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Welcome To Excel Drive

Australia's Premier Driving School

Excel Drive, the experts for new learners, refresher lessons, overseas licence conversions and senior drivers. Excel Drive also have extensive Corporate initiatives in most States. Excel Drive caters for the significantly changed learning and Test criteria. Learn our low risk safe driving skills... and get your life moving.

Excel Drive has helped thousands of people learn to drive and get their driver's license. Our patient, highly experienced and skilled male and female driving instructors will have you driving confidently and competently in no time.

Our service and approach is second to none. We quickly assess your skill level and tailor your driving lessons to address your individual needs. One-on-one tuition from our experienced driving instructors ensure results come fast. We'll have you licensed and on the road in no time.

Book a 1 HOUR LESSON and get 3 HOURS credited to your log book(NSW)* Call now to find out how *conditions applY
Our latest iPod Nano winner is: Alyssa Martin from Glenbrook, NSW

Book online now and receive 50% off your next lesson when you have been referred by a current Excel Drive client! Not available SA or NSW Central Coast. (conditions apply)

Learn to drive in a modern automatic or manual dual-controlled vehicle. Choose an experienced male or female driving instructor.

Click here to find a driving instructor near you.

Get the latest details... Learners' regulations have recently changed in Victoria and NSW.

For people who need to break through their fear of driving, we recommend the course: Fear of Driving

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Learning to drive with Excel Drive

Welcome to Excel Drive School. Here you will find information on what makes us the number one choice for driving lessons in Australia. We are the only driving schools in Australia operating in four states: Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. The driving schools’ instructors are specialists in log books, the defensive drivingcourse and the driving test.

Excel Drive provides driving courses to teens, adults, seniors, disabled drivers and even those with a fear of driving. Excel Drive makes it easy for students by providing free home pickup; or the driving lesson may begin at school or at the workplace.

Your Excel Drive instructor will tailor make a driving course to suit each learner’s particular requirements, whether you be a brand new starter on your 16th birthday or someone who has already passed the driving test and just needs a refresher.

You may wish to start your driving course at just one lesson per week or, if your driving licence test date is near, a semi-intensive driving course might suit you best. With an extensive knowledge of all the local test routes and personal one-to-one instruction, we can help even those with a fear of driving gain the confidence they need to pass their driving test.
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About Excel Drive School

The Excel Drive driving school was established in 1956 to provide learner drivers with efficient and professional driver education. We now have a driving school Melbourne; a driving school Sydney; a driving school Gold Coast and a driving school Adelaide.

Excel Drive offers tailored driving courses from experienced male and female driving instructors in modern automatic or manual dual-controlled vehicles. Our instructors quickly assess your skill level and tailor your driving lesson to address your individual needs. We provide the highest quality customer service in driving schools around Australia.

Our "Excel Driving Schools Guarantee" ensures a stress-free, value for money experience. Importantly, our evaluation is based on one-on-one individual tuition so learning to drive is stress-free and simple at the driving schools in major cities and regional areas – learn at your own pace using our expertly trained driving instructors who will have you driving confidently and competently in no time at all.

That's why thousands of our satisfied customers recommend Excel Drive Driving Schools, and we believe you will too!
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When you drive with Excel Drive you’ll enjoy:

Patient and fully qualified driving instructors at the driving school
Test success in as few lessons as possible as any other driving school
Convenient pick-ups from home, work or school
Modern dual control cars in automatic and manual
Reduced driving courses prices when you block book at our driving school
A choice of driving instructors from our entire driving school
Intensive driving courses
Driving lessons seven days a week
Driving lessons (for all sorts of drivers)
Extended driver training options including courses from our defensive driving schools
Learning from the most friendly driving schools in Australia!

We know that drivers come in all shapes and sizes. A bit like cars, so your driving lessons will be structured to suit YOU. That's how things are done at Excel Drive driving school.

If you’re an absolute beginner, give us a call. If you have a fear of driving, no problem. If you want to do a Pass Plus or intensive driving course, we’ll be happy to teach you. If you want to learn more about defensive driving, we have defensive driving school instructors ready to teach you the best techniques. And if you want automatic driving lessons, we’ve got automatic cars ready and waiting.

Whatever your age, ability or driving experience; or whether you’re seeking a driving school Melbourne; a driving school Sydney; a driving school Gold Coast or a driving school Adelaide; we have the perfect driving courses for you.

