Can you teach me?
Getting behind the wheel of a car for the very first time can be a very odd feeling when you're not use to it.
Up until that point you’ve been in the more spacious seats, with room to stretch your legs and a view of the scenery uninterrupted by a speedo and fuel gauge.
When you first slide into the driver’s seat, you’re suddenly surrounded by all sorts of buttons, dials, numbers and flashing lights. It’s a pretty snug fit with pedals at your feet, a steering wheel in front and gearstick to the left.
Turn the key and away you go? If only it was that easy. Driving a car is not something you can learn from a Youtube clip either – you need someone who knows what they’re doing to show you and answer your questions.
Finding your teacher
Ok, so you’ve passed the test and got a fresh pair of L plates for the car.
Now you’ll need someone to teach you exactly how to operate the pedals, turn the steering wheel, and change gears using the gearstick. Take some time to think about this because learning to drive can be pretty stressful so you’ll want someone you’re comfortable with. It can also be stressful being the teacher, trying to explain things they’ve been doing automatically for years. So keep this in mind when you’re hunting for a teacher.
Can you teach me?
As a learner driver, the person in the passenger seat with you must have a valid, unrestricted Australian driver licence. So if your big brother is on his Ps, he can’t take you out for a drive. Or if uncle Jim has lost his licence or forgotten to have it renewed, he can’t teach you either.
Who CAN teach you:
- Tom from next door – has only ever driven an automatic car (if you want to learn auto)
- Mum – has her full licence and it’s up to date
- Professional driver trainer – from a reputable company with licensed driver instructors
Who CAN'T teach you:
- Big brother – on his green Ps and has his own car
- Uncle Jim – has been driving for 20 years but his licence expired four months ago
- Friend of uncle Jim’s – wants you to pick him up from the pub after a few beverages
- Dad – has a motorcycle licence but not a car licence
- Tom from next door – has only ever driven an automatic car (if you want to learn manual)
