Young drivers are at the highest risk of any age group when it comes to fatal car accident statistics. Although Learner drivers are new to the roads and generally have no prior experience driving, they have the lowest fatality rate of any age group on our roads. Why do young drivers go from being innocuous to the most dangerous demographic of drivers? It’s all got to do with attitude. Young drivers relish the freedom when they finally obtain their P’s. As a consequence, there’s a lot that can go wrong.

Learning to drive without a qualified instructor is detrimental to the ability of young drivers. Though many parents are confident and often considered ‘good’ drivers, bad habits naturally accumulate with age. These are transferred to your children, possibly by accidental misinformation or lenient supervision. It’s nothing personal - we’re all human and make mistakes, after all, but don’t you want the best for your child?

Most learner drivers need some formal instruction to simply pass their Probationary License Test - parent supervision alone isn’t usually enough. However, to further ensure their safety on the roads, you need a patient, knowledgeable instructor who will guide your child through the ins and outs of driving. Doing so will enculture them with safe driving habits, making them less likely to take dangerous risks on the road.

Henceforth, Eastern Suburbs Driving School’s mission is to create drivers who will not only pass their P plate test, but also make safe, rational decisions on the road to protect themselves and those around them.

It’s essential for young learner drivers to get independent driving experience outside of their driving lessons. Indeed, most of their 120 hours will be made up of this experience, and the way that you drive with you child will hence affect them most. Our driving coaches impart valuable techniques, but unfortunately a lesson doesn’t go for 120 hours! There are a few things you can do while driving with your child that will help them maintain and practice the techniques developed during their lessons.

First and foremost, brush up on the road rules. Though most of us have been driving for many years, we’re often sketchy when it comes to the actual rules of the road. This fact shows up in our driving, and carries over to our children whose ignorance can have dangerous consequences. We recommend that you read ‘The Road To Solo Driving Handbook’ on the VicRoads website. Thus, if your child has any questions for you as a supervising driver, you can inform them correctly.

Another idea is to communicate with your child’s driving instructor. Our driving instructors are very friendly and personable, and are more than happy to answer any queries you may have about the progress of your child’s driving. They can also help you find deficiencies in your own driving style, and recommend ways of dealing with these so that you child doesn’t pick them up.

Parents play a role in their child’s driving just as important as that of their driving instructor. By assuming the duties of a supervising driver, you cease to become simply a passenger and become highly involved in you child’s driving. It’s important that you know the rules and be wary of passing on poor driving habits. Do this, and what your child learns in his or her lesson will stick and be well worth the investment. Call us today to find out more.

For more information contact us at Eastern Suburbs Driving School.

What makes ESDS a distinguished driving school is our dedication to customer satisfaction. We pride ourselves on producing excellent drivers. That why we have a first time pass guarantee. As a student of the Eastern Suburbs Driving School, we will pay for a subsequent re-test if you fail your first test, subject to terms and conditions. It’s part of our ongoing service – just something to show the high esteem in which we hold our driving instructors.

For the first-time pass guarantee to apply, the student must have reached a standard that the driving school instructor considers high enough. The learner must also have been booked in as a license candidate with VicRoads by the Eastern Suburbs Driving School (contact us for more information). Finally, the guarantee does not apply for students that incur an instant fail, as these students likely didn’t pay enough attention in driving school.

It’s quite easy to fail your first test, so following the guidelines set out to you by your instructor is vital to improve your chances of passing. Try to keep the car that you are tested in completely clean – the assessors hate even a trace of dirt. Always remember the road rules in each situation that you are assessed on, and don’t forget to do things like head checks and checking your mirrors.

It may seem like the paths and tasks set by the driving assessor are random. Each one actually tests you on a different aspect of your driving skill. Driving down quieter, suburban road can actually be as challenging as driving on larger roads. Parking is another matter entirely, and careful attention must be paid to your technique. If you are asked to parallel park, make sure you know what you are doing! One of our trained driving instructors will prep you on such things prior to your test, if you ask nicely. Remember, Eastern Suburbs Driving School believes that you can pass. Call us today to book you lesson, and rest assured with our first-time pass guarantee!

For more information contact us at Eastern Suburbs Driving School.

VicRoads creates its tests to ensure that drivers have the right combination of skills for safe driving. These represent the final challenge for most learner drivers, a kind of gateway before the world of solo driving is at last opened up for them. The result of these tests are a Probationary license, which now exists in a graduated system of red and green plates. Driving tests consist of two main parts, the Hazard Perception Test and the Drive Test.

It’s usually recommended by VicRoads that the two tests be completed on separate days. This is is done because, if the Hazard Perception Test is failed, you won’t have to relinquish your booking for the drive test immediately afterwards - a costly mistake to make. The Hazard Perception Test is a video-based test that takes place at a selected VicRoads office. A image appears on screen, and the potential licensee must indicate using a mouse when a hazard (such as a cyclist or passing traffic) arises or clears. With adequate preparation, the Hazard Test can be easily surmounted by most young drivers, placing the learner in a good position for the drive test.

The Drive Test is what most people think of when they consider going for their Probationary license. This involves an on-road test where a VicRoads assessor conducts a series of exercises designed to test driver’s abilities in actual traffic. This is often the most daunting and challenging part of the licensing ordeal. Of course, like the Hazard Perception test, it can be managed with prior preparation. Driving lessons are useful in their capacity for preparing young drivers for the test. The instructors at ESDS know exactly what skills are necessary for passing. That’s why it’s a great idea to book a lesson with us before your next drive test.

Remember, once you get you P-Plates, don’t forget to display them prominently on your vehicle. The tests are the first steps towards the world of independent driving.