Excel Drive School is waiting to teach you!
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Absolute Beginner driving lessons

It’s your first driving lesson. You may feel a bit overwhelmed. You may even have a little fear of driving. But don’t nervous. Just remember that everyone on the road today has had a first driving lesson at some point.

To start with your instructor will check your learner permit and get you familiar with the controls like your clutch, brake and accelerator. And of course the steering wheel.

Your driving lesson will be taken by an approved and licensed instructor who will follow the recommended guidelines.

For more information on beginner driving lessons contact us on 1300 856 857 (local rate).
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Refresher driving courses

Passed your test and not driven since? Maybe you’re not used to driving in a town and now you need to. Perhaps you’ve had an accident and you’ve lost a bit of confidence.

Whatever the reason, a refresher driving course could be just the thing to get you driving confidently again.

How long your refresher driving course lasts is up you. But you’ll be taught by a calm and patient instructor who will take the time to go through those areas of your driving which need a bit of practise.

For more information on refresher driving courses contact us on 1300 856 857.
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Intensive driving courses

Sometimes you need to get your test passed as quickly as possible. If that’s the case we can offer intensive driving courses which could get you your driving licence within about three weeks, providing you have your log book hours completed.

We can take you out for an hour assessment before recommending how many hours we think you’ll need to get to test standard.

Want more information on intensive driving courses? Contact us on1300 856 857 (local rate).
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Defensive driving course

Throughout Excel Drive’s defensive driving course young drivers are strongly encouraged to develop better on-road low risk defensive driving skills and more solid techniques, while more experienced drivers also benefit enormously from advanced driver training, including the correction of old habits and improving judgment and reactions. Whether your choice of vehicle is a small sedan, a large family mover, a sports car or a four wheel drive, a defensive driving course is relevant, enjoyable, and will far improve your skills and ability levels.

Want more information on the Excel Drive defensive driving course? Contact us on 1300 856 857 (local rate).
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Corporate and fleet driver training service

Excel Drive is one of few driving schools in Australia who offer this service. Excel Drive provides high quality training programs that are custom designed and work to deliver the required results for drivers and companies alike. Our courses include a unique blend of risk assessment and training which makes them suitable for all drivers. Our corporate and fleet driving training service allows you to reduce fleet costs and reduce the occupational road risk to your employees.

For more information on Excel Drive’s corporate and fleet driving training service call 1300 856 857 (local rate).
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Learning to drive with Excel Drive’s driving school Melbourne

The driving school Melbourne covers Melbourne metropolitan areas plus Geelong and surrounding areas, Mornington Peninsula and surrounding areas, Dandenong Ranges, Wodonga and Wangaratta.

Learning to drive with Excel Drive’s driving school Adelaide

The driving school Adelaide covers Adelaide metropolitan and surrounding areas from Elizabeth and surrounds in the north to Sellicks Beach in the south and Mt Barker in the Adelaide Hills.

Learning to drive with Excel Drive’s driving school Sydney

The driving school Sydney covers Sydney metropolitan area through to the Blue Mountains, Richmond, Campbelltown, Albury/Wodonga, and the NSW Central Coast.

Learning to drive with Excel Drive’s Driving school Gold Coast

Call Excel Drive on 1300 856 857 or email lessons@exceldrive.com to find out more about the driving school Gold Coast.
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Excel Drive’s driving lesson tips

With an extensive knowledge of all the local test routes and personal one to one instruction, Excel Drive can help even the most wary of new drivers gain the confidence they need to pass the driving test.

Although many learner drivers find selecting the driving school and taking the first driving lesson daunting at first, with the correct preparation and a quality driving course there is no reason why the freedom of a full driving license can't be attainable to all.

The more driver training and driving lessons you receive (through the driving school, family or friends), the better. Driving is a skill that must be learned. Yes, some people have a greater aptitude for driving than others, but all learner drivers will benefit from a professional driving course provided by a competent driving instructor.

When preparing for the driving licence test, get in as much driving practise as possible. Experience as many driving situations as you can. Drive at night, in the country, in town, on dual carriageways and in all weather conditions. This will not only help you pass the practical driving licence test but also the theory test and hazard perception test. Driving variety and depth should be your main objectives. This level of driving licence test preparation will not only increase your chances of passing the practical and theory tests first time but also, in the long run, save you money.

