These were days when driving was FUN!

Not like the boring electrical appliances of today.

The hot hatch – any true car enthusiast will feel the nostalgia just hearing those words. In the 80s and 90s, hot hatches RULED the streets! They weren’t just cars, they were experiences. They turned daily commutes into thrills, weekend drives into adventures, and brought us together into real enthusiast communities.

Fast-forward to today, and it’s the Abarth lineup – specifically the 500, 595, and 695 – that’s filling those shoes and then some. They even look like shoes, just nifty turbo-charged shoes oozing torque and waking up the neighbours with a really sexy exhaust note.

I never thought I would recommend a nasty unreliable Fiat as we used to refer to them a few decades ago. The Abarth range has broken that mold, and filled the void most other car manufacturers have left in a dank dusty corner.

Let’s cover all things Abarth:

Who Makes Abarth Cars?

Abarth may have Fiat’s DNA, but make no mistake – they aren’t your ordinary Fiat. In fact, they couldn’t be more different from the snail slow fashion accessories loved by younger style-conscious ladies.

Abarth, under the wing of Fiat, is all about injecting sheer drivability into small and otherwise boring shoe-like Italian shopping trolleys.

In essence, Abarth cars are born out of Italian performance spirit, and yes, they’re crafted in Turin, Italy, right next to their Fiat relatives. Having spent a great deal of time in Italy myself, I can truly appreciate the passion Italians have for cars such as this, or cars such as Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini.

If you’ve ever watched the Italian Grand Prix in Monza (aka “The Temple of Speed”) you’ll know the Tifosi, the die hard Ferrari F1 fans, are some of the most passionate fans in the world.

When you drive an Abarth, which is basically a shoe impersonating a Lamborghini, you’ll feel that passion with every rev and exhaust pop.

The Abarth 500, 595, and 695: Back to Basics in All the Right Ways

Get behind the wheel of an Abarth 500, 595, or 695, and you’re instantly transported back to a time when driving was simple and exhilarating.

The handling is sharp, the exhaust pops and crackles, and the turbo engine roars, giving you that feel of raw power. Yes, they’re as bumpy as a ride-on lawnmower, but as an enthusiast you’ll appreciate how connected you are with the road. You see, the Abarth isn’t about luxury, it’s about bags of fun around town.

For city driving in Australia, the Abarth are an absolute match. You can squeeze into spots Toyota Landcruisers can only dream of.

And if you’re looking to stand out, special editions like the 695 Tributo Ferrari pay homage to Italian motoring greatness. Only 1,695 of these Ferrari-inspired Abarths were ever produced, a testament to their collector status and rarity. The downside is special editions can cost you a pretty buck, but they’re cool as f*ck.

What’s The Deal With The Scorpion Badge?

For those who’ve set eyes on the 2024 black and gold 75th anniversary edition Abarth 695, you may’ve noted the giant scorpion logo on the roof. You’ll also find it on many of the special edition decals. So what’s the deal with that?

Abarth’s scorpion logo is a nod to founder Carlo Abarth’s zodiac sign, and there’s something unmistakably cool about it. But beyond symbolism, it represents an attitude – a car that’s small but not to be underestimated, packing way more punch than most other cars on Aussie roads.

A Hint of Heritage: Abarth Collaborations

Abarth’s collaboration with Ferrari on the 695 Tributo isn’t the only time they’ve linked up with Italian legends. Abarth has also partnered with Maserati, producing one-off editions that echo Maserati’s luxury style in Abarth’s compact, feisty frame.

These collaborations showcase just how versatile and highly regarded the Abarth brand has become, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Italy’s best.

Honestly, no other car boasts so many special editions, but that makes them so much cooler, right?

Given how limited production runs are of these cars, investing in a special edition will give you a very unique piece of history for many years to come.

More so give 2024 marks the last of the Abarth petrol cars. Move over thrilling petrol cars for fridges-on-wheels.

Hold on, on that note, we should cover the Abarth 500e…

The Abarth 500e: A Boring Electrical Appliance?

Yes, there’s an electric Abarth 500e for those of you who prefer the quiet hum of an EV.

It’s a more solid option than you may think – quick, efficient, and still insane fun despite being eerily quiet. The 500e has been one of the few electric cars which has made me think “Oh, perhaps I might give up decades of petrolheadism for an electric car like that.”

But still, for me, right now, it’s still all about the heart-pounding, rev-filled experience of a true hot hatch like the turbocharged Abarth 500, 595, and 695.

