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It's about thinking
It’s about thinking
Around 1,400 restricted drivers crash each year. Last year 36 people died and 289 were seriously injured in crashes caused by restricted drivers. Fact is, drivers under 24 are four times more likely to crash than older drivers are. With the right driving attitude - a safe attitude - you can make sure you're not one of them.
So what is a safe attitude? It's about judging the conditions. Knowing the risks. Making good decisions. Above all, a safe attitude is about clear thinking.
Engage your brain
Before you get in the car, think.
You may think it's a drag that you can't drive after 10pm or carry passengers without a supervisor. But restricted licence conditions are there for a reason - many serious crashes happen between 10pm-5am and the facts show you're more than twice as likely to crash if your mates are in the car with you.
So, before you get in the car, think. Think about where you're going and whether you can be back by 10pm. Think about whether you're really in the right headspace for driving. Think about whether your friends are going to want a lift (if they are, you'll need to have someone who's had their full licence for at least two years in the front passenger seat). Think whether you've got the time to get there safely. Think. Keep thinking.
Keep your eyes peeled
While you're driving, think about what you're doing. Stay sharp. Keep your eyes searching for hazards, 12 seconds ahead. Keep an eye on your speed. Keep a two second gap behind and in front of your car at all times, and a one metre space either side. Remember your blind spots. Do the mirrors and check over your shoulder. Don't just look: search. Constantly ask yourself, "what if?" What if that child ran across the road? What if the truck pulled out? Be ready.
Play > Replay
After driving, think about how you did. Because that's the only way to improve. Did you catch yourself going too fast? Have a close shave? Could you have handled it better? How? Did you make a mistake, even one that had no consequences this time? Did you stay focused? Or was your attention diverted? Were you pressured into doing something you really didn't want to do? How could you handle things better? Don't beat yourself up: but don't forget it either.
Don't stop - get DriveSmart
The above tips are just some of what's in DriveSmart magazine (PDF, 9966 KB).
Get it in writing
If you have a driving coach (someone with a full licence who supervises your driving) - think about writing up an agreement between the two of you, covering things like how much time you'll spend together working on your driving, how often you can use the car and so on. We've got a sample agreement (PDF, 42 KB) for you to use as a starting point. You can choose to either use this one or use it as a basis for creating your own.
Getting your full licence sooner
If you successfully complete an approved course, the length of time you must hold your restricted licence for will be reduced to 12 months for those aged under 25 years and three months for those aged 25 or older. You must present the course certificate to the driver licensing agent when you book the practical test.For under 25 year olds who wish to complete an approved course, the course must be undertaken after you have held your restricted licence for at least six months. The two approved courses are: Street Talk and New Zealand Defensive Driving Course (DDC, 0800 223 7483).
Page created: 2 May 2005