The prices charged for driving courses can differ widely. If the price is very cheap, make sure you ask whether or not the driving instructor giving the driving lesson is fully qualified. They may not be, hence the low price.

Don't be fooled by very cheap driving lessons. Some of the driving schools may offer incredibly cheap introduction offers on your driving lesson. These prices don't always add up. Remember cheap in, expensive out. They pull you in with a cheap deal but then you find yourself advised to have more driving lessons, at the standard rate, than you actually need.
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Frequently asked questions

Should I learn in an automatic or manual vehicle?
Learning to drive in an automatic or manual vehicle depends on your situation. It is easier to learn in an automatic car, because there is no clutch or gears to worry about. This means you will most likely require fewer driving lessons before undertaking the driving licence test. However, if you obtain an automatic vehicle licence, you will not be licensed to drive a manual car while holding your probationary licence.

If you own an automatic car or would like to possibly obtain your licence more easily, then perhaps an automatic driving licence test is for you. You can always gain confidence in your automatic vehicle and undertake the manual driving licence test later on.

How many driving lessons will I have to take before I am a competent driver?
This depends on the individual. Extensive driving experience with your parents, different learning abilities, or greater confidence all impact on the number of driving lessons required. Our instructors driving courses to the individual student and will let you know how you’re going, but as a rule of thumb, a complete beginner can be taught to drive with between 8 and 14 lessons.

How long do lessons go for?
Excel Drive’s driving school in Victoria run lessons for 45 minutes; the driving school in NSW, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania run lessons for 60 minutes. Your driving lesson will begin from an agreed location, usually your home or school.

What are Government Fees and Bookings?
Your instructor will book your driving licence test once he/she considers you have reached the required skill level to pass.

VicRoads, RTA and the South Australian Department of Transport charge a booking fee for each driving licence test. Once you have passed the test you must also pay the fee for a probationary licence. You can choose either a three year or 10 year licence in Victoria while in NSW, it is valid for 12 months.

Why Take Lessons?
Driving is a skill that must be learned. Yes, some people have a greater aptitude for driving than others, but everyone learning to drive will benefit from professional driving lessons provided by one of Excel Drive’s competent driving instructors. It is much safer to have at least the initial driving lessons with an Excel Drive approved instructor in a suitable training vehicle fitted with dual controls.

Driving instructors will not pass on bad habits to the learner that parents may do absent-mindedly and are highly trained and understand how to teach the skills required to ensure that the learner driver can pass the driving licence test and continue as a safe road user.

Does Excel Drive offer defensive driving lessons?
Yes! Excel Drive’s defensive driving school teaches young drivers better on-road low risk defensive driving skills and more solid techniques, while more experienced drivers also benefit enormously from advanced driver training, including the correction of old habits and improving judgment and reactions.

Where does Excel drive offer driving lessons?
Excel Drive has a driving school Melbourne; a driving school Adelaide; a driving school Sydney; and a driving school Gold Coast. Call Excel Drive on 1300 856 857 or email lessons@exceldrive.com to find out more about a driving school in your city.
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Learning to drive: the driving licence test

The driving licence test is an on-road test that assesses your driving skills, decision-making, awareness of other road users, and how you share the road with other traffic. You will drive along a set course while a testing officer scores your driving ability. You will pass the driving licence test if you get 90 per cent or more and you have no fail items.

Before you go for your driving licence test, get a copy of:
VIC: The driving handbook Road to Driving Solo available from VicRoads offices or www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
NSW: A Guide to the Driving Test, which you can pick up from any motor registry or view and download from the RTA website at rta.nsw.gov.au.
SA: The Drivers Handbook, which you can download from the sa.gov.au website.

Your best source of information throughout your driving courses is your Excel Drive Instructor.

Taking a practise driving test with Excel Drive will help give you information about:

The way the licence test is structured.
How your driving is assessed.
What you will have to do during the test.
Pass standards.

The practise driving test will not be conducted unless you produce your log book showing that you have completed and achieved all the learning goals, including a minimum of 120 hours driving practise (SA 50hrs), of which 20 hours must be of night driving. Both you and your supervising driver must sign the declaration of completion at the end of the log book.

Your P1 licence is valid for 12 months. You must have held your P1 licence for a minimum of 12 months before you can progress to the next licence stage.
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The practise driving test

A practise driving test will help you by:

reviewing your driving and evaluating your specific tuition needs (we'll show you specifically what to practise at home so that you achieve your goal faster)
we'll take you through a practise driving test to ensure you are confident and ready for the test.

