Planning ahead
Driving – it’s something many teenagers can’t wait to do, but something many parents would like to put off for as long as possible.
It’s natural to be anxious about this new phase of your child’s life. There are plenty of media reports about accidents involving young people, and you might think there’s a high risk of danger when young people get behind the wheel. But if you plan ahead, you’ll be well placed to help your child become a responsible driver.
And more young people drive safely and legally than you might think. Research shows that most P-platers start out driving safely, and the great majority continues to drive responsibly after several years on the road.
The early to mid-teen years, before your child is old enough to get a learner permit, is a good time to start thinking about your child learning to drive. Some issues you might consider include the following:
- How your child will learn – that is, whether to teach your child yourself or use a driving instructor. All states have a minimum number of hours that learner drivers need to complete before they’re eligible for a probationary licence. For example, it’s 120 hours in New South Wales and Victoria, and 100 hours in Queensland.
- Rules about using the family car – for example, whether your child can drive with friends in the car after getting his P-plates, or if he can drive at night. Some states have restrictions on the first year of a probationary license. For example, in Victoria, a probationary driver in the first 12 months has additional restrictions on the number of peer passengers he’s allowed to have in the car.
- Car insurance – that is, whether to add your child to your car insurance, and what the financial implications might be.
Helping your child become a safe driver
Role-modelling
Your driving can influence your child’s approach to driving. Research shows that children of parents with a history of crashes and road safety violations are more likely to be involved in crashes or break road laws themselves. This might be because of the messages children get about driving and using the road from watching their parents behind the wheel. You have a big role to play in modelling safe, legal and responsible driving and road use, even when your child is younger.
Your child doesn’t always have to be behind the wheel to learn about safe driving. Just talking together about the types of situations that could place your child at risk can help encourage a safe and responsible attitude.
Practical help
Your child will need a lot of practical help to get a learner permit and start driving. You can help your child through the permit or licence application process. You or your partner can also help her practise driving. Driving practice together can be stressful, but it’s a free and effective way for your child to learn.
Many parents use a combination of formal driving lessons and informal parent lessons to give children the experience they need. Using a qualified driving instructor for some of the lessons will ensure your child is taught the most current road rules and best driving practices.
Research shows that positive relationships between parents and teenagers are linked to lower levels of risky driving. Our article on
staying connected with your child has suggestions for building those all-important bonds.
Learning to drive: the basics
The first step is to get a learner permit or licence. For this, your child needs to be 16 years old (except in the ACT, where it’s 15 years and 9 months old). In some states, your child will need to pass a written test on road rules. Some states also have an eyesight test, whereas in others you just fill in an application.
In most Australian states and territories, learner drivers must gain experience on the road under the supervision of a driver who holds a full unrestricted licence. This is before they can take their provisional licence test. What they need to do before they take a test for their Ps – for example, the hours of driving practice they need to do – varies across states and territories. The restrictions on learner permits also differ across states – for example, the maximum speed and blood alcohol level varies around Australia.
If your child passes the test, he can get his Ps. The minimum age at which your child can get his Ps ranges from 18 years in Victoria to 16 years and 6 months in the Northern Territory. It’s 17 years in other states and territories.
There’s more information on state and territory licensing requirements below.
Learning to drive with a special need
Some young people will have a medical condition that could impact on their ability to drive – for example, epilepsy, diabetes, a disability or a special need. All states and territories have rules covering these situations.
There’s more information on state and territory licensing requirements below.
Licensing requirements and special needs provisions
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