Learners

Learning to drive can be very stressful for both the learner and their supervisor, especially at the beginning when there seems to be so much that needs to be covered all at once.

Starting off with a professional driving instructor, such as U Can Drive, can be a very good idea. You will quickly be shown what you will need to learn and start you off properly. U Can Drive specifically concentrates on providing young drivers with improved practical driving skills, experience and good driving habits.

You can apply for your Learners Permit any time after you turn 16. You will first have to pass a written theory test of 30 multiple choice questions and then pay for the permit at any licensing centre or agent .

When learning how to drive, we focus on controlling the vehicle in a variety of road conditions, developing good driving habits and learning to recognise potential dangers. Once you have reached those skill levels, learners are required to pass the practical driving assessment before they can move on to their provisional licence.

Don’t kid yourself – get as many kilometres of driving experience under supervision as you can before you attempt the assessment, the minimum requirement is now 100 hours in your log book, an accredited instructor's time is worth triple time for the first 10 hours.

Assessment looks at the quality of your driving rather than the way you perform individual skills. When a learner shows signs of quality it generally means that they have had plenty of practise and have encountered many different driving experiences. Nobody’s perfect and even if you pass the assessment, it is likely that you would have made some mistakes during it.

Flow (how well you combine driving skills together)
Movement (whether you move smoothly when you drive the car forwards or backwards)
Path (did you pick the best track and stay on track)
Signal (did you let other road users know what you intend to do)
Vehicle Management (like keeping an eye on your vehicle’s instruments while you are driving).

Drivers must signal their intention to turn or diverge by indicating for at least 30 metres before doing so, where practicable. Before moving from a stationary position, they must indicate for five flashes or five seconds.

In the practical driving assessment you will be required to perform many manoeuvres. Manoeuvres are driving tasks such as:

making three-point turns;
making U turns
parallel parking;
turning in and out of driveways;
reversing; and
parking in car parks.

Drive forward into a driveway on the right, then reverse and change direction.
Reverse into a driveway and then drive forward to go back along the street in the opposite direction.
Drive forward into a driveway on the left then reverse out to change direction.
Drive forward into a driveway on the left, reverse back to leave in the same direction as you started.
Complete a three-point turn.
Complete a U-turn.
Complete a U-turn at a roundabout.
Complete a reverse parallel park.
Complete a forward angle park.
Complete a reverse angle park.

To respond safely to hazards you must first see them. Responsive drivers scan the whole driving scene looking for things that could threaten their own and other road users’ safety.

Safe drivers are aware of their surroundings, they drive actively and continually adjust their driving as they notice situations change. They adjust their driving so that they have enough space to stop if someone else makes a mistake or does not follow the road rules. Take notice of hazards to your safety and respond in an appropriate way.

Drivers must keep an eye on the traffic behind them and know what that traffic is doing. Look behind requires you to check in the mirrors and look over your shoulder so that you can interact safely with other traffic. You should turn your head and check your ‘blind spot’ whenever you are about to steer into a position that could be used by a vehicle behind you.

You will not be able to take your test if you are unable to start the engine or if your car is in bad condition for example if any of the lights or functions of the vehicle are not working properly. So check the car before you go for the test and if the car doesn't start ask yourself "What have I forgotten?"

your assessor has to intervene or give you assistance to avoid a potentially dangerous situation;
you disobey a regulatory sign;
you speed (even if you speed up before the higher speed sign);
you disobey any traffic regulation that immediately or potentially threatens safety;
you drive without wearing your seat belt;
you fail to respond to a crisis or potential crisis that would normally be anticipated by an experienced driver;
you cause a crisis or potential crisis;
you refuse to attempt any part of the assessment; or
you refuse to follow a reasonable direction given by the assessor

You must accumulate a minimum of 100 hours of supervised driving and record the details of that driving experience in your log book, the first 10 hours with an accredited driving instructor are worth 30 hours in your log book.

To apply for a learner licence you must:

be at least 16 years of age
complete the Driver Licence Application/Renewal Form (F3000), show suitable evidence of identity and Queensland residency documents
pass an eyesight test, if required
declare that you are medically fit to learn to drive the class of motor vehicle. Note: If you have a medical condition that might affect your ability to drive safely, you are required to show a medical certificate from your doctor stating that you are medically fit to drive or ride safely
pay the road rules test fee and pass the test
pay the required learner licence fee.