Learner drivers who complete an accredited safety training course not only improve their road safety skills but they also require fewer supervised hours before they are eligible to take a driving test to get their Ps.

The NSW Government introduced a change to the law in July 2013 to allow this to happen, lowering the amount of compulsory supervised hours, provided the learner driver has completed the safety training course and received professional driving instruction.

The safety training course itself equates to 20 hours credit towards the 120-hour compulsory total.

Additionally, every hour of professional driving instruction is worth three logbook hours.

Learners can accrue a maximum of 40 credits towards their overall logbook total of 120.

Safety training Makes Safer Drivers

The Safer Drivers Course combines theoretical and practical components for learner drivers under 25 years old who have completed at least 50 log book hours.

The first part of the course is a three-hour group discussion on managing risks on the road facilitated by an instructor. The second part of the course is a practical two-hour coaching session behind the wheel.

You will learn low-risk driving strategies including:

• how to manage your speed
• how to judge a safe following distance
• awareness of potential hazards
• safe decision making
• gap selection.

There are a number of providers around the state – you can find the one closest to you here.