How Much is a Fiat Abarth in Australia?

If you’re tempted, you’ll be pleased to know that an Abarth 595 can start around the $30,000 AUD mark.

However, special editions and extras can rack up the price to a whole different level if you’re after something even more unique.

Bringing Back the Fun

In a world of ever-larger, more tech-packed vehicles, Abarth has brought back the soul of the hot hatch, giving us the fun, agility, and thrill we’ve all missed.

“It’s not about big screens or autonomous driving; it’s about being fully engaged, feeling the road, and taking joy in the drive.”

The Abarth 500, 595, and 695 aren’t just cars; they’re a throwback to when driving was fun, a reminder of why we fell in love with cars in the first place.

What do you think?

In Victoria the laws around using a mobile phone while driving are the strictest in the country, with the biggest fines and a total ban on all phone use for P and Learner drivers.

Some may remember the Transport for NSW campaign a few years ago dubbed “Get Your Hand Off It” which made using a phone while driving socially unacceptable. For good reason.

Did you know using a phone while driving kills more drivers in Australia than driving without a seatbelt?

This stat is courtesy of the NSW Centre for Road Safety, and it means it’s on the top 5 list of fatal accident causes along with speeding, drink driving, and fatigue.

Let that sink in.

You don’t want to die, do you?

Maybe you consider yourself the best driver south of Mount Panorama, and you’re perfectly capable of using your mobile phone while driving. But if you get caught by the cops, you’ll cop a hefty fine.

In NSW alone, more than 20,000 people were booked in the last 6 months.

The occasional police blitz can see over 1,000 fined. Just in NSW on a regular February day. That number is increasing as police adopt new tools like roving police cameras to catch people who think they can get away with using a mobile phone while driving.

How can using a phone while driving get you a penalty?

Below are some of the common actions which are deemed illegal under Australian laws regarding mobile phone use while driving (this can include stationary and not parked):

If the phone is not secured in a fixed mounting device it is illegal to:

• Dial a number by hand.
• Answer a call by hand.
• Conduct a call via speakerphone with the phone on your lap.
• Use the music or GPS functions of the phone.

If the phone is secured in a fixed mounting device it is also illegal to:

• Send or access text messages.
• Use email functions.
• Use any phone functions if you are a Learner or P1 Provisional driver.

Needless to say, using any app, including responding to urgent Tinder requests, is a very good way to cop the biggest penalty possible. When that happens, it’s possible you won’t be taking your Tinder date anywhere. You’ll be too broke from paying the fine, and on a double demerit period can even get a driving ban.

The Classic “Get Your Hand Off It” Campaign Video feat. Derek Anderson

We’ll cover local state laws shortly, but let’s take a quick break and check out the awesome Derek Anderson in one of the “Get Your Hand Off It” campaign videos.

Phone Laws & Fines in Sydney (and NSW)

The fine for using a mobile phone while driving in NSW is $387. In a school zone you can pay as much as $514.

That’s a lot of money, don’t you think?

On top of that there’s a penalty of 5 demerit points, which would be a whopping 10 demerit points during a designated double demerit period.

The rapid uptake of smartphones over the past decade and their increasing importance in our day-to-day lives is a big factor in the extent of these penalties. It seems we’re so addicted to our phones we can’t keep our hands off them behind the wheel, even when risking hefty fines and a potential loss of license.

Phone Laws & Fines in Melbourne (and Victoria)

If you thought the fines were heavy in NSW, in Melbourne and the state of Victoria you can be fined $555 if caught touching your phone while driving. You may also incur a 4 demerit point penalty.

According to VicRoads, if the matter is heard at court, the fine for illegal mobile phone/device use can be as much as $1,849.

Find Out More

Australian road rules vary from state to state, which is why fines and penalties for mobile phone use while driving vary. Fines and penalties vary over time, and do not expect this to be in your favour.

If you get caught using your mobile phone while driving and fined, your only sensible option is to pay the fine. It is very rare for such a matter to be waved off in court. You did the crime, you do the fine – that’s how the law will see it.

Make sure you check your state’s government road transport authority for the latest fines and penalties.

Learning to drive a car should be one of the most exciting times of your life – your gateway to freedom – yet all of your friends and schoolmates will go through the same fear and challenges you’re feeling right now.

So the best thing you can do is get over those challenges, and learn to drive faster and smarter than your peers!