All Excel Drive students receive a report that will show you how far you are from the practise driving test standard and the specific topics that still need to be practised.

Before you go for the practise driving test
Before you go for the practise driving test, driving school Sydney students can pick up a copy of A Guide to the Driving Test from any motor registry or view and download from the RTA website at rta.nsw.gov.au; driving school Melbourne students can pick up a copy of Driving Solo from any Vic Roads office or www.vicroads.vic.gov.au; driving school Gold Coast students can download Your Keys To Driving In Queensland and the Learner Driver Handbook from www.transport.qld.gov.au; and driving school Adelaide students can download The Driver’s Handbook from the sa.gov.au website.

These booklets will provide information about the practise driving test. Your driver trainer will also be able to give you the information you need. Excel Drive students will go through a practise driving test before they attempt a test. This ensures they have the necessary confidence and knowledge to be able to pass the driving test on the first attempt.

Learning to drive in New South Wales
Information for driving school Sydney students from the New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority

The Graduated Licensing Scheme requires new drivers to pass through three licensing stages before obtaining a full driver licence.

Learner licence / learner permit
Provisional P1 licence
Provisional P2 licence

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Learner licence

To get your learner licence you must:

Be at least 16 years of age.
Pass a Driver Knowledge Test
Prove your identity.
Pass an eyesight test.

Learning to drive: the learner licence

Your Learner Licence is valid for 3 years in Queensland and 5 years in NSW.
When you get your Ls you will get a Learner driver log book so that you and your supervising driver can record your driving experience.
You must hold your Ls for at least 12 months*, and complete at least 50 hours of log book driving practise in NSW, 120 hours log book driving practise in Victoria, including 20 hours of night driving, before you can progress to the next licence stage.
You will be restricted from driving high-performance vehicles when a P1 licence is issued. However, as a learner, you can learn to drive or attempt the driving test in these vehicles.

* The 12 months minimum learner licence period does not apply if you are over 25 years of age, but you must still complete the log book and have at least 120 hours driving practise.
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Learning to drive: the driving test

The Driving Test is an on-road test that assesses your driving skills, decision-making, awareness of other road users, and how you share the road with other traffic. You will drive along a set course while a testing officer scores your driving ability. You will pass if you get 90 per cent or more and you have no fail items.
Before you go for the driving test, get a copy of A guide to the Driving Test, which you can pick up from any motor registry or view and download from the RTA website.

Driving school Sydney students can take a Practise Driving Test with Excel Drive that will help give you information about:

The way the driving test is structured;
How your driving is assessed;
What you will have to do during the driving test; and
Pass standards.

The driving test will not be conducted unless you produce your log book showing that you have completed and achieved all the learning goals, including a minimum of 120 hours driving practise, of which 20 hours must be of night driving. Both you and your supervising driver must sign the declaration of completion at the end of the book.
Your P1 licence is valid for 12 months. You must have held your P1 licence for a minimum of 12 months before you can progress to the next licence stage.
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Learning to drive: the provisional P2 licence

To get your provisional P2 licence you must:

Have held a P1 licence for at least 12 months.

Driving school Sydney students can find more information at www.rta.nsw.gov.au or13 22 13.
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Learning to drive: in South Australia

Information for driving school Adelaide students from Transport SA

Getting a licence involves gradually progressing through a series of stages until you are ready to graduate to a full driver’s licence.

The path to a full driver’s licence is called the graduated licensing scheme. It involves:

at least 50 hours of supervised driving during the learner’s permit stage;
a two-stage provisional licence (P1 and P2);
a compulsory hazard perception test to progress from P1 to P2;
rewards for drivers who do the right thing, and penalties for those who don’t; and
graduation to a full driver’s licence.

The first step towards gaining your driver's licence is obtaining a learner's permit.
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Learning to drive: the learner's permit

Before applying for a learner's permit you must be 16 years or older and pass a theory test demonstrating your knowledge of the road rules and road safety.

Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Prepare for the theory test.
You can sit your learner's theory test at any Service SA customer service centre and some country police stations (call your local police station to check first). Testing closes at 4.15 pm daily.

