For Parents or Supervisors
Supporting a learner driver is an important role, and it can feel daunting at times.
We want to give parents and supervisors clear and practical guidance to help learners build safe driving habits and confidence on the road, through every stage of learning to drive in South Australia.
Resources for Parents and Supervisors
Ensure you're teaching the right way to drive.
Before you can start teaching someone to drive, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the current road rules and system of car control, as outlined in the Department of Transport's guides.
For the most up-to-date information, visit the
South Australian Government website, MyLicence, at this link.
You can also use the following resources to help you along:
- The Driver's Handbook - at this link
The Driver’s Handbook provides an overview of the road rules and the laws for driver’s licences and registering a vehicle in South Australia.
- The Driving Companion - at this link
Also known as 'The Logbook' this contains log sheets for your driving record, along with the same information that driving instructors use to teach students.
- Road Rules refershers - at this link
Is your knowledge of basic road rules up-to-date? Go online and test your knowledge now, to ensure you're passing on the correct road rules to your learner driver. You can even do quizes online.
Tips for Driving Lessons
Here’s some information on how extra lessons with a
Qualified Supervising Driver can help,
along with some tips for taking a learner out for a drive.
Practive makes perfect!
It's not just a saying, but sage, real-world advice.
Taking a learning driver out for some practice can be some of the most frustrating but rewarding things to do in life. It's imprtant to pass on your knowledge to the next generation, so here are some tips for doing it legally and safely.
Before taking a learner driver out for some lessons of your own, ensure you have the following:
- a Blood Alcohol Level of under 0.05% for the qualified supervising driver, and 0.0% (zero) for the learner driver.
- Ensure the qualified supervising driver has held a full license for at least 2 years
- Standard 'L' Plates on the front and rear of the vehicle (ensure they are legally compliant in South Australia, specifications at this link then click on L Plates)
- Record the driving in the Driving Companion (logbook). Every time you drive, record the details on the green forms in the book, including for day or night driving.
- Ensure the vehicle is registered and roadworthy, and be seated immediately alongside the learner driver at all times (in the front passenger seat).
To learn more about the requirments of a qualified supervising driver,
see the article at this link.
Choosing an Instructor
Wondering if lessons are even required?
Short answer: NO
In South Australia, you don't legally need driving lessons to sit the
VORT (Vehicle On Road Test).
But, an instructor can spot things parents or friends might miss, teach techniques that align with the VORT assessment, and ensure the learner driver is ready for any road situation. Learner drivers from other countries, or people returning to driving will also benefit from some structured lessons with a qualified driving instructor.
When choosing a Driving Instructor, you should check the following
- They are a licenced MDI (Motor Driving Instructor) in the state of SA
- They have current WWCC (Working With Children's Check), if teaching students under the age of 18 years old.
- They have a current National Police Check