In this guide to learning to drive in Australia, I’ll share with you my decades of driving wisdom, and help you find the easy path to feeling confident driving on Australian roads.

Start your engines!

Confidence is Key!

We are all capable of driving a car. It’s not as hard as it sounds.

A lack of confidence is what prevents all of us from learning to drive a car easily, and there are a few ways you can build confidence:

• Breathing techniques! – Feeling anxious is normal, so learning breathing techniques – even from YouTube, a Zen App, or even your Apple Watch, can help you feel a little bit calmer before going out in a car.
• Practice practice practice – I’ll tell you what made me a great driver shortly, but I failed hopelessly at learning to snowboard. In my class of 10 I was by far the worst, falling over, crashing into trees and people, and looking a right mess. It didn’t stop me, and with persistence I became an excellent snowboarder – far better than my classmates and snow-loving friends. I’ll tell you how you can practice below.
• A good teacher – You may assume any driving instructor is good for the job, but this is totally wrong. There are lots of bad driving instructors, or even driving instructors who don’t gel very well with yourself. Finding a great driving instructor is a must, and reading reviews or seeking recommendations is a good start, but never be ashamed to dump one instructor for another if you feel it isn’t working.

Quick fire tips on practicing your driving

If at the moment the thought of driving a car is on par with flying a UFO, then don’t worry. From where you are now to feeling confident in a car is just a matter of time.

The only issue with time, when it comes to learning to drive, is money.

Driving lessons cost a lot, especially if you need more time to learn than others. If you feel this is you, there are other options you can investigate:

• You do not need a licence to drive a vehicle on private land. You don’t even need a road legal car. Finding private land to learn to drive on is easier than you may think, so it’s worth considering local farms, industrial yards, or even designated off-road areas, and convincing an adult to teach you for free. You must seek permission to drive on private land, but it is a fantastic way to learn without the pressure of Australian roads and other drivers. I was fortunate to have access to a disused airfield, and I learned the basics of driving when I was 14 – this put me in great stead to learn to drive.
• Go-karts are a great and fun way to learn confidence in a vehicle – You will find go-kart centres all over the place, both indoors and outdoors, and these are a great way to learn how to accelerate, decelerate, and take corners efficiently, without having to worry too much about hitting others. The other great thing about go karts is you can start familiarising yourself with a vehicle as a minor, way before the government will let you learn on the roads. Anyone can go go-karting, so it’s a fun activity for girls too, not just petrol head boys. If you can afford it, visit your nearest track – most offer driver experience days, so ask if they do a passenger experience.
• Play a driving simulator or driving game – I realise computer games aren’t for everyone, but these days there are excellent driving simulators which will help you familiarise yourself with driving. Apart from the initial outlay, you can spend many hours on a driving simulator for free.
• Watch and observe others – Most of us spend half our lives in a vehicle, and as a teenager you’ll be shuttled around often by your parents (which you should thank them for!). Watch how they drive, ask for tips, and learn how others handle a vehicle. Ask questions!
• Know the rules of the road – Studying the rules of the road, even before you get in a car, are a great way to feel like you know what you’re doing. This is a much better technique in all cases, as otherwise you’re faced with information overload on driving lesson number 1. If you know the rules of the road before you start forking out money on driving lessons, you’re already half way to feeling like a pro.
• Book driving lessons (and your driving test) during off-peak hours – There’s nothing worse than feeling panicked when learning to drive a car, so do yourself a favour and book your lessons when the roads are quiet. Only fools take driving lessons during rush hour, even though your driving instructor will be happy to take your money at these times.
• Set achievable goals – Try not to feel the pressure of time, even if you’re longing for four-wheel freedom. A good driving instructor will help you do this, but focusing on one aspect of driving at a time is better than being mentally overloaded. Feel comfortable accelerating and braking before you tackle anything else. You will not succeed at anything if you’re afraid you can’t stop, so feeling comfortable braking, or emergency braking, is your key to success.
• Visualise your driving – You may panic on a lesson, but you are still learning. Spend time later than evening, when you’re at home relaxed, and visualise your driving. Soak up all the information you have learned during your lesson, and repeat it visually in your mind. This will help it feel like second nature the next time you have a lesson.

Your learning to drive questions answered by an expert

When we first set foot (or backside) in a car we’re faced with many unknowns. Is it easier to learn in an automatic, or should we go the whole hog and learn in a manual? How should we find a good driving instructor or driving school, and what should we watch out for?

