Driving in Australia: Preparing to drive

Preparation is key before you can fully drive in Australia.

Preparing to drive in Australia Source: Getty Images

Here are some of the ways you can make sure you can handle the driver’s seat:

1. Read and study

Different states publish their own individual driving handbooks which they make available in print and online form.

Driving handbooks are available through the following websites:

NSW – NSW Government: Transport Road and Maritime Services

VIC – VicRoads

SA – mylicence.sa.gov.au

WA – WA Department of Transport

ACT – ACT Government Information Portal

NT – nt.gov.au

TAS – Department of State Growth Transport

Each state has a number of handbooks to help you become a safer driver. Source: Transport Road and Maritime Services, Department of Transport, ACT Government Information Portal, Department of State Growth Transport

              NSW                                     WA                                   ACT                                  TAS

Driving handbooks are available on each state's website for free or for a fee Source: VicRoads, Northern Territory Government information and services, Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure

                    VIC                                                 NT                                                 SA

 

2. Test yourself

 

Before you even consider doing an actual driving test, search for practice tests online.

• NSW Driver Knowledge Test
• VIC Online Practice Test
• QLD Practice Road Rules Test
• RACQ Practice Learner's Test

These tests help assure you that you didn’t miss anything from your readings, and they also typically have contain the questions more likely asked in the driving examinations you need to take.

Screenshot of an online practice test available at Queensland Government website Source: Queensland Government website

3. Practice

 

The best way to learn how to drive in Australia is through actual driving. Practicing involves learning through proper driving lessons, and actually going behind the wheel.

 

According to Victorian driving instructor Noel Tolentino, “I would recommend to invest some time and money…to learn how to drive properly…because it is your life and the life of others on the road.”

 

While you may ask help and advice from family and friends, Mr Tolentino encourages would-be drivers to take proper lessons from a professional instructor.

In Mr. Tolentino's experience, he said that the number of lessons to be taken is based on the driving experience of a student. If a person is new to driving, he believes it is best to base the number of hours on either half or the whole age of the said individual. For example, if a person is 18 years old, he or she would be taking 9 or 18 hours worth of driving lessons.

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