Getting Your Learners License.

[Oorki Galoorki]

What is the most worrying aspect of driving? crashing, its a constant on my mind
Did you have any dramas getting your license? No
Have you had an accident? yes, silly car park dingles mostly when i was on my P's
If you accidentally killed a pedestrian (say a child suddenly stepped out infront of you) would you give up driving i can not say but i would think so

[Bathsheba]

Just to clarify: Ok, yes, i don't really want to drive but i have a health condition that is making this inevitable. It seems as if I might not have any choice. I'll have this health issue for the rest of my life and means I'm losing strength. I'll most likely have surgery to remove my thyroid but I don't think i'll ever be as fit as I need to be, especially to live where we are (steep hills etc).

Thanks Astrid Another reservation is that I lost a young family member to a car accident... she was 18months and run over by my SIL. This haunts me a bit. But i'll try to apply logic... it's what most people seem to think is the right thing to do. I guess we all have our archilles heels.

[Fleur]

What is the most worrying aspect of driving?
Did you have any dramas getting your license?
Have you had an accident?
If you accidentally killed a pedestrian (say a child suddenly stepped out infront of you) would you give up driving? (<--- that is my worst fear)

Haven't read everyone else's posts buyt I will come back later...

I was 26 before I got my license - not entirely by choice, but I also was a bit nervous about getting out on the road with all the dimwits.

So.. teh most worrying aspect of driving is absolutely other people... I worry all the time about drunk drivers crossing the road.. I guess there's nothing you can do about that except be very aware, & I should probably do a defensive driving course. In fact I think they should be compulsory.

No dramas getting my license but I did go auto instead of manual as time was a factor (I wanted to do it before we moved here) & I thought it would be a bit easier & therefore quicker.

Haven't had an accident but have had a couple of close calls, both my fault & others. On my part, mostly inattention & I had to brake quickly

If I accidentally killed somebody... I think I probably would stop driving for a bit at least, I think it would take a great deal to be able to drive again after something liek that.

Kids in the back... I tune out - really it's not a huge problem. If I ever thought it would be I would pull over & deal with it but haven't had to yet.

And I know you don't want to hear 'you won't know yourself' but I have to say that was sooo true for me, everything changed for me once I got my license. I don't think it's so much a matter of putting your personal freedom over your concerns, they are valid concerns but you are more the kind of person we NEED on the road, not staying off it!

It's funny I was thinking about this the other day & I agree re-testing every 5 years would be so good. There was a fatality in QLD a couple of days ago which took our road toll to I think 299 or 399 for the year... I said to the kids, if that many people died in individual air crashes they would ground all the planes... why are so many people dying on our roads? I don't get it...

Sorry that went off on a different tangent, I don't mean to sound negative, just that I understand your concerns; but I don't see them as a reason for NOT driving, it's how people should be - aware & considerate.

[fionas]

Bath, you know I'm in the exact same boat as you and I'm absolutely petrified of driving, I think probably for very similar reasons. I actually failed two tests because I was told I was too considerate to other drivers and waved them through when actually that was against the road rules - like you, I would rather inconvenience myself than other people!

I guess my motivation is this:

1. I really want a trip to the library, supermarket etc. not to take up half my day and to have to time that half day around the heat.
2. I want to be able to 'nip out' particularly now as we're doing renos. There's some places that would take me 20 minutes to drive to that would otherwise take me about 4 hours on public transport eg. Camberwell - v. close in the car but on public transport I would have to go into the city and change trains. Very frustrating.

Rather than answer your specific questions, I'm going to answer them in a roundabout way and tell you what my approach is going to be.

Firstly, I am supremely well aware that I need motivation and confidence. I think because of 1. and 2. above, I now have the motivation - I do actually WANT to drive because I really do think it will enhance my life. If I wasn't motivated however, there's no way that I could convince myself to do it just because 'it makes sense'. Like you, I've managed without driving for a very long time, so it really requires ME to really want to do it and it's only in the last 6 or so months that the desire has really been there.

I've really tussled with the safety thing but because my motivation is so high now, that's actually a lesser concern at least in terms of my own personal safety. To put it another way, I'm not so scared of killing myself or other people as I once was. I can kind of see it in perspective. It's not REALLY going to happen - especially if I start off very slowly and make it over to your place via Darebin Road, Heidelberg Road whatever and avoid freeways etc.

Having said that, THERE IS NO WAY I WOULD PUT DD IN THE CAR UNTIL I FELT MUCH MORE CONFIDENT.

But like most things in life, I think start off slowly and see where the journey takes you.

If you'd asked me two years ago if I thought I would ever drive, I would have laughed you out of the place but now I think driving would make a huge difference to my life and I really want to give it a go.

Just keep processing it and do what you're comfortable with. You'll work it out my friend.

[Astrid]

What is the most worrying aspect of driving?

