Driver Education Training

The RACQ Driver Education Program is a full day course for licensed drivers, which focuses on building effective techniques and sensible attitudes for driving more safely in everyday situations.

Every driver, whether they have recently obtained their license or have been a road user for many years can benefit from an opportunity to update their driving skills and knowledge.

The best practice techniques covered by the course not only help drivers reduce their chances of being involved in a motor vehicle collision, but also serve to reduce vehicle operating and maintenance costs.

A detailed written report is provided for each participant and they each receive a free comprehensive road safety handbook.

Aim

The program aims to instill positive driving behaviours and a responsible philosophy towards ourselves and other road users.

Objectives

• to improve understanding of the Australian road-crash statistics and associated costs to communities, organisations and business
• to evaluate and update knowledge of the current road rules, and how to apply them
• to identify common driving faults through instructor and self-assessment, and how to correct them
• learn to recognise the errors of other drivers and apply suitable protective responses to reduce the chances of being involved in potential traffic conflict
• learn how to use the vehicle and controls to minimise unnecessary operating expenses

Content

The RACQ Driver Education Program devotes equal attention to theory and practice with a low ratio of 1 instructor to 3 participants during the on-road component.

Theory

• appreciation of crash statistics and associated costs
• crash-type statistics – where crashes occur
• comprehensive road rules questionnaire and knowledge update
• the human factor – why crashes occur, including the effects of fatigue, medicines, alcohol and drugs, etc
• speed – its effect on braking distance and vehicle control
• safe driving techniques – what to do to minimise crash risks
• attitude (good and bad) – how it effects in individual’s driving ability
• responsibilities imposed by workplace health and safety legislation

Practical

• set-up and shutdown procedures, i.e. seat, pedals and mirrors adjustments, etc
• space management principles
• observation techniques and strategies
• practical on-road hazard perception and risk awareness
• acceptable and expected driving routines
• instructor and self-corrective tuition driving exercises

Please note that there are no skidpan activities in this course and the driving component is carried out on normal roads with the weather conditions that prevail on the day. All individual driving assessments are conducted on-road in a range of urban traffic environments.