Step 2: Prepare your application fees and documents.
If you pass the theory test, you can apply for the learner’s permit immediately. So prepare the following information to take with you:

evidence of identity that verifies your identity, age, signature and residential address
the fee for the theory test
the fee for your learner's permit
a medical certificate (if you have a medical condition which may affect your ability to drive).

Step 3: Getting a learner’s permit.
After passing the theory test and completing your application, your photograph will be taken and you will receive a temporary learner's permit. Your photo learner's permit will be posted to you.

Step 4: Driving under the learner’s permit conditions.

The learner’s permit is issued for two years.
Make sure you know and follow the conditions that apply to you as the holder of a learner’s permit otherwise you will face penalties. You could be fined, disqualified
from driving and have your permit cancelled.
When you have your learner’s permit, you can work towards a P1 provisional licence.

Learning to drive: the P1 provisional driver's licence

After you have obtained your learner’s you can work towards getting the P1 provisional driver’s licence.

What you need to apply
To apply for a P1 provisional licence you need to:

be at least 16 years and six months old
have held your learner’s permit for a minimum of six months
complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving experience recorded in your logbook (including at least 10 hours of night driving).
complete 50 hours of supervised driving

When you get your learner’s permit, you will receive a free booklet called the Driving Companion. It includes log books to record your driving experience.

Read your driving companion thoroughly, it will explain:

how to choose a qualified supervising driver or driving instructor from the driving school Adelaide
how to complete the 50 hours of driving experience and record it in the log book
how to get your certificate of competency so that you can apply for a P1 provisional licence.

Getting a certificate of competency
There are two ways to obtain a certificate of competency so that you can apply for your P1 provisional licence.

Option 1: Undertake and pass a practical driving test (also known as a vehicle-on-road test or VORT)
or
Option 2: Complete a competency based training course (CBT) with an accredited instructor from the driving school Adelaide.

These options are described in full in your Driving Companion. After you have decided which one suits you best and you have completed the requirements and gained your certificate, you can apply for your P1 provisional licence. See the instructions below.
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Applying for your P1 provisional licence

Go to a Service SA customer service centre with the following:

your certificate of competency
your learner’s permit
your completed log book that includes a completed declaration of your 50 hours of supervised driving
the fee for your P1 provisional licence.

You will have your photograph taken and receive a temporary P1 provisional driver’s licence that is valid for one month. Your photo licence will be posted to you.
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About your P1 provisional licence

A P1 provisional licence is issued for two years or until you reach 19 years of age, whichever period is longer.
If you accumulate any demerit points for an offence committed while under 19 years of age, you’ll need to hold the P1 provisional licence until you are at least 20 years of age.
You need to comply with the P1 provisional licence conditions.

Driving school Adelaide students can take a Practise Driving Test with Excel Drive that will help give you information about:

The way the driving test is structured;
How your driving is assessed;
What you will have to do during the driving test; and
Pass standards.

Driving school Adelaide students can find more information at www.transport.sa.gov.au or call 13 10 84.
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Learning to drive in Victoria

Information for driving school Melbourne students from VicRoads
Victoria’s Graduated Licensing System is an initiative to help improve the safety of young drivers.

For more information, visit www.arrivealive.vic.gov.au.
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Learning to drive: the learner permit

Applying for your learner permit is the first step to getting your licence. To get your learner permit you must be at least:

16 years of age for a car

To get a car learner permit you will need to pass an eyesight test and a multiple choice theory test on road law which is computer based.
To prepare for your car learner permit test you can buy the Road to Solo Driving handbook, available in five languages including English. You can view a read-only version of both handbooks online and purchase a copy from VicRoads online bookshop, VicRoads’ Customer Service Centres, RACV offices, selected newsagents and bookshops.

Important: If you have a medical or take prescribed medication that may affect your ability to drive safely, you must provide a medical report and get clearance from VicRoads Medical Review before you can be issued with a learner permit. If you are not sure whether you need to supply a medical report please contact Medical Review on (03) 9854 2407.

Before attempting your learner permit test, take the practise licence tests at www.vicroads.vic.gov.au to familiarise yourself with the structure and layout of the tests.
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Learning to drive: the probationary licence

A probationary licence allows you to drive a car solo on the road. You can only attempt to get your Ps if you are 18 years of age or over.

