Participant account · Published
A photograph from the original course account.
A full day of learning about our cars
On 29 October, I joined a small group of young drivers for Driver Skills International and Rightway Driving School's Defensive Driving Course. Mike Edwards led the day, which combined a theory session with practical activities on a track.
An early start on a Saturday was not my first choice as a young P-plater, but the day gave me plenty to think about. We began by discussing what defensive driving meant to us: taking responsibility for our own choices and planning for what might happen around us.
Looking beyond the steering wheel
The interactive theory session covered human factors, managing risk, vehicle systems and driving techniques. The discussion about dashboard warning lights was particularly useful for me. Until then, I had hoped I would not need to understand what some of them meant.
The classroom part of the day.
Mike's comment that good drivers do more than simply drive stayed with me. We talked about scanning for hazards and paying attention to the weather, road conditions, traffic, tyres, fuel, speed, vehicle load and dashboard.
Putting the discussion into practice
After lunch, the track session covered vehicle checks, seating position, steering, simulated emergency braking and low-speed manoeuvring. Looking under the bonnet helped us become more familiar with the cars we had recently started driving independently.
Getting to know the vehicle under the bonnet.
One exercise compared braking from 40 km/h and 60 km/h. Under the instructor's direction on the controlled track, we could see the difference speed made and experience the car's anti-lock braking system. It made the discussion about leaving space feel much more tangible.
We also discussed how far a car travels while the driver looks away. At a constant 90 km/h, four seconds covers 100 metres. That example made the distraction of a text message easy to understand.
Guidance during the practical session.
A scene from the original track-day photographs.
The details I took away
Reverse-parking practice was a welcome refresher after a year of mostly choosing straightforward parking spaces. We also tried distortion goggles while walking, throwing a ball and picking up an object. The activity prompted a discussion about alcohol and driving.
Seatbelt positioning was another detail I remembered. By the end of the day, I felt more familiar with my car and more aware of the responsibility drivers have to each other. The thought that stayed with me was how easy it is to miss something when you are not looking for it.
The original course notice described a one-day programme at intervals in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Canberra, with an accompanying adult required for learners. That old schedule and ticket invitation are not current availability information.