Below you will find further resources to help you learn how to drive, and answer all your questions:

• How to choose a good driving instructor (or driving school)
• How to pass your driving test – expert tips

Final thoughts about learning to drive in Australia?

With a level head, positive attitude, and good preparation, learning to drive in Australia can be a fun and rewarding experience rather than a hair-raising rollercoaster of fear.

What experiences have you had learning to drive, or what fears and questions do you have? Let me know in the comments!

I had no issues driving in France with my Australian licence, but there were definitely other gotchas to consider. It is recommended you apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you arrive in France, and this official document will very likely be required if you plan to hire a car.

You will also need a few other things, and you will benefit from my expert knowledge, so let’s cover all you need to know about driving in France on your Australian licence:

Getting an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You can get an IDP in Australia, and this serves to translate your Australian driving licence into various languages, including French, which makes it easier for local authorities to understand your driving licence particulars.

Please note an IDP is not a standalone document, and you must carry your official Australian driving licence with you at all times while driving in France.

Getting an IDP is easy, although it is recommended you apply in good time before you depart for France. The permit will cost $49 (at the time of writing) which includes postage within Australia. Permits are usually despatched within 3 business days to Australian metropolitan areas, and slightly longer to rural areas.

You can apply for an IDP through the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) or any affiliated organisation.

Start here: International Driving Permits (IDPs) – Australian Automobile Association (AAA)

IDPs are recognised in 98% of countries worldwide, and given it can be illegal to drive in a country without one, they are worth getting. An IDP will last 12 months from date of issue, and during that time they can also be used for photographic ID.

If you leave for France imminently, another option is to visit a branch of NRMA who can issue you an IDP on the spot. You can find your nearest NRMA branch here.

What you need to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You will need the following to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP):

• A recent passport style photo – Make sure you adhere to regular passport photo requirements to prevent your photo being rejected.
• Your drivers licence photo card – This must be valid and not near to expiry.
• Credit card for payment.

Clean Air Sticker (Crit’Air vignette)

If you will be renting a car you can skip this requirement as a rental car will already have a Crit’Air vignette.

However, if you plan to buy a vehicle in France, or bring into France from the UK or other European nations, then you should apply for a clean air sticker. If you aren’t planning to visit larger cities, particularly Paris, but also smaller cities such as Saint Étienne, you will not need a clean air sticker, but if you want to be safe – pay a few bucks and apply for one. At the time of writing, a clean air sticker will cost around $7.

What is a Clean Air Sticker?

Many European countries now restrict dirty old plant-killing vehicles in densely populated urban areas, with France being no exception. The clean air sticker, known as the Crit’Air vignette to the French, is a disc-shaped sticker which displays your vehicle’s emissions level.

The clean air sticker is colour-coded to reflect how environmentally friendly, or unfriendly, your car is. They range from green for the cleanest vehicles to dark gray for the most polluting ones, namely inefficient diesels, large vehicles, or older vehicles.

Where will you need a Clean Air Sticker?

When driving in restricted zones, known as Low Emission Zones (ZCR) or Air Quality Control Zones (ZPA), you must have the appropriate Crit’Air sticker displayed on your vehicle’s windshield. If you haven’t got a sticker, or your car is not permitted, you risk getting a fine.

These zones and corresponding restrictions change regularly, and will become stricter in coming years.

As of 2023, the following locations will require a clean air sticker:

• Aix-Marseille-Provence region
• Bordeaux (from 2024)
• Clermont-Ferrand
• Grenoble
• Lyon
• Marseille
• Montpellier
• Paris
• Reims
• Rouen
• Saint Etienne
• Strasbourg
• Toulouse

Please do not take this as a conclusive list. It is subject to change.

The clean air sticker helps authorities enforce regulations put in place to reduce air pollution, and regardless of whether you personally want to save the planet or not, you should comply with the authorities and restrictions in place in these areas of France.

During my 3 weeks in France I was spent 2 days within cities which required a clean air sticker, so if you don’t plan to visit cities it is very easy to avoid the need for one.

Make sure you check whether you need one for your specific destination and order it in advance to comply with local environmental requirements.

Road tolls

The French have a very effective method to maintain and improve both local road networks and freeways (known as autoroutes in France) – toll roads.

Known as “péages”, you will find many of the faster routes through France to incur a toll, and these can quickly rack up and eat into your escargot and wine budget. A 3 hour trip along toll roads can cost around €30 (around $50 AUD in 2023).

