A driving lesson gives you time with an instructor, but learning shouldn't stop when the lesson ends.
Practice between lessons helps you remember what you have learned and gives you more chances to build good driving habits. For learner drivers in Brisbane, this can also help you feel more comfortable on the roads and in situations you will face when driving independently.
If you have a suitable supervising driver and are legally allowed to practise, here are some useful skills to work on between lessons.
Repeat What You Learned
Start with the skills your instructor covered during your last lesson.
If you worked on turning, practise safe turns. If you worked on parking, look for suitable places to practise parking. If you worked on changing lanes, practise checking your mirrors, blind spots and signals.
Repeating a skill soon after learning it can make it easier to remember.
Do not try to learn a completely new technique without guidance if you are unsure about it. Ask your instructor about anything you do not understand at your next lesson.
Practise Smooth Braking
Good braking is an important part of safe driving.
Find a suitable road with your supervising driver and practise slowing down smoothly. Pay attention to how much pressure you need to apply to the brake pedal.
Try to avoid harsh braking when there is no need for it.
As you gain experience, learn to look further ahead. If you notice traffic slowing early, you can often ease off the accelerator and reduce your speed gradually instead of braking suddenly.
This is a useful skill for everyday driving lessons, especially on busy roads.
Work on Your Steering
Steering should become controlled and smooth rather than rushed.
Practise keeping the car in the correct position within your lane. Pay attention to how much you need to turn the wheel on bends and corners.
Do not look only at the road immediately in front of the car. Look further ahead so you have more time to plan your steering.
If you are taking driving lessons, your instructor can show you the steering technique they want you to practise between sessions.
Practise Mirror Checks
Mirror checks should become a normal part of driving.
Before changing direction, changing lanes or moving around another road user, check the areas around your vehicle.
Practise knowing what is happening in front, beside and behind you.
However, do not stare at your mirrors for too long. Your main attention should remain on the road ahead.
Your instructor can help you develop a mirror-check routine that works for different situations.
Practise Parking
Parking is one skill that improves with repetition.
You can practise different types of parking in a safe and suitable area, depending on your current ability and the rules that apply to you.
Work on:
Choosing a safe position before starting.
Checking around the vehicle.
Controlling your speed.
Steering smoothly.
Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles.
Checking your final position before leaving the car.
Do not worry if parking takes several attempts at first. Focus on understanding the steps rather than trying to complete the manoeuvre as quickly as possible.
Get Comfortable With Intersections
Intersections require you to manage several things at once.
When practising with your supervising driver, pay attention to signs, traffic lights, lane markings, pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.
Before entering an intersection, give yourself enough time to understand what is happening.
If you are unsure about who has priority or what a road sign means, make a note of it and ask your instructor during your next driving lesson session.
Good road rules instruction is an important part of becoming an independent driver.
Practise Roundabouts
Roundabouts can feel confusing when you are still learning.
Instead of trying to master every type of roundabout at once, start with simple ones.
Practise approaching at a safe speed, checking the road, selecting the correct lane and giving way as required.
As you become more confident, your instructor can introduce busier and more complex roundabouts.
Brisbane has many different road layouts, so learning how to read signs and lane markings is just as important as controlling the car.
Learn to Read the Road Ahead
Good drivers do not only react to what is happening right now. They look ahead and prepare for what might happen next.
While practising, look for:
Brake lights further ahead.
Pedestrians near crossings.
Cars waiting to enter the road.
Cyclists and motorcyclists.
Roadworks.
Changing speed limits.
Traffic lights.
Parked cars.
Narrow sections of road.
This helps you make decisions earlier and reduces the need for sudden movements.
Practise in Different Conditions
Once you are comfortable with basic skills, supervised practice can include different road and traffic conditions.
This may include quieter roads, busier streets, hills, wet weather, dusk and night driving when appropriate.
Brisbane's weather can change quickly, so learning how rain affects visibility, braking and road conditions is useful.
Do not suddenly practise difficult conditions alone. Build up slowly and follow the guidance of your experienced driving instructors and supervising driver.
Review Your Last Lesson
You can also practise without moving the car.
Think back to your last lesson and ask yourself:
What did I find difficult?
What did I improve?
What do I still need to understand?
Write down a few points to discuss with your instructor.
For example, if you struggled with lane changes, write that down. Your next lesson can then focus on that skill rather than starting from scratch.
Do Not Turn Practice Into a Test
Practice should help you improve, not make you feel like you have to be perfect.
If you make a mistake, stay calm and learn from it. If a particular skill continues to cause problems, tell your instructor.
The purpose of behind-the-wheel training is to help you develop safe habits through repeated practice.
With No Yelling Driving School, learners can use each lesson as a starting point and continue practising those skills safely between sessions. The more familiar you become with your car, road position, mirrors, signs and traffic, the more prepared you will be for driving independently.