How to get your probationary licence
To get your probationary licence you’ll need:

120 hours of driving experience recorded in the Learner Log Book
to make an appointment and prepare for your tests. You can book your test online at www.vicroads.vic.gov.au
to provide a medical report and get clearance from VicRoads Medical Review before the test (if you have a medical condition or take prescribed medication)
to do the Hazard Perception Test
to do the Drive Test
to know the rules for P drivers.

Important: If you have a medical condition or take prescribed medication that may affect your ability to drive safely, you must provide a medical report and get clearance from VicRoads Medical Review before doing your licence test. If you are not sure whether you need to supply a medical report please contact Medical Review on (03) 9854 2407.

The Learner Log Book

The Learner Log Book is free when you get your learner permit. You must record in the log book at least 120 hours of supervised driving experience, including 10 hours at night.

The Drive Test

The Drive Test helps identify drivers who are ready to drive safely on their own. Detailed information is available to help you prepare and pass your test.

Automatic condition and removing the condition

If you do your probationary licence test in a vehicle with automatic transmisson, you can only drive vehicles with automatic transmission during your probationary period. There will be an 'A' printed on your licence card.

At the end of the probationary period, you can drive vehicles with manual transmission without having to do another driving test provided the condition is not required due to a disability.

If you are still on your probationary licence with an automatic transmission restriction the only way you can remove this condition is to pass a test in a vehicle with manual transmission.

When learning to drive in a manual vehicle you must have someone with a full manual licence sitting beside you and display 'Driver Under Instruction' plates as well as your 'P' plates on the front and back of your vehicle. Driver Under Instruction plates must be 150mm x 150mm with black lettering on a yellow background.

Rules for driving on your Ps

After passing the tests you will be issued with either a P1 (red plates) or P2 (green plates) probationary licence.

Driving school Melbourne students can take a Practise Driving Test with Excel Drive that will help give you information about:

The way the driving test is structured;
How your driving is assessed;
What you will have to do during the driving test; and
Pass standards.

Driving school Melbourne students can find more information at www.vicroads.vic.gov.au or call 13 11 71.

Learning to drive in Queensland

Information for driving school Gold Coast students from Queensland Transport

The first step driving school Gold Coast students must take before learning to drive a car (class C) on a road is to obtain a learner licence.

Learner drivers are not generally prone to having crashes, but once you obtain your provisional licence, statistics show that you are twice as likely to be involved in fatal crashes than drivers aged between 25-59 years.

It is absolutely critical that you use your time as a learner to make yourself the safest and best possible driver. Each hour of supervised on-road driver training you receive must be recorded in your learner log book. You need to complete 100 hours of supervised on-road driving, including 10 hours of night driving, before you are eligible to obtain a provisional licence.

Information is available for your driving instructor to help you develop your driving skills effectively.

In July 2007 the Queensland Government introduced the graduated licensing system to reduce fatalities on our roads, particularly among young motorists.

Young drivers aged 17–24 years of age are twice as likely to be involved in fatal crashes than drivers aged between 25–59 years of age. That's why the Queensland Government introduced new laws to change the licensing system for young drivers.

The changes that have been introduced since July 2007 include:

The minimum learner age was lowered to 16 years of age and the learner licence period was extended to a minimum period of one year.
Learner drivers under 25 years of age must gain 100 hours of certified supervised driving experience recorded in a learner log book before being eligible to apply for a provisional licence.
Note: Learner drivers and their supervisors may choose to use the online electronic log book system that has been developed by RACQ to record the required 100 hours driving experience.
Mobile phone use, including hands-free, blue-tooth accessories and loud-speaker functions, has been restricted for learner and P1 provisional holders under 25 years of age.
Supervisors and passengers of learner drivers under 25 years of age cannot use a phone that is on loudspeaker but can use a hand held or hands-free mobile phone where only a one-way conversation can occur and not distract the driver.
A two-phased P1 and P2 provisional licence system has been introduced.
L-plates (a black L on a yellow background) and P-plates (a red plate for P1 and green plate for P2) are now compulsory.
Peer passenger restrictions were introduced — P1 provisional licence holders under 25 years of age can only carry one passenger aged under 21 years between 11pm and 5am.
High-powered vehicles are restricted for provisional drivers under 25 years of age.
Drivers must pass a hazard perception test to progress from a P1 to a P2 or open licence (dependant on age).
Restrictions, such as no late driving, have been introduced for disqualified and suspended young drivers.

Driving school Gold Coast students can take a Practise Driving Test with Excel Drive that will help give you information about:

The way the driving test is structured;
How your driving is assessed;
What you will have to do during the driving test; and
Pass standards.

