary skills and pass the driving test. When it comes to learning to drive, it’s important to remember to go at your own pace. Acquiring a new skill can take time and it’s best to focus on doing it better, not faster.
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Log book requirements by state
When applying for a probationary driver’s licence, also known as ‘P plates’, you’ll need to submit an official log book, which records your hours of practice. This shows you have taken the time to fine tune your skills and become a safe driver.
If you need to get a learner’s licence first, you can book a computer-based test online. It’s a fairly straight-forward process, just fill out the application form, complete a hazard perception test and an eyesight test, and you’ll be on your way!
State requirements for driving hours
The requirements and minimum number of hours you need to record in your log book differs between states for a new driver:
- Queensland – 100 hours under supervision, including 10 hours of night driving, and you must be at least 17 years old. Every hour with an accredited driver trainer counts for three hours.
- Victoria – if you’re under 21, you must have recorded 120 hours supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night.
- New South Wales – you must have your learner’s permit for 12 months and complete 120 hours of supervised driving practice, including 20 hours of night driving (for drivers under the age of 25 only).
- Tasmania – you must have your learner’s permit for 12 months (6 months if aged over 25) and log 75 hours of supervised driving, including 15 at night.
- South Australia – you must hold your learner’s permit for at least 12 months (6 months if aged over 25) and complete at least 75 hours of supervised driving (including 15 at night).
- Western Australia – you must drive under supervision for a minimum period of six months and record a minimum of 25 hours’ driving experience in a range of conditions, including driving on the freeway.
- Northern Territory – DriveSafe NT program recommends learners get at least 120 hours of driving experience. You must have your learner’s licence for a minimum of six months.
- Australian Capital Territory – you must be 17 and hold a learner’s permit for six months. There is no minimum number of hours driving under supervision, but there are two methods to obtaining your Ps – Competency Based Training, which uses a logbook and an accredited driving instructor; or a practical driving test.
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Develop your driving skills
Before you get behind the wheel and have your first lesson, learner drivers should take some time to sit in the car and get familiar with all the essentials. This includes:
- Adjusting the seat height, mirrors, and seat belts
- Figuring out the location of indicators, window wipers, headlights and emergency hazard lights
- Practice using the accelerator, brake, hand brake and clutch pedals.
Once you’re relaxed and comfortable in the car, you’re ready to start your driving lesson!
Have you chosen your supervising driver? You can have lessons with a parent or experienced friend, or you can pay for lessons with a professional driving instructor – or benefit from a mixture of both.
It’s important to be consistent with your lessons and take every opportunity to practice with family or friends. Rounding out your driving practice by learning basic, safe driving skills with an accredited driving instructor will advance your preparation.
A professional driving instructor will teach you up-to-date road traffic laws and rules. They are also familiar with local licence testers and know which common routes are taken on practical tests. This kind of insider information will be a huge benefit.
Learning on a manual car is always recommended. You can easily switch to an automatic later on, but some states won’t let you drive a manual car if you carry an automatic license.
Take regular lessons
When you’re starting off, practice your new skills on quiet suburban streets before heading for the busier roads. You’ll soon feel comfortable passing and being passed by heavy trucks.
The key is to practice in as many different driving conditions as you can. This includes wet roads and dirt tracks, to late nights and rainy days. Practice using your rear view mirrors before overtaking or changing lanes and always check your blind spot.
Ensure you perfect your reverse and parallel parking as you will be tested on these techniques. They can be difficult to execute for beginners. A professional driving instructor will have a few tricks up their sleeves to help you manage these maneuvers like a pro.
Knowing the road rules, how to handle any driving situations that may arise, and learning to become a confident and safe driver are the most important steps to passing your driving test and getting your P plates.