Australia’s first courses for learner drivers, designed to keep them alert to other drivers, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians on the roads, have been announced by the Minister for Road Safety, Shane Rattenbury.
Mr Rattenbury said the Vulnerable Road User Program and Safer Driver Course were now available to help learner drivers become safer drivers, with education and practice specific to the ACT road rules.
“The ACT is the first jurisdiction in Australia to have a course for learners specifically about vulnerable road users and the hazards they face,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“Recent changes to the ACT’s driver licensing scheme mean that to obtain a provisional car licence, learner drivers must first complete a specified number of driving hours,” he said.
“The ACT Government has established two optional learner driver training courses to help learner drivers meet these requirements.”
Mr Rattenbury said the Vulnerable Road User Program focused on safely sharing the road with cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
“Successful completion of this course counts as 10 required driving hours,” he said.
“The Safer Driver Course aims to reduce unsafe driving behaviours, with an in-class lesson and a practical driving component designed to take two learners per vehicle.”
He said successful completion of the course would count as 20 required driving hours.
Mr Rattenbury said the Territory was also offering a number of free places on the Safer Driver Course each year for learners who may require financial assistance.
More information about the programs, including eligibility criteria and other details can be accessed at this PS News link.