Driving school Gold Coast students can find more information at www.transport.qld.gov.au or 13 22 13.

Driving school Melbourne Students' log books guide

As part of the new Graduated Licensing System, all learner drivers under the age of 21 will be required to complete 120 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night).

Supervising Driver
When you are learning to drive a car it is a requirement of your learner permit to a supervising driver seated beside you at all times while driving. The supervising driver must have a:

current full (non - probationary) Victorian car driver licence,
or
an interstate or overseas driver licence that has been held for at least two or more years for the category of motor vehicle being driven by the learner driver

All supervising drivers must also carry their licence with them and are subject to a 0.05% blood alcohol concentration requirement (BAC) (except Driving Instructors who must have a zero BAC), and complete their details in the 'List for Supervising Drivers' in the Learner Log Book. The supervising driver will also have to complete the 'Declaration of Completion' in the Learner Log Book.

120 Hours of Supervised Driving
All learner drivers under the age of 21 who obtain their learner permit on or after 1 July 2007 must complete a minimum of 120 hours of supervised learner driving experience (including at least 10 hours at night) before they can take their driving licence test.

These hours must be recorded in an official learner log book that is signed by the learner driver and the supervising driver. This log book is issued to the learner driver free of charge when they pass the learner permit test.

Learner drivers who do not accumulate 120 hours (including at least 10 hours at night) and have not been exempted from this requirement, will not be permitted to take the driving licence test and will lose their test and appointment fees. Learner drivers will not be permitted to complete the learner log book in the Customer Service Centre on the day of their appointment.

It is not mandatory for learner drivers 21 years of age or older or learner drivers who obtained their learner permit prior to 1 July 2007 to complete a minimum of 120 hours of supervised driving experience before they can take their driving licence test.

Driving school Melbourne students can find more information about log books at www.vicroads.vic.gov.au or call 13 11 71.

Driving school Sydney students' log books guide

Learner licences issued from 1 July 2007 will be valid for five years. When you are issued with your learner licence you will receive a Learner Driver Log Book so that you and your supervising driver(s) can record your driving experience. You will have to log at least 120 hours of supervised driving (which includes 20 hours of night driving) before you can attempt the Driving Test to move to a provisional licence. Night driving starts from sunset of one day and ends at sunrise on the following day.

Learners issued a licence prior 1 July 2007
If your learner licence is current at 30 June 2007, you can attempt the Driving Test once you have held your licence for at least six months and completed 50 hours of log book practise but only until the expiry date of your licence. Note: drivers over 25 years of age are exempt from the six month tenure requirement but must still complete the required log book hours.

If you have not passed the Driving Test by the expiry date of your licence, you will need to pass another Driver Knowledge Test (DKT), renew your licence and complete a total of 120 hours log books practise (including 20 hours of night driving) before another driving test can be attempted. Previous log book experience will be recognised and counted towards the 120 hours.

You will also need to complete 120 hours of log book practise (including 20 hours of night driving) if your licence is cancelled and you re-apply after 1 July 2007 (as in the case of a disqualification). This means that you will need to have also held your licence for at least 12 months (if you are under 25 years of age) before the Driving Test can be attempted.

If you are transferring your interstate and overseas learner licence after 1 July 2007, you will be exempt from the 120 hours log book requirements if you pass the Driving Test. However, if you fail the driving test, you will be issued with a NSW learner licence and be required to hold your licence for 12 months (if under 25 years of age) and complete 120 hours of log books practise (including 20 hours of night driving) before a further driving test can be attempted. The RTA will recognise any log book hours recorded in your home state provided appropriate documentation is presented.

Those who are exempt from holding a log book include:

Drivers who have previously held a NSW or interstate drivers licence other than a learner licence.
Drivers who apply for a learner licence and have previously held an overseas licence other than a learner licence.
Holders of an overseas licence, other than a learner licence, who are issued with a learner licence after failing one Driving Test.
Aged drivers issued with a learner licence after failing an age Driving Test.
Drivers specifically exempted by the RTA.

Driving school Sydney students can find more information about log books at www.rta.nsw.gov.au or13 22 13.

Driving school Adelaide students' log books guide

How to use your Log Book
Each time you drive a car, you must record the details on the forms that follow. The log book must be completed accurately and honestly.
Penalties apply for fraudulent information.

