Know here Why Professional Instructions in learning driving Makes a Difference. Know how Driving Lessons vs. Self-Taught work.
Australia is one of the hardest countries to pass the driver’s test. The average pass rate is only 62%. Poor preparation is a major cause of these failures. Self-taught drivers consider themselves ready after some basic training. However, passing a driver’s test is more than just being able to operate the vehicle. You have to prove your competence in complex traffic manoeuvres. The examiner also assesses your knowledge of the latest traffic regulations. They will observe how comfortable the driver is in various road situations. Self-teaching doesn’t cover all these. This is where the difference between driving lessons vs self-taught becomes clear. Structured driving lessons cover all the aspects and make you a fully competent driver.
The biggest problem with self-taught driving is the lack of structure. Most self-taught drivers learn from a friend here and a family member there. They learn sporadically. The lesson is superficial and only touches the basics. Meanwhile, professional driving lessons Gold Coast help you build a strong foundation from the beginning.
A certified driving program offers structured learning. It teaches essential skills in a systematic way. The student progressively develops their skills by building on the previous lessons. Plus, there is consistent reinforcement throughout the course. So, the student retains their learning.
Structured courses might start with practical driving skills. For instance, braking techniques, steering control, lane changing etc. They would gradually move on to advanced traffic manoeuvring techniques. These might be merging into busy highways, navigating intersections, or parallel parking.
Thus, formal driver education courses provide well-rounded training to learners. Meanwhile, self-teaching creates gaps in the skill.
Aspiring drivers can enrol in government-approved driving schools for structured learning. Some states offer an official list of schools they recommend, such as NSW and Queensland. Parents should prefer instructors with blue cards when enrolling their children.
Competent drivers have excellent motor skills coordination. This is mandatory to synchronise between different driving actions. For instance, turning and braking. Or, checking the mirrors while lane changing.
Professional driving instructors can instantly spot your shortcomings and correct them. Such consistent real-time feedback helps you develop better coordination over time. Meanwhile, the self-taught driver’s vehicle control skills are usually inferior. Since no one corrected them, they never learned to coordinate. As a result, most of them develop bad driving habits that are difficult to let go.
Self-taught drivers usually know the common traffic rules only. For instance, you go on Green and stop at Red. However, it’s not enough to pass the DKT which is one of the essential driving licence requirements. It assesses your understanding of the recent traffic laws and regulations in Australia. These include road rules, street sign recognition, hazard perception, etc.
Sure, a self-taught driver might find reading materials or videos online to learn about these. However, the syllabus is extensive and hard to retain through memorisation only. In comparison, a professional instructor can walk you through these rules as they become relevant at various stages of the driving lessons. That way you learn it properly and can also remember it.
Drivers must focus on accident prevention when on the road. This is where defensive driving techniques come in. It teaches the learner to anticipate dangers and other driver’s behaviour. You will also develop safe driving habits from such training. For instance, checking blindspots for pedestrian safety awareness. Self-taught drivers might get a few road safety tips from their family or friends. However, it won’t be as effective as formal hazard perception training.
Logbook hours are essential to pass the driver’s road test. These are the candidate’s driving hours under the supervision of a licensed driver. The requirement varies across the states. On average candidates have to collect around 100-120 hours during their driving test preparation. This includes 10-20 night hours too. You have to document these hours in the government issued logbook with various details.
Most self-taught drivers exaggerate their logbook hours. A parent who holds a full driving licence might fill in the logbook after giving the child some basic training. This happens less often with professional instructors. As a result, the preparation phase for the test is more sincere. Plus, some states, like Queensland, offer you up to 10 bonus hours for driving under the supervision of an accredited driving instructor.
Driving schools can provide students with on-road driving experience under the safety of their supervision. They will gradually expose you to increasingly difficult real-world traffic situations. You might start on quiet residential roads and eventually move to busy highways. Thus, developing the confidence to drive in the real world.
Self-taught drivers usually don’t have a dedicated and full-time instructor. Therefore, they mostly practise driving within their comfort zones. As a result, they often lack the confidence to drive on busy roads.
Professional instructors are also trained in driving anxiety management. Their clear instructions reduce stress and confusion in new learners from the beginning. The instructor can also teach you relaxation techniques like breathing and mindfulness to keep your nerves steady on the road.
Learning to drive independently might seem like a flexible option. However, your preparation will be incomplete. Plus, you’ll never be an excellent driver in the future with a weak foundation. The problem is that driving lessons can be costly. This is why many would go for self-learning. Affordable Driving School can be a solution here. They have been teaching people to drive in the Brisbane and Gold Coast areas for more than 30+ years. Their instructors are highly experienced and blue card holders. They can structure a driving lesson tailored to your needs and expertise level. Or, you can take a mock test with them to assess your skills. Contact them today.
