Driving Skills Archives | Approved Driving School

Driving Test: When to Check Your Mirrors

by John on October 23, 2018 with No Comments

One of the more common causes of driving test failure results from student drivers failing to check their mirrors. Students may have mastered all driving maneuver skills but failed to demonstrate awareness of the situation 360 degrees around them. Scanning ahead for oncoming hazards is a required skill in itself. Ensuring you are up to date with events to your front, left, right and rear may not only ensure you’re … Read More

Are Intensive Driving Courses a Good Idea?

by John on October 8, 2018 with No Comments

This type of driver training appears to have originated in the United Kingdom around a decade ago. Recently there’s been a quite a bit of discussion online about intensive driving courses in Australia. UK expats often ask about the availability of such courses in Australia. What is an Intensive Driving Course? An intensive driving course is usually a 5 day or 1 week crash course which offers a short turnaround … Read More

How to Pass Your Practical Driving Test in South Australia

by John on February 23, 2018 with No Comments

Find the right driving instructor We highly recommend that you take lessons with a qualified Adelaide driving instructor before you take a practical driving test. Even if you have undertaken driver training with a family member or friend, you will want to ensure you’re familiar with the most up to date requirements. You’ll learn the things an examiner will look out for as you don’t want any surprises when taking … Read More

How to Safely Change Lanes While Driving

by John on February 14, 2018 with No Comments

Multi lane roads can be quite scary for learner drivers. To practice changing lanes, it’s a good idea to start on the quietest one you can find at a relatively quiet time. You may have to arrange this with your driving instructor. The basic principles of changing lanes are the same as for any other change of direction or turn, except that you’re usually not going to slow right down … Read More

10 Common Mistakes Young Drivers Make

by John on February 14, 2018 with No Comments

1. Getting distracted behind the wheel Young drivers playing loud music, texting or talking with friends inside the car are at a much higher risk of crashing. Distractions can keep a driver from noticing and responding to dangerous situations on the road. According to a US study, crash risk doubles if two teenagers ride in a car together, and triples if there are two or more teenage passengers. Distractions hinder … Read More

Mastering Braking Technique

by John on February 12, 2018 with No Comments

Progressive Braking There is a lot more to braking a car than simply pressing the brake pedal. An experienced driver will be able to read the road ahead and use good braking technique to smoothly slow or stop a car. However, a learner driver might find themselves often braking their car sharply or stopping with a sudden jolt. This poor braking technique will be uncomfortable for passengers, increase brake-wear, and … Read More

Mastering U-turns & 3-Point-turns

by John on January 10, 2018 with No Comments

U-turns A U-turn is a turn made within a road to take you to the other side, facing the opposite direction, in one turn. There are several restrictions on where you can make a U-turn. South Australia Road Rules At intersections on any road with a dividing line or median strip, you must start a U-turn from the lane immediately to the left of the middle of the road or … Read More

How to Reverse Parallel Park Safely

by John on January 10, 2018 with No Comments

A step by step guide Drive up next to the chosen space you wish to park in so you can judge its size to ensure your vehicle will safely fit. As a guide it should be at least 2 metres longer than your car (a metre in front and behind) Turn your left indicator on and drive up so that you’re level next to the car you’re going to be … Read More

Defensive Driving Basics

by John on December 16, 2017 with No Comments

The standard Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Operations, ANSI/ASSE Z15.1, defines defensive driving skills as “driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others. A simpler definition is for a defensive driver – a driver who will do everything possible to avoid a collision. Learning to drive isn’t only about learning how to handle a vehicle and obeying road rules. Defensive driving is an essential … Read More

Steering Wheel Technique: Which is the Best?

by John on December 10, 2017 with No Comments

The two most important considerations when steering a motor vehicle are Steering Wheel Grip and Steering Wheel Technique. Steering Wheel Grip Rules Position your hands on the steering wheel so they’re able to exert maximum leverage when needed without resting your arm on the door. On straight roads, your hands should settle into an effective position on the steering wheel – ten to two or quarter to three, only tightening … Read More