Most of the time, with the help of Google Maps, you will find more scenic routes will take only a little bit longer, for free. The toll roads are fantastic to drive on, with limited traffic, and will get you from A to B quickly.

When using toll roads, which is sometimes inevitable, you will find most cars to be British, Dutch, or German. Most French use local roads, which means tourists contribute significant amounts to improve the road infrastructure in France. Genius.

Rest stops and eateries tend to be high quality. It has to be said a lot of driving I did through more rural areas of France were fairly devoid of anywhere to eat, or anywhere to get coffee. Nothing seemed to be open before midday expect patisseries (from pain-aux-chocolat), with the only food available being pizza, from no end of pizza vending machines in every town or village.

What you must carry in your car while driving in France

When driving in France there are several essential items you must carry in your car.

Your easiest option is to purchase a kit at an automotive store, and if your car was purchased in a different country you must also identify this with a sticker (such as a UK sticker for a car purchased in the UK) or an appropriate flag on the registration plate.

Make sure you carry all the below items in your car while driving in France:

• Driving licence
• International Driving Permit (IDP)
• Clean Air Sticker (Crit’Air vignette)
• Vehicle registration documents
• Proof of insurance
• Passport
• A reflective safety vest for each passenger
• Warning triangle
• First aid kit
• Spare bulbs (recommended)
• Breathalyser kit (recommended, especially near Cognac, Bordeaux, or the Champagne region)* – this requirement isn’t enforced.
• Headlamp beam deflectors – Required if your vehicle is right-hand drive.

* Note: Those areas are tongue in cheek, and you should carry a breathalyser kit wherever you are in France.

Crossing borders

During my 3 weeks in France I also passed through four other countries – Switzerland (who have their own toll system), Germany, Luxembourg, and Belgium. Although we had no issues crossing borders in our vehicle (purchased in the UK), it is important to keep in mind this is a likelihood while driving in France.

Some borders have guards who may or may not check your vehicle. Other borders, such as those on a freeway between France and Belgium, are barely noticable.

Having crossed multiple borders on our trip, we only had our car checked once. This included a scan for drugs, which was when I realised the person I bought the car from may have been a drug smuggler. Thankfully this wasn’t the case, but keep this in mind if you buy a vehicle from a stoned backpacker.

Final thoughts about Driving in France with an Australian licence

France is a beautiful country. Amazing really.

I was very surprised once I crossed the border into a much busier Switzerland (at Lake Geneva) how much I preferred driving in France. It proved much easier to camp in France, and driving was more relaxed and much less stressful than other European countries or the UK.

Driving in France, with an Australian licence, IDP, and Clean Air Sticker, is a trip I recommend you take!

Have you driven in France as an Australian? Tell us about your trip in the comments!

If you have been involved in a road traffic accident and only have the other driver’s name and perhaps date of birth, then you may feel you need to know more about the person.

You don’t.

This is all the information you need, and official bodies will be responsible for the rest. No matter who was at fault, the other party has a right to privacy, which is why you cannot find their drivers licence number using their name, or name and date of birth.

Reasons you may want to find a driving licence number by name

Your reasons for requiring another person’s driving licence number may be genuine, so to help understand why you cannot find a drivers licence number by name in Australia, consider the following:

Identity theft

Criminals may try to collect personal information, including driver’s license numbers, to commit identity theft. With this information, they can open fraudulent bank accounts, make unauthorised purchases, or engage in other criminal activities using the person’s identity.

Harassment or stalking

In cases of harassment or stalking, an individual might try to gather personal information about someone, including their driver’s license number, to intimidate or threaten them.

Fraudulent activities

Some individuals with malicious intentions may seek driver’s license numbers to engage in fraudulent activities, such as applying for loans, credit cards, or benefits in the victim’s name.

Unauthorised access

Some people might attempt to access restricted areas or gain unauthorized privileges by impersonating someone else using their driver’s license number.

With the above reasons alone, and a person’s right to privacy, it is easy to understand why you cannot find a driving licence number by name, or name and DOB, in Australia, or most parts of the world.

After all, you wouldn’t want people you don’t know to have access to your personal driving licence details, would you?

There are some important considerations, and legal implications if you crash the vehicle and injure someone, so you must use care, but other than that I highly recommend it. In this article about driving on private land without a licence I’ll tell you exactly why.