This is pathetic, but for me it is parking and merges. I am just not good at parking, will make sure the next car has parking sensors. I will often go to the furthest place in a car park and drive past other spots to find one easier to pull into. Often it is not the drive somewhere that will freak me, but what to do with parking when I arrive
Merging, well that one is so dependent on other road users, short distance to try and match the speed of the traffic, often the first car will be doing 80 and the next car will be doing 90 and closing the only gap you have to merge.

Did you have any dramas getting your license?
Did not get mine till I was just about to turn 23. I got a good instructor, he was hard and would not tolerate me crying. Helped me to toughen up. Even once I got my licence I really only drove on weekends, I enjoyed the walk to and from work, also I did not want to pay for parking.

Have you had an accident?
Only minor parking related ones, scrapped my first car and have bumped our bumper on the current car a few times. Was reversed into whilst reversing (not my fault as I was out first), I was pregnant at the time as well. Thankfully I was not hurt and there was only minor damage on the car.

If you accidentally killed a pedestrian (say a child suddenly stepped out infront of you) would you give up driving? (<--- that is my worst fear)
I would have to continue due to where we live, otherwise we would have to move. Even moving into town here would not do, we would have to go back to Melbourne or somewhere where the public transport runs more than once an hour.

Don't be afraid to just drive where know. Often I will drive a different route to DH, he is more confident under any condition, whereas I will avoid certain intersections. Sometimes it means adding a few minutes to the trip, but I feel it is safer for me.

I did stop driving for 10 years when we moved to Melbourne as it did scare me. Also often it was just as easy to use trains and not have to pay parking. So it was almost like I was a learner in when I drove again in my 30's.

As for car distractions, the kids are not too bad. If anything it is constant questions that drive me nuts and take my mind off the road, so often I have to be hard and just tell her to be quiet, mummy is driving.

[mollycat]

Bath - well done for making this decision. I was 33 (I think) when I finally got my learners. I had no desire before this to do it. I could always find someone to drive me where I needed/wanted to go.


What is the most worrying aspect of driving?
Like Astrid, I find parking a drama - I will often go that little bit further and park where I think it's easier. Other drivers will make me nervous as well. I am also a Family Day Carer and take the children to playgroup. It terrifies me that something will happen while I have other people's children in my car. I find I drive that little bit more careful. I also don't like driving in peak hours - but that can't always be avoided.


Did you have any dramas getting your license?
It took me the full 3 years on my learners before I was "brave" enough to go for my P's. I think I had 5 days spare, I had no problems going from one set of P's to the other then on to my full licence.


Have you had an accident?
I was rear ended (so not my fault), 9 days after buying my current car. I had stopped to give way, the 4WD behind me didn't stop, luckily he didn't push me out into coming traffic - it could have been much worse. btw, it was this drivers first accident in about 40 years. I had just finished doing the change over at the RTA, then couldn't use my car for 5 weeks while it was fixed. (I also had a FDC child with me at the time, we were both unhurt.)


If you accidentally killed a pedestrian (say a child suddenly stepped out infront of you) would you give up driving? (<--- that is my worst fear)

I would seriously think about it, I was in a pedestrian accident a few years ago (walking across a marked crossing and got hit by a car). It took a long time before I could cross on that crossing again.


Take your time and don't let anyone rush you. I always said to people when they were pushing me "I'll do it when I'm ready". My Ds1 is now 17 and hasn't got his licence (or learners) I just hope he doesn't wait as long as I did.


My sister has just got her Red P's - she's 45 next month.

[Bathsheba]

Thanks girls Especially Molly.... gives me hope!

Well just to update... I'm still procrastinating. Doing the school run today (pushing a pram) I was continually amazed at how totally OBLIVIOUS people are!!! I mean... they will be walking along then all of a sudden stop right infront of me to chat like I am invisible... I'll wait there to see if they notice that I am behind them... but no.... they are off in their own little worlds without a clue what's going on around them... are people like this on the roads??? Maybe I am hyper vigilant (I think i have already said this in this thread) but I pretty much ALWAYS know if somebody is right behind me... maybe I've good peripheral vision or something. I swear if I was on the road somebody would just run straight into me because they are in la-la land and i'd be the one hurt This is seriously putting me off! Somedays i wish i was oblivious as everyone else... so I could fit right in!

[Bathsheba]

Just read in another thread that people on their Ls can't legally drive outside the state in which it was granted. Any thoughts on this? Also as a Victorian Learner Driver I must abide by the laws of any other state I drive in... Fair enough but why am I hearing this first in BB? Apparently there is no set speed limit for L players in QLD for example...

[Indadhanu]

We also don't have rules about the type pf L plates we use in Qld.

[Bathsheba]

I wonder if interior L plates are ok in Vic? or do they have to be external like in NSW...anyone know?

[Indadhanu]

Have a look on the Vic Roads website I guess?

