For those under 25, getting a provisional licence takes at least 12 months. The steps to progress to a provisional drivers licence are:

1. Pass the Driver Knowledge Test to get a learner licence.
2. Begin supervised driving practice.
3. Pass the Hazard Perception Test, after having a learners licence for at least 10 months. This is a computer-based test that measures the ability to recognise potentially dangerous  situations and respond appropriately.
4. Complete 120 hours of supervised driving practice including night driving.
5. Pass the Driving Test, after having a learner licence for at least 12 months and completing the required supervised driving practice. This is a practical, on-road test.

These requirements often seem onerous and intimidating for learners and their supervising drivers. The often asked question is why is this process necessary? The answer is simple - since the introduction of the Graduated Licensing Scheme in 2000 the number of young drivers killed on NSW roads has halved.

There are a number of initiatives in place to assist learners and their supervising drivers through the process, including:

Keys 2 Drive

Keys 2 Drive provides learner drivers and their parents/supervisors a free one hour driving lesson with an accredited professional driving instructor. The ideal time for the free lesson is after 5-10 hours supervised driving practice; however the lesson can be valuable at any stage. Learner drivers receive training in the best ways to practice, helping them to prepare for safe P
plate driving and beyond. Parents/supervisors come away with the confidence and tools to help their learner drivers achieve a good foundation for lifelong safe driving.

Safer Drivers Course

The Safer Drivers Course helps young L-plate drivers to prepare for driving solo. To complete the course learners need to have at least 50 log book hours of driving (including some night driving). Narrandera Shire Council is supporting NRMA Safer Driving - Wagga Wagga to provide the Safer Drivers Course locally on 19-20 October 2019.

Learner drivers receive 20 hours of log book credit when they complete the five hour Safer Drivers Course.

The course consists of two modules - a group discussion with a maximum of twelve learners and in-car practical learning with a qualified driving instructor and another student. Module One will be delivered 9.30am-12.30pm Saturday. Participants will have a two hour session for the second module on either Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning.

Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers (HLDBSD) Workshop

This free workshop is for anyone who will be supervising a learner driver including parents, relatives, friends and carers of the learner driver. The aim of the workshop is to assist these supervisors in feeling confident and motivated to provide supervision for learner drivers.

Narrandera Shire Council will hold their next workshop on Saturday 19 October to coincide with the Safer Drivers Course. The workshop is for two hours and includes opportunities for questions and discussion. Participants will receive an information pack to take home.

3-for-1 Bonus Hours

While anyone can supervise a learner driver (provided they hold an appropriate licence), it is often helpful to have some lessons with a professional driving instructor. For every one hour structured driving lesson you complete with a licensed Driving Instructor, you can record three hours driving experience in your log book. A maximum of 10 hours of lessons will be accepted
and recorded as 30 hours driving experience.

For further information or to book a place in the Safer Drivers Course or HLDBSD Workshop contact Elizabeth Mudford, Road Safety Officer by email rso@narrandera.nsw.gov.au or on 02 6959 5510. Learners can register with Keys 2 Drive at www.keys2drive.com.au.