Safer Drivers Course
The Safer Drivers Course has been specifically designed by leading road safety experts to help young learner drivers under 25 years old transition to solo driving. The course focuses on teaching low-risk driving techniques and safe driving strategies, ensuring that you become a confident and responsible driver on the roads of New South Wales.
During the Course, learner drivers gain a better understanding of the main causes of motor vehicle crashes involving younger drivers. In addition, students are taught a variety of safe driving strategies and low-risk driving techniques that they can apply in real-life situations.
Safer Drivers Course Modules
This is an interactive and engaging 3-hour group discussion set in a classroom environment. Participants are guided through the driver behaviours that contribute to motor vehicle accidents, whilst learning safe driving strategies.
Supported by an experienced facilitator, learners are able to explore low-risk driving strategies and develop a better understanding of how to apply those strategies whilst driving solo as a Provisional Driver.
Under the guidance of an experienced driving instructor, learner drivers are instructed on how to apply safe driving techniques in real-life situations. By learning and practicing safe driving techniques, students are able to improve their ability to identify and respond to potentially dangerous situations.
Conducted over a 2-hour period, students are given the opportunity to improve their hazard perception and decision-making skills.
Module 1 – Theory:
During this part of the course, you will learn how to identify and manage the risks associated with driving. With a maximum of 12 students in a class, you will have the opportunity to work with your peers to improve your road safety awareness.
- A three-hour interactive facilitated group discussion.
- Learn about driver behaviours and how to implement strategies and techniques to become a safer driver.
- Explore challenges that may arise and how to deal with external influences.
- Engaging videos and activities support the discussion.
Module 2 – Practical:
Module 2 is a 2-hour in-car driving session. Two students are paired at a time and will take turns driving with a qualified driving instructor. The coaching session focuses on educating students to become proactive and safe drivers.
- A two-hour on-road coaching session with 2 students conducted by an experienced and qualified driving instructor.
- Coaching sessions aim to eliminate the major crash types that occur on NSW roads.
- Gain practical skills in speed management, gap selection, following distances, hazard perception, and more.
The 20 Log Book Hour Course is the next step in your journey to becoming a lifelong safe driver. The sessions are informative, fun, and engaging.
Benefits of Safer Drivers Course NSW
The first 6 months of driving solo as a provisional driver is the most dangerous. A vast amount of research shows that provisional drivers are most likely to be involved in a serious motor vehicle accident.
Research conducted by Monash University into the Safer Drivers Course found that:
- The course was highly recommended by 96% of parents and guardians.
- 95% of participants highly recommend the course.
- 85% of parents said learners developed safer driving skills.
- Parents reported young drivers develop a better understanding of road safety (82%).
With a focus on interactive learning in a peer group environment, learners are able to gain a better understanding of the risks associated with driving a motor vehicle. Learner drivers are taken through the theory as well as the practical application of safe driving techniques.
Course Cost and Eligibility
The Course costs $140, which translates to $7 per logbook hour, as you will receive 20 logbook hours upon completion. You can enroll in the course online for $140.
Each year, the New South Wales Government offers 1,000 free courses to help young learner drivers from disadvantaged backgrounds. This initiative enables financially disadvantaged learners to participate in the Course, ensuring that everyone has access to this fantastic course.
To be eligible for a free course, you will need:
Hold a valid learner license.
Be under 25 years old.
Have completed 50 logbook hours of actual on-road driving (excluding 3-for-1 bonus hours).
Possess a current Health Care Card or Pension Concession Card issued by Centrelink, or have been or are currently in Out of Home Care.
Current or former participants of a Driver Licensing Access Program can also apply for a Free Safer Driver Course.
If you have a Centrelink concession card issued in your own name, you can apply for a FREE course.
Eligibility Requirements
The Course is only available to learner drivers under 25 years of age who meet the following course requirements:
- Hold a valid NSW Learners Licence.
- Have completed a minimum of 50 logbook hours of on-road driving.
- Record some night driving in your logbook.
There is no pass or fail component to the course, nor is there any exam to pass. To receive your bonus 20 logbook hours, you simply have to complete the course.
While the Course is not designed to teach you how to pass the driving test, the safe driving skills and techniques you learn will help you on test day.
Safer Driver Course Overview
Key Safe Driving Skills Taught in this course include
Students develop the skills required to drive safely, including:
✅ Speed management: Over 40% of all fatal accidents involving young drivers involve speeding. Learn to manage your speed effectively.
✅ Safe following distances: Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front to prevent rear-end collisions, the most common type of motor vehicle accident.
✅ Crash avoidance space: Understand your crash avoidance spaces and how to respond when someone enters that space.
✅ Gap selection: Learn to calculate large enough gaps at roundabouts and multiple lane roads for safe driving.
✅ Hazard perception: Improve your ability to identify hazards and respond to them appropriately.
✅ Decision making: Enhance your decision-making skills to prevent life-changing consequences while driving.
Applying Safe Driving Skills
Most people understand the need for safe driving skills, but they may struggle to apply them in real-life situations. Our Safer Drivers Course NSW equips you with the knowledge and skills to drive safely and teaches you how to apply those skills effectively.
20 Log Book Hour Course Benefits
When you complete the course, you will receive 20 additional hours in your learner logbook. There are no exams to pass; simply complete this 5-hour course and earn 20 logbook hours.
Other benefits of the course include:
- Learn how to identify hazards on the road and minimise the risk of a crash.
- Improve your defensive driving skills.
- Understand the tactics of being a ‘low-risk driver’.
- Prepare for driving as a P-plate driver.
- Apply the skills and knowledge learned in the course on the road with a qualified driving instructor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I bring with me?
When attending the Course in NSW, one should bring the following items:
(i) A valid NSW Learner’s Licence.
(ii) Your log book
(iii) Comfortable and appropriate clothing for the in-car driving session.
It’s also a good idea to arrive a few minutes early to ensure you’re prepared and ready to start on time. A vehicle is provided for module 2.
2. How many times can I attend the course?
You can attend the Course only once as a learner driver. The course is designed to provide essential safe driving skills and strategies to help young drivers under 25 years old transition to solo driving. Upon completion of the course, you will receive 20 logbook hours, which can only be claimed once. It is essential to make the most out of the course to develop safer driving habits and apply the skills learned to real-life situations.
3. Can I purchase the voucher for someone else?
Yes, you can purchase a Safe Driving Course voucher as a gift for someone else. The Course Gift Voucher makes a thoughtful and practical gift for a learner driver under 25 years old. By gifting the voucher, you’ll be helping the recipient learn essential safe driving skills and strategies while also earning 20 logbook hours upon course completion.
4. Is the course like a driving lesson?
The Course is not exactly like a traditional driving lesson. While it does involve some practical driving components, the course is designed to teach learner drivers low-risk driving techniques and safe driving strategies to help them become more responsible and confident drivers. So, while the Course does include some practical driving instruction, its primary goal is to teach learner drivers how to respond to hazards and develop safe driving habits that last a lifetime.
5. Will the course help me pass my test?
The Course is not specifically designed to teach you how to pass your driving test. However, the safe driving skills and techniques you learn during the course will likely be beneficial when taking the test.
By understanding and practicing low-risk driving techniques, hazard perception, speed management, and other essential skills taught in the course, you can become a more confident and responsible driver. These skills can positively impact your performance during the driving test and increase your chances of passing.