Your learner driver doesn't need their learner's licence to
start learning about driving. There is a lot you can do now to
prepare them for safe driving on P plates.
The sooner you begin, the better.
Early is the best time to expand your learner driver's
experience
It helps to think about this in the long term. The more
experience your learner driver gains while they are on their
learner's licence, the safer they are likely to be when
they are licensed and drive alone.
The problem is that many learners are very keen to get off their
L's and get their P's as soon as they can. This can make it
hard to extend their learning toward the end of the L plate
lessons.
But it is usually very easy to extend their learning at the
other end of the process - before they get their learner's
licence. Young people are often very keen to start
learning at this stage.
Supervising from the driver's seat is safe and effective
It should be emphasized though, that this should occur
strictly from a passenger seat only.
It is illegal for a young person to drive before
qualifying for a learner's licence, which has a minimum age
requirement in all States and Territories.
Even so, many of us would worry that a child of 12 or
14 is too young to begin learning to drive.
Remember though, that with you driving and the learner
driver watching and talking with you, this is by far the
safest time for learning to happen. Drivers who take on
the role of supervisors are statistically less likely to
be involved in a crash. This is probably because when you
think like a supervisor you put more thought into being
careful.
Consider some of the advantages of getting an early start:
- You have a highly attentive and motivated learner
- It's less stressful for you because you are still in
control of the car
- Your learner driver is better prepared for when he or she gets
behind the wheel
- You will learn many of the skills for being a good
supervisor
- It shows your learner driver that car control skills are only a
small part of good driving
- You and your passengers are probably safer
Suggestions for getting started:
Take a look at the keys2drive activities for learner
drivers who have not yet got a learner's licence:
Do
stuff in car - No L's yet
Or to improve your own
driving:
Check your
driving habits
Additional advice on supervising:
Getting
started
Parent/Supervisor Guide