It’s a fact that teenagers love independence. The thrill of breaking out into the world is universally appealing; going places, meeting people and building a life outside of school and home. Teens on the verge of adulthood, often around eighteen, are generally just finishing their studies and beginning to understand how the world works. There are just as many risks, of course, as there are assured benefits for these young men and women. Getting one’s first car is one of those great moments in any person’s life - not just as a practical means of transportation, but also as a symbol of freedom and independence. Once a teenager gets their P-plates, a brand new world is essentially opened up to them. They’re no longer relegated to the complicated realm of public transport or forced to bum rides off their parents, guardians or peers.

With such freedom, though, comes a considerable degree of responsibility. It’s a tragic fact of life that road fatalities are highest amongst drivers in their early twenties. This is often the result of inadequate road education. Learning road skills isn’t just about memorising the ‘highway code’ of road rules. It’s also about avoiding reckless behaviour, developing courtesy for other drivers and ultimately responsible driving. The best way to ingrain this kind of safe, rational driving attitude is through professional driving lessons, with a qualified instructor. At ESDS, for example, we teach skills that will stick with drivers for many years to come, ensuring safety on the road and sound behaviour. Explore our website for more.

Our drive school is a local business that services all of Melbourne. We cater to learner drivers in all the eastern and outer eastern suburbs, so you know that you’re getting quality, localised service. We also service the major VicRoads testing stations, both inner and outer eastern metropolitan area. Pick-up and drop-off in included in our rates for convenience. Our instructors will travel to provide lessons for our students, ensuring a minimum of fuss for parents of young drivers and older learners alike.

Our considerable experience has lead our students to have an exceptionally high pass rate. We pride ourselves on this fact so much, that we offer a First-Time Pass guarantee for all of our learners. If they happen to fail their first drive test, we will cover the cost of a re-test with no charge to the student. We’re confidence that our tutelage is second to none, and this guarantee is our mark of assurance that you will receive the best of service. Check out the terms and conditions, and rest in confidence with ESDS.

We have a selection of special offers available for those who wish to book a series of lessons. These are a great way to start off the learning process, arranging for a progression of lessons that teach you new skills as you develop. If you are a parent of a young driver, these special deals provide excellent value for money as well as high quality of service.

Our promotional package deals can be found elsewhere on our website . Simply by browsing these pages, you are eligible for one of our package discounts. For example, if you buy five driving lessons, you can get one free. This represents a saving of $55. Or, book a series of  ten lessons, and you can save an incredible $110. ESDS provides some of the best value for new drivers, as well as those needing to consolidate their skills for the final test. Peruse our special packages page, and quote one of the codes when booking your next group of lessons. It’s great value, and a convenient way to get quality instruction.

ESDS is a family-run business that you can trust. We’ve been teaching young drivers sound road skills for years, and that’s why we believe that we have some of the best experience in the business. We pride ourselves on providing a safe learning environment that encourages mature and responsible driving, as well as courtesy on the road. Driving with a professional instructor is the best way to develop proper awareness of the road rules, and ESDS can provide the reliability and reassurance essential for learning these vital skills.

Once you book an appointment with us, either online or by phone, one of instructors will spend time assessing your driving ability and any potential areas for improvement. He or she will then guide you through the driving process, giving feedback and suggestions to help you improve. Our rates include pick-up and drop-off from and to your desired location, so lessons with us are convenient and require a minimum of fuss. Before your lesson, it’s a great idea to browse our website and look through our resources for learner drivers - our FAQ section, for example, has some very useful tips and tricks. Browse around, and book your lesson today!

Some learner drivers tend to rely on a parent or guardian to provide them with driving knowledge. It’s easy to see why; many older drivers have considerable experience on the roads, often in a wide range of conditions, and are familiar to the learner. Unfortunately, the scope of focus of parent ‘instructors’ is generally limited, and this can take a regrettable toll on the eventual skills of the learner. While driving with a parent can be a great way to get the raw hours of driving experience and culture a sense of independence and confidence, it’s virtually essential that professional instruction is available for the young driver. This will allow them to develop proper skills consistent with the demands of the VicRoads assessors and the regimen of safe driving.

Driving lessons focus on developing crucial skills within pupils. Many supervising drivers, despite their often sound experience, all too often lack an extensive knowledge of the road rules and situations outside of their routine driving patterns. Instructors are trained to educate young drivers on all essential facets of driving, ensuring that there are no holes in their knowledge base. This is one of the reasons behind our very high pass rate. Surprises may often come up in the drive test that can throw inexperienced young drivers, and at worst cause them to fail their drive test. Taking lessons greatly improves their chances of succeeding and remaining responsible drivers.

Whether at the beginning of the learning process or the final stretch before the final tests, driving lessons are excellent ways of consolidating driving ability or establishing a firm, reliable and secure skill base for aspiring motorists. Book a lesson today, and ensure that your skills are honed for the world of driving.

From 23 November 2009, VicRoads is introducing a new and more secure learner permit, probationary licence and driver licence.

VicRoads will no longer issue these over the counter at its Customer Service Centres.

When you obtain, renew or replace your licence VicRoads will mail it to you within about a week.

You will be given a temporary driver licence receipt which you can use until your new licence arrives.

Your old licence remains current until its expiry date and there is no extra cost for this new, more secure licence.

Why the Change

There has been an increase in the illegal use of driver licences to commit fraud.

The new licence has improved security including a new clear, see through section in the centre of the licence.

These features will protect the personal information of the licence holder and make it more difficult to use the licence fraudulently.

This new licence will be manufactured at a highly secure , centralised facility using state-of-the-art technology and advanced printing processes. That’s why you will receive it by mail not on the spot at VicRoads Customer Service Centres.

Source VicRoads Licensing

http:www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/Licensing/TypesOfLicences/ThenewVictoriandriverlicence.htm