Why you should drive on private land without a licence

If you’re a learner, or a minor who cannot legally drive on Australian roads, what better way to become familiar with a car than driving on private land?

For many of us, especially those of us who live in cities, the option of driving a car in a backyard isn’t an option, and it’s a shame.

I was lucky to learn how to drive on private land at the age of 14. My Dad had access to a disused airfield, and before long I not only had the skills to drive a car, but the confidence to drive on public roads. My official driving lessons were a breeze, and I passed my driving test with flying colours.

I never had to deal with the fear of learning to drive in an environment where I could crash into other road users, or people, cyclists, or bottle-o’s.

The other benefit of learning to drive on private land is zero paperwork. Save that licence application for later, and simply enjoy the wonders of driving.

If you don’t have acres of private land, is there a farm, industrial yard, or nearby wealthy land owner who you can sweet talk into using their land on Sundays?

Important considerations for driving on private land without a licence

In Australia, the legality of driving on private land without a license largely depends on the specific circumstances and local regulations. However, when it comes to Australian road laws and driver licencing regulations these will not apply when driving on private property.

But, and there’s always a but, you should take into account the following important considerations:

Make sure you have permission from the land owner

Even if the property belongs to a family friend or parents, you must have their permission. Land owners have the authority to set their own rules and restrictions, and any damage caused by bad driving can cause anything from a simple dispute to a court hearing.

Safety

All vehicles are dangerous, and driving on private property often gives us free reign to hoon, drive recklessly, or put the safety of us and others in danger. You are also at risk of damaging the vehicle or property.

Safety should always be a priority, so use common sense. Avoid injuries and accidents, and always act with caution and responsibility.

Age restrictions

Although you may not need a driver’s license to drive on private property, age restrictions for operating motor vehicles may still apply. For instance, children under the legal driving age may need adult supervision. If you’re a parent and are happy for your child to drive a vehicle on private land, then it is strong encouraged you supervise them. If you don’t, and they get hurt, you may find yourself in court.

Trespassing

Growing up we’re usually aware of all the local private land which you can access with a vehicle. In Australia it is usually possible to take a 4X4 through vast sections of privately owned land rarely frequented by the owner. It can be tempting to drive without a licence on this land, for learning purposes or sh*ts and giggles, but note this is trespassing, and trespassing is illegal.

Environmental concerns

Always be mindful of any environmental impact you may have, even if the land you drive on is privately owned. This is especially the case in Australia, and more so when off-roading, which can damage the land and local ecosystems.

Local regulations

Although this article covers driving on private land without a licence in general for Australia, local council regulations and zoning laws may affect whether you can drive on private property and what you can do there. I recommend you investigate by contacting or viewing the website of local authorities, and also the landowner who should be aware of any relevant laws.

Vehicle registration on private land

Private land use usually doesn’t require vehicle registration.

So, if you don’t have a drivers licence, and the vehicle isn’t registered (or even roadworthy), then you can take pleasure in feeling rebellious without doing anything wrong.

But, take precautions if the non-roadworthiness of the vehicle is a safety concern.

Contrary to popular belief, passing your driver’s test is simpler than you may think. You just need to be prepared!

Be prepared – practice makes perfect

There are no “secret” tips that guarantee success on your test.

Make sure you practice as much as you can before taking the test. This is your best way to succeed, and your best way to be an awe-inspiring driver.

Just like any test, if we go in underprepared we’re bound to be more anxious and under more stress during the test. This is why you should do your best to feel prepared, and the more prepared you feel, the easier the test will be.

Expert tips to help you pass your driving test

With the help of an experienced driving instructor, below are expert tips to help you pass your driving test:

Tip #1: Make a mental note of your pre-drive agenda

When you enter your car, your inspector will expect you to complete a few tasks. While this rundown will vary from state to state, remembering how to use these frameworks in your automobile will put you well on your way to improvement.

Securely fasten your seatbelt. Alter the position of your side and rear-view mirrors.

Managing your cooling and heating systems. Activating the headlights, taillights, and high pillars of your vehicle

Tip #2: Maintain a constant speed of less than five mph for as long as feasible

Speeding is a frequent reason why several understudies fail their street tests. When you’re worried and not paying attention to the speedometer, it’s easy to lose track of your speed rise. Additionally, you should maintain a smooth, consistent pace throughout your test.