There are 10 forms allocated to record your daytime driving experience.
There are 2 forms allocated to record your night-time driving experience.
Complete the forms as shown in the sample provided.

If additional forms are required you may photocopy a blank form or download a blank form from www.dtei.sa.gov.au/publications

Choosing your driving conditions
When using your log book, it is recommended that you record all of your driving experience in different conditions. This means you can keep track of the type of conditions you have driven in. By the time you go for the driving test, you should have lots of experience in all driving conditions.
Before you commence any practise, your Qualified Supervising Driver should explain each driving task to you.
Start your driving practise on quiet streets and, as your driving gets better, begin to experience a wider range of conditions. You could try driving in different -

Light conditions (day, night, dawn, dusk)
Weather conditions (eg rain, fog)
Types of roads (eg highways, gravel roads)
Traffic conditions (light or heavy)

Only drive in these conditions when you are comfortable controlling your car. Try one new condition at a time, so you have time to become familiar with each new situation. Don't combine lots of new driving conditions all at once. Try easier driving conditions first and slowly move to harder conditions when you're ready.

Driving school Adelaide students can find more information about log books at www.transport.sa.gov.au or call 13 10 84

More information; defensive driving course

It’s a fact that though drivers can control most of their actions most of the time, they are totally powerless when it comes to the actions of others drivers. They simply do not know what other drivers on the road are going tot do. This is why it is very important for drivers to learn the special skill called defensive driving. So if you want to protect yourself and your loved ones from accident, then it is highly advisable that you take a defensive driving course from a reputable defensive driving school. Such classes offer a wealth of information when it comes to preventing or fixing road mishaps. Adopting a defensive driving approach from a qualified defensive driving school instructor will reduce stress, save money and get you there in one piece - and more often than not, get you there quicker! A defensive driving course is a great advantage to any driver - your safety whilst driving lies mainly in your own hands. The better control you have of your vehicle and road space, the safer you'll be.

What is defensive driving? Simply put, it is a way of driving where the driver takes every possible precautionary measure in order to prevent accidents or untoward incidents from occurring. Defensive driving through an accredited defensive driving school is probably the best way to ensure the safety of a driver and his or her passengers.

Excel Drive’s defensive driving course, taught by qualified defensive driving school instructors, is suited to all drivers of regular passenger vehicles, including four-wheel drives and light commercial vehicles. The mix of practical and theoretical components of this defensive driving school course delivers actual on-road safety skills that underpin proactive driving.

The practical driving component of our fleet safety and defensive driving school course is conducted on wet roads at suburban speeds. The defensive driving course includes a variety of on road exercises including emergency braking, swerving and multiple direction changes.

For more information on Excel Drive’s defensive driving school, call 1300 856 857 or email lessons@exceldrive.com.

More Information: overcoming a fear of driving

You’d be surprised to discover how common the fear of driving is. It’s a little bit different for everyone, but most often the fear of driving develops after you have an anxiety producing experience while in the car. For those suffering from the fear of driving, driving anxiety, or phobias about driving related situations such as driving over bridges, on highways, or out of your comfort zone, we have a specialized driving course to work through your fear of driving. We can show you how easily and quickly your fears can be overcome with the proper training. When clients defeat their fear of driving, a whole new world opens up. They can reclaim their freedom and independence.

Tips for overcoming your fear of driving

Get as much practise as possible, in quiet areas initially, until you are ready to move up a notch. Do this for as long as it takes. Working with a qualified Excel Drive instructor will take a lot of the anxiety out of learning to conquer your fear of driving. Unless a professional instructor is gently trying to build your confidence, try not to let well-meaning family or friends push you into anything before you are ready for it.

More information: adult driver education and training

We have driving courses for behind-the-wheel instruction. Our instructors evaluate your abilities and learning speed and provide you with an estimate of the time it may take you to become licensed. The instructor will then set up a lesson plan for you. When you're ready, we can give you a practise driving test so you can feel confident of passing the real thing.

The curriculum

Our driving courses for learning to drive include:
Orientation to the car
Starting and stopping, forward and backward
Scanning, visual search
Using the mirrors
Right and left turns
Light traffic
Parking
Turnabout
Residential area driving
Business area driving
One way streets
Uphill/downhill parking
Light traffic freeway
Keeping the car under control
Defensive driving
A strategy for staying safe
And more...