It may come as a surprise for some, but L platers statistically represent the safest group of drivers around the world! This says something about the benefits of supervised driving, and the work of all the fantastic driving instructors out there.

However, what paints less of a pretty picture is a statistic that we’re unfortunately far more familiar with – P platers who graduate from being a learner driver then become the most at risk group of drivers on our roads and are over represented in road fatalities in Brisbane and around Australia.  

So how does a group the same group of drivers go from being the safest to the most at risk? And why does the law determine that P plate drivers have all the necessary skills to drive independently and have the skills to operate a vehicle, when often they are still at risk? The reasons are many, but the issue is complex.

First 6 months most deadly for P Platers

A significant reason comes in the design of the driving test itself. Too much focus is put on doing what is needed to pass the test, but less on the driving skills and techniques that take longer to master. Many young drivers may be able to pass the test on the day, giving them a false sense of security that they are now the same as all the more experienced drivers on the roads. The fact is however that learning to drive continues long after a young driver gets their P plates, and the first 6 months are most deadly for newly licensed drivers. Here are some other sobering statistics

- Drivers between 17-25 years make up only 14 per cent of road users, but 26 per cent of road fatalities.

– The first year that drivers are on their P’s are the most accident prone with the risk decreases significanty each year for the next 5 years.

– 33 percent of fatal crashes in the first 6 months occur between 10pm-6am despite P platers doing only 9 per cent of driving between these hours.

Research points that the reasons behind these statistics are complex and include many reasons:

– Teenagers have increased risk taking behaviour in all areas and this unfortunately extends to driving.

– Driver training focuses too much on manoeuvres and less on defensive driving techniques

– P plate drivers are more often driving older, less maintained cars, with fewer safety features that assist savings lives.

Here at A Grade Driving School we support young driver education about the risks on the roads and strongly encourage parents to look for ways to reduce the risk to their kids, especially in the first 12 months of getting their P’s.

This can include having the safest possible car to drive,  providing transport to social events and look for alternatives to night time driving including taxi money and car-pooling while negotiating and encourage teens to gain solo driving experience in less risky situations. Contrary to what many parents might think, most teens have a good level of respect and consideration for their parents, especially in situations where it’s clear that the parents are looking after their best interests.

We make a point to reduce any risky behaviour on the roads in our practical driving lessons and encourage the best skills – all without using a lecturing approach. A Grade Driving School can be positive influence and provide valuable road safety experience from the outset. To book a driving lesson today in Brisbane, Forest Lake, Logan and Beenleigh call 1300 885 585

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Congratulations you’ve just got, or are almost about to get your learner license. Before you hit the roads, whether it’s with professional driving instructors in Brisbane, or with a licensed supervisor, are you up to speed with your road signs? While you might have seen a few of these in your theory test, here’s a few that you might have missed. Take the test and see how you do.

1. What does this sign represent?
a) Intersection Ahead
b) Hospital Ahead
c) Helicopter Landing Ahead

2. What does this sign represent?
a) Slippery Road Ahead
b) Steep Hill Ahead
c) Winding Road Ahead

3. This signs means?
a) Fork in the road ahead
b) Modified T-intersection ahead
c) Divided road ahead

4) When turning right at an intersection with this sign, you should?
a) Slow down and give way to all traffic including pedestrians crossing the road you are turning into,
b) Give way only to traffic on your right
c) Come to a complete stop and give way to all pedestrians and vehicles

5) What does this sign mean?
a) Do not stand during the hours of 8:30am-4:30pm
b) You can only park short term in the space covered by the sign
c) Do not stop in the space covered by the sign
d) Do not speed

6) This signs means?
a) Stop completely then slowly accelerate
b) One way street ahead
C) Stop sign ahead.

7) What does this sign mean?
a) Road ends, turn around
b) Sharp bend to the right
c) U turns allowed
Answers:
1. Intersection Ahead
2. Winding Road Ahead
3. Divided Road Ahead
4. A)
5. C)
6. Stop Sign Ahead
7. Sharp bend to the right

How did you do? When it comes to the rules of the road and safe driving techniques we are the driving school with all the answers. Call today and get on the get the answers to gain your license and with it complete independence. 1300 885 585.

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Experienced Instructors

At A Grade Driving School, our driving instructors have been handpicked to cater for a wide variety of clients. We have both male and female instructors of different ages, all of which are fully accredited and experienced in working with new drivers.

Personalised Experience

Our team at A Grade understands that there is no one set in stone routine which must be followed for every client. Some people have more experience than others, and some people are more cautious and timid behind the wheel. We strive to teach all of our clients how to drive the correct way, breaking bad habits along the way, and while doing so we make it a point not to rush or push anyone out of their comfort zone.

Affordable Pricing

We consider our prices at A Grade to be highly affordable and competitive. At just $50/hour, we consider this a steal! We do have one of the highest first time pass rates in Brisbane after all.

In today’s blog post, we have outlined some of the main factors which have contributed to our continued success at A Grade Driving School. If you would like to find out more information about our driving instructors or perhaps book a lesson, please give us a call today on 1300 885 585.

The post Our Driving Instructors are the best in Brisbane! appeared first on A Grade Driving School.