Learning to drive: teenagers

Thinking ahead about teenagers learning to drive

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 how you want your child to learn to drive.

Here are some things to think about:

What is your child learning from how you drive? You’re a role model for your child, so it’s important to think about whether you want your child to drive the way you do.
How will your child learn? For example, you could teach your child yourself or use a driving instructor, or do a combination.
What are the legal requirements in your state for learner drivers and provisional drivers? For example, most states have a minimum number of hours that learner drivers must do, and some restrict the number of passengers or type of car that a newly licensed driver can drive.
What rules do you need about using the family car? For example, it might be good to think about whether your child can drive with friends in the car after getting their P-plates, or whether they can drive at night.
What car insurance do you need? Check that your car insurance covers your teenage driver. You might need to update it.

It’s a good idea to let your child know that learning to drive and getting a driving licence is just the start of a lifelong learning process.

Getting started on learning to drive

The first step in learning to drive is getting 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.

In some states or territories, you just fill in a learner licence application form. In others, your child must also pass a written or computer-based test on road rules or complete a pre-learner licence training course. Some states also have an eyesight test.

In most Australian states and territories, learner drivers must gain driving experience on the road before they can do the test to get their Ps. They must do their learner driving under the supervision of a driver who holds a full and unrestricted licence.

The number of driving hours learners must do and other rules – like whether they must pass a hazards test – vary across states and territories.

Restrictions on learner permits also differ across states and territories – for example, the maximum speed and blood alcohol level.

When learner drivers pass their driving test, they can get their Ps. The minimum age at which drivers can get their Ps ranges from 16 years and 6 months in the Northern Territory to 18 years in Victoria. It’s 17 years in other states and territories.

Practical steps towards learning to drive

Driving practice with you is a free and effective way for your child to learn to drive. Here are some tips that can make it a safe and positive experience for everyone:

When you’re driving, talk about what you’re doing and why. This is a good way to start helping your child learn to read the road.
Discuss in advance the ground rules of driving. A basic rule might be that when you say to stop the car, your child needs to stop immediately and ask questions later.
Stay calm. If your child isn’t following your instructions, ask them to pull over, and then gently tell them what they need to do. Driving is stressful for teenagers, so if you stay calm it’ll help your child to feel calm too.
Give your child plenty of opportunities to drive in a range of conditions – for example, at night, on freeways and in the rain. This way your child experiences these conditions for the first time under your supervision.

You might also want to think about using a qualified driving instructor for some lessons. A qualified instructor will ensure your child learns the most current road rules and is ready for the licence test.

Many driving schools let you come along for the first lesson, so you can see how your child is being taught. This can guide the way you teach your child. An Australian Government-funded program called Keys2drive gives learner drivers and their supervisors a free lesson with an accredited driving instructor.

Modelling and reinforcing safe driving

Your child learns about driving not only from formal lessons, but also from watching how you drive.

You have a big role to play in modelling safe, legal and responsible driving and road use, even when your child is younger – for example, by sticking to the speed limit, obeying road signs, and being considerate of other road users including pedestrians and cyclists. You could even refresh your knowledge of road rules by downloading the rules from your state’s road and traffic authority website.

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 bonds.

Common causes of road crashes among younger drivers

Being inexperienced is the biggest risk factor for young people when they first start driving by themselves.

Here are some other common risk factors for road crashes in younger drivers:

Speed: this is the biggest killer of young drivers.
Distraction: this includes the effects of passengers talking and texting on mobile phones.
Driving at night: this includes fatigue and factors like reduced vision.
Type of vehicle: young drivers who share their parents’ cars are less risky on the road. So it’s a good idea to delay the purchase of your child’s own car if possible.
Alcohol use: compared to older drivers, young drivers are less likely to drink and drive. And they’re likely to drink less if they do drink and drive. But when they do drink and drive, their risk of crashing is higher.

Most P-platers drive safely and legally, particularly if they get plenty of supervised driving experience before getting their licences.

Learning to drive with additional needs

Some young people have a medical condition that can affect their ability to drive – for example, epilepsy, diabetes, disability or other additional need. All states and territories have rules covering these situations.

Licensing requirements and additional needs provisions

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

Victoria

Western Australia