To accomplish this, make a conscious effort and train yourself to regularly drive within five miles per hour of the posted speed limit each time you practice driving. This is one of our most excellent driving test ideas for restless understudy drivers — you’d rather not fail your test because you haven’t developed this driving habit yet.

Tip #3: Get as much practice in the driver’s seat as possible

There is no alternative for getting behind the wheel and practising basic driving manoeuvres. It would be best if you asked a parent or immediate relative to accompany you on a managed drive as soon as possible.

This will enable you to develop a certain level of confidence when out and about, which will aid you tremendously on the driver’s test. Additionally, choose a skilled supervisor who constantly gives you recommendations while practicing, as it is often challenging to detect your errors.

Tip #4: Keep your eyes open and your mirrors clean

Numerous students frequently focus their gaze incorrectly on what is happening in front of them during the test. While this may appear to be a reasonable course of action in principle, it is hazardous and may result in a programmed failure on your driver’s test.

Your side- and rear-view mirrors provide invaluable information about what vehicles are doing behind and around you. Additionally, you should check your vulnerable side to identify any vehicle that may be nearby. Thus, you’ll have a 360-degree view and will never be surprised by the presence of cars near or behind you.

Tip #5: Decrease your speed before turning.

Accelerating into a turn is a dangerous behaviour that could result in a risky catastrophe. Proceed exceedingly slowly, especially as a newbie. When turning, be sure to dial back the engine and complete the turn before reapplying power to the gas pedal. Take note of your environmental elements to avoid colliding with walkers or foreign particles that may obstruct your path.

Tip #6: Be cautious when approaching traffic signals

Traffic signals are one of the more intuitive driving rules for folks to grasp. At an unusually young age, we are taught that a green light indicates ‘go’, and a red light indicates to stop.’ Whatever the case, there has been considerable inconsistency over what one should do at a yellow light.

In most cases, particularly during the in-the-seat driver’s test, you should prepare to stop when approaching a yellow light. This way, you avoid being caught running a red light, which is a planned fail.

Similarly, look left and right before beginning to accelerate following a green light. A few cars speed across intersections while the light has just turned red, resulting in an accident. This is not only an excellent street test idea but something you should do consistently.

Tip #7: While turning around, check your environmental components

While numerous modern vehicles are equipped with reinforcement camera technologies, their use is prohibited during the DMV street test. Your inspector will either need that you turn off the framework or cover its screen with a clipboard.

Subsequently, it is critical that you consider your environmental factors before putting your vehicle into reverse and that you bear in mind that directing your vehicle to its destination. If you do not make your developments obvious, your inspector may subtract points for failing to look at your behind when turning around.

Tip #8: Brake with care

Forced slowing down is another frequently used excuse for missed focuses on out-and-about tests. While it may be tempting to punch the pedal hard and quickly, you should practise progressively increasing effort approximately a quarter-mile before your aim. Your car will have plenty of time to come to a complete stop in the future.

Another excellent strategy to avoid forced slowing down is to gaze well ahead of your car – this way; you’ll be motivated to identify anticipated hazards and respond on time.

Tip #9: Avoid expecting your errors to be serious

You may notice that you have made an error and conclude that you have failed the test. Don’t. Your blunder may be a non-basic error, which means you may still have a chance to pass. Basic errors are blunders that demonstrate a lack of control over the vehicle or errors that endanger other road users. They cause a brief hiccup during the driving test.

Non-basic mistakes or mix-ups are any residual errors or omissions from the test. Depending on your location, you may accumulate a few non-basic errors without failing the exam. Before the stopping point test, the driving inspector will review your score and highlight areas for improvement. You will be informed of any fundamental or non-fundamental errors.

Tip #10: Concentrate on what is going on around you, not on the inspector

As you almost definitely already know, every interruption significantly impairs your protected driving skill and fixation. While you may be curious about what the analyst is doing and recording, it is entirely irrelevant throughout the test.

Rather than focusing only on the inspector, concentrate on the roadway and the surroundings around your vehicle to ensure you drive safely and perfectly. Regardless, this will provide the analyst only writes positive things about your driving and will help you earn a passing grade.

While it is fair to need to complete the driver’s seat examination and then forget about it, rushing through the test without being prepared will undoubtedly result in a low score. Indeed, the most frequently acknowledged error is rushing through the assessment, as revealed by instructors we spoke with.

You will not be able to “falsify” your direction to obtain a driver’s permit, so take as much time as required to learn how to drive safely before taking the exam. You’ll end up saving time and money in the long run.