Top 5 Tips for Your New Provisional Licence

Firstly, if you're reading this you must have passed your practical test or you feel like you're almost ready to sit it. Congratulation on making it this far! If you are getting ready to take your test, a No Yelling test package can help you be ready to pass including car hire and a driving lesson around your area beforehand. Not had many professional lessons yet? It's a good idea to do at least some before your test, inquire about it here.   

We've asked both students and instructors for their top tips for when you've gained your freedom and independence. Keep reading to hear the top five.

Tip 1 - Put your phone away

Mobile phones cause many accidents each year, and can also land you with a very hefty fine (in QLD, over $1000!). Don't let your driving journey begin to a bad start, and start habits that are both dangerous and can be very expensive. It's important to be aware that when you have your learners and P1 licence in QLD and on your learners, P1 and P2 licenses in Victoria you can't use even use your mobile with handsfree or Bluetooth devices. So your best bet put them away! A glove box or handbag will do the trick. It's a great idea to get a GPS installed until you get your open licence. 

Tip 2 - Drinking is a no go

Until you reach your open licence, your blood alcohol limit must be 0.00 at all times so if you plan on having anything to drink, it's best to organise someone else to drive or organise an Uber. 

In QLD a reading over 0.00 but under 0.05BAC means 3 - 9 months licence disqualification and a maximum fine of $1827. It definitely isn't worth the risk. 

 

Tip 3 - Know who you can drive with

On top of phone and alcohol restrictions, there are also restrictions on who you can have in your car and when which will definitely change your thoughts on doing a late-night Maccas run with all your friends. 

If you're in QLD, and on your P1 licence you can only have 1 passenger, other than immediate family under the age of 21 in your car between the hours of 11 pm and 5 am. To find out what classifies as immediate family, read here.  

If you're in Victoria, it's even stricter. On your P1 licence, you can only have 1 passenger between the ages of 16 and 22 unless they are exempt for one of these reasons.   

Tip 4 - Get Insured

Make sure you have insurance! It is a very expensive risk not to. You might not care about your own vehicle is a little dinged up, but ever thought of what will happen if you accidently back into a BMW? Or do you have an accidental run-in with a Porsche? 

These things happen, that's why they're called accidents but you are silly to not be prepared by at least having third-party car insurance. This is also important if are included on the insurance if you are car sharing with family or friends. 

Tip 5 - Reality Check

Overconfidence can kill. You had your driving instructor and guardians to help keep you grounded and safe during your lessons. Now they're not there. You are still very early on in your driving journey and no one is crash-proof. Don't forget and act sensibly to keep you and others safe. 

Enjoy your freedom!