ETA: Had a look. No restriction in Vic on internal L plates (Displaying L & P plates : VicRoads)

Vic:
All learner permit holders will be subject to the following restrictions and conditions:
•must display L plates on the front and rear of the vehicle, visible from a distance of 20 metres
•must be accompanied by an experienced driver at all times while driving. (see Experienced driver section below)
•must have a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) at all times while driving
•must carry learner permit at all times while driving
•must not use a mobile phone, including hands free, hand held and messaging while driving
•must not tow a trailer or vehicle
•if you are under the age of 21, you will be required to complete a minimum of 120 hours (including at least 10 hours at night) of driving with an experienced driver before you take your licence test. You must record these hours in an official Learner Log Book which must be signed by you and your experienced driver
•if you are under 21 years of age, you must hold your learner permit for at least twelve months
•if you are 21 years of age or over but under 25 years of age, you must hold your learner permit for at least six months
•if you are 25 years of age or over you must hold your learner permit for at least three months

Nsw:
•Be supervised at all times by the holder of a full Australian driver licence.
•Have L plates displayed conspicuously at the front and rear exterior of the car (or an L sign on the roof) when driving. The letter L on the plate must not be hidden.
•Observe a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h.
•Not tow any other vehicle.
•Not exceed zero blood alcohol concentration ( this means you cannot drink before driving). It is also illegal to drive under the influence of drugs.
•Not supervise another learner driver.
•Only carry the number of passengers that can be properly seated in seats and restrained by approved seat belts or child restraints.
•Only drive vehicles that have a seat belt fitted to the driver's position and you must wear the seat belt.
•Not use any functions of a mobile phone including hands free devices

Qld:
When learning to drive, you must:
•clearly display L-plates at the front and rear of the vehicle
•be accompanied by a person who holds and has held an open licence for the class of vehicle you are learning in (for example, automatic or manual), for at least one year
•carry your learner licence with you and show it to a police officer when asked to do so
•obey any conditions stated on your learner licence
•comply with the no alcohol limit (0.00) if you are under 25 years of age and the general alcohol limit (below 0.05) if you are 25 years or age or over. Drink driving offences carry monetary fines and disqualification periods
•not drive under the influence of illegal or prescription drugs
•not use a mobile phone. Passengers and supervisors are also restricted from using a mobile phone in loudspeaker mode while the car is being driven.


SA:
Drivers with a learner’s permit must:
•not drive a motor vehicle unless accompanied by a qualified supervising driver
•not drive a motor vehicle or attempt to put a motor vehicle in motion when there is any concentration of alcohol in your blood or the presence of THC (Cannabis), Methylamphetamine (Speed) or MDMA (Ecstasy) in your blood or oral fluid (saliva)
•display the prescribed L-plates so that they are clearly visible from the front and the rear of the vehicle
•not exceed any speed limit by 10km/h or more (exceeding any speed limit is an offence)
•not exceed 80 km/h at any time (but you can drive up to 100 km/h if accompanied by a motor driving instructor, in a clearly marked driving school vehicle which is fitted with a dual brake pedal)
•carry your current learner's permit at all times when driving.
L and P1 drivers are also banned from using any type of mobile phone function while driving. This includes using hands-free mode and Bluetooth technology, loud speaker operation and text messaging.


NT:
1. Zero blood alcohol concentration.
2. Not to exceed 80 kilometres per hour unless under the direct supervision of an instructor conducting an approved training program.
3. Must display L plates clearly visible to the front and rear on cars, and to the rear only on motorcycles.
4. Must be accompanied (in the passenger seat) by a fully licensed driver (not provisional) at all times whilst driving (for cars only).
5. Must not carry pillion passengers (for motorcycles only).
6. Must not use a mobile phone while the vehicle is moving, or is stationary but not parked. All mobile telephone use including hands-free operation is prohibited whilst driving/riding for the duration of the learner period.
7. Under the NT Demerit Points Scheme (DPS) all drivers are subject to a points action trigger of 12 demerit points in 3 years. Additionally, Learner, Provisional and overseas licence holders are also subject to a points action trigger of 5 demerit points in 1 year.

Tas:
ALWAYS practice with an appropriate supervisor. If you break this law, you'll lose your licence and pay a fine. Check out here to see who is an appropriate supervisor
ALWAYS display your L-plates on the front and back of the car. If you break this law, you'll lose demerit points and pay a fine. Remember, if you lose 4 demerit points, you'll lose your novice licence
NEVER drive over 80 km/h (even when speed limit signs display a higher limit)
NEVER drive with ANY alcohol in your body. If you break this law, you'll have to appear in Court to face a Magistrate who will impose a penalty - the minimum penalty is losing your licence and paying a fine and you'll have to start the learner stage all over again
NEVER tow another vehicle or trailer
ALWAYS carry your licence when driving. If you break this law you'll have to pay a fine.

Can't find anything specific on WA, it's scattered all around the site but its similar to the other states.

[Bathsheba]

Thanks Leasha! Often i am on my mobile phone while browsing here and the Vicroads site isn't very readable.

But wow! You wouldn't want to be a learner sharing the driving on a trip around Australia!!! Sooo confusing.

[Rivlas]

Have a look at the Vic Roads site - getting your Ls and then how to get your car learners permit. You can use the static plates they just must be visible.
Also I can see nowhere where there is a speed restriction in Vic while you are on Ls