In this article we will cover what you need to do to find a really good driving instructor who will get you up to speed both quickly and cheaply. After all, you don’t want to waste your money (or your parent’s money) on unnecessary and unproductive driving lessons!

Here are great things to consider which will help you choose the best driving instructor:

Word of mouth

It’s very likely your friends and classmates are learning to drive, so ask them questions!

Word of mouth and real feedback is your best way to find a good driving instructor. If you search online in your local area can you trust the reviews? Who are the people writing the reviews, and did they write them because they were offered a discount on their driving lessons? Quite often, businesses write their own reviews or pay someone to do it for them.

Ask your friends what they find good about their driving instructor, or what complications they have faced while driving. Asking as many questions as possible will help you find a driving instructor who you is not only good, but someone you feel comfortable with.

Research

I mentioned how online reviews can be skewed, but they’re still an important part of finding a good driving instructor. Google reviews are a great place to start, but you can check other websites such as Trustpilot and Yelp as well.

Asking on a local social media group can offer good recommendations, although be skeptical. I once asked on a social media group for a business recommendation and someone responded recommending a business I knew to be terrible. When I asked why they recommended the business, or if they’d used them, they replied with “No, never used them, but I saw a post on Facebook about them”.

Once you have a shortlist of local driving instructors (or driving schools), get in touch with them and ask them questions. What is there success rate, what cars do they have, what’s their curriculum or courses? You can call or email, and hopefully they can reply with useful information which makes you feel more confident about them.

Observe

If you’re looking at a driving school then it’s well worth paying them a visit. Any decent driving school will be happy to show you around, let you talk to instructors, and allow you to ask questions.

Observe how they treat you and how they teach driving, and this will help you figure out whether you want to join the driving school or not.

Check the ratings and experience of driving instructors

While observing their online websites, you must check out the ratings of all the instructors and read about them and their qualifications mentioned on their website.

Don’t forget to check their experience, because the experience of an instructor matters a lot while they teach you driving.

Reputable Driving instructors should have qualification proof on their website, and knowing how qualified a driving instructor is will offer confidence in how good they will be at teaching you.

When it comes to experience, it is imperative to talk to your instructor, who will teach you driving. Ask them about their experiences in different driving schools where they have been working and how many years of experience they have. The experience of a driving instructor is key, and most of the time you will benefit greatly from an experienced instructor.

Curriculum

While you visit a driving school make sure you ask about their curriculum. What will they will be teaching, and what is the duration of any structured driving course?

Will the driving school also take care of the theoretical knowledge for the academic driving test?

Talk to them about all your doubts. Do they reassure you with their answers?

What car(s) do they offer?

An independent driving instructor will likely have only one vehicle available. Does their vehicle suit you? Is it manual or automatic, and which do you prefer?

Whenever you visit the driving school for enquiry see and observe their cards they take while practising with their students. See and watch which car would be perfect for you and ask them if you can choose a vehicle you want to take while learning to drive.

A good driving school should offer both automatic and manual cars.

What area will you learn in?

Ask them about the driving lessons and make us practice for the extra time. On which roads will practice lessons happen and how much time will each session last.

All these practice-related sessions are essential to learning to drive efficiently, and you should ensure they align with what you feel comfortable with.

Courses

When you inquire, ask about the different driving courses there and choose the best figure then our introductory driving courses, defence driving courses, advanced driving training, etc. Check out the curriculum, of course, and choose the one which suits your interest.

History

Check out the driving school’s history from their websites and how many years they pin into existence. Also, check out the founder and CEO of the driving school and check out all the verification details before joining a Driving School.

Language

As you know, today, language is the biggest bad for instructions.

People with different languages and other kinds of accents will find it challenging to cope with the instructions. This is nothing to feel bad about, and shouldn’t affect your ability to learn to drive.

Whether you choose an independent driving instructor or driving school, make sure they’re able to instruct you without any language gaps.

Requesting a particular instructor

Many people are culturally biased and have a conservative and orthodox mindset, so will there be an option to choose an individual male or female instructor according to them.

We all feel more comfortable with some people rather than others, and you should always choose a driving instructor who you are happy with. If a driving school cannot offer this, find somewhere else.

Free pickup and drops

Usually, all the driving schools provide free pick up and drop while the driving lessons are going on, so while enquiry and also ask them about this. This is usually valid for the local areas nearby.

Success Rate

The success rate of driving school is critical after giving a driving test. You should ask past students you know who have learned from the driving instructor – did they pass first time, and if not – why?

Driving Test

Enquire about the driving test as there is a practical driving test as well as a theoretical driving test, cast them if they will be providing the notes for the theory exam and provide the knowledge regarding that so that you kin pass the online theory test easily.

With a hefty RRP it’s worth doing your research first. Or better yet, read on and we’ll cover the research for you. Safety is paramount when towing a caravan, which is why you want a reliable set of towing mirrors.

In this guide we’ll take a look at some of the top brands of towing mirrors available in Australia, including ARB ClearView, MSA, and also the range of towing mirrors found at Bunnings.

The Best Brands of Towing Mirrors

The most popular brands of towing mirrors in Australia are by far ARB – known for being the absolute daddy for Australians like us when it comes to off-road or Australian terrain.

MSA towing mirrors are another popular brand. Let’s discuss both the ARB towing mirrors, branded “ClearView”, and the MSA towing mirrors:

ARB ClearView Towing Mirrors

ARB is a well-known and respected brand in the Australian automotive industry, and you probably know that already.

The ARB ClearView towing mirrors have gained popularity among caravan owners for two reasons – (1) the ARB brand name, and (2) because these towing mirrors are a very robust build with excellent visibility.

These mirrors are designed to provide an extended field of view, reducing blind spots and enhancing safety during towing. They are easy to install (prove us wrong!) and are built by Australians to withstand the harsh Australian conditions.

MSA Towing Mirrors

I admit to using ARB ClearViews at the time of writing, but I have previously installed and used a set of the MSA towing mirrors.

MSA are another brand offering reliable towing mirrors, and shouldn’t be discounted. The MSA towing mirrors are durable with a solid build quality.

According to the spiel, these mirrors are designed to be aerodynamic and vibration-resistant, ensuring a clear view of your surroundings while towing. That all sounds useful, doesn’t it?

If you’re not an ARB die hard, and want to save a few bucks, then the MSA mirrors are still a popular choice for experienced Aussie caravan owners, and you shouldn’t be disappointed.

SAN HIMA Towing Mirrors at Bunnings

Bunnings seem to sell everything these days, don’t they? Even dog food – not that I’d buy my dog’s food from Bunnings.

Some caravan owners have opted for the SAN HIMA brand of towing mirrors available at Bunnings, simply because they’re more affordable. They also seem somewhat practical.

These SAN HIMA towing mirrors may be a good choice for those on a budget or in need of a quick solution, and although aren’t as robust and flashy as the ARB and MSA towing mirrors, will simply get the job done.

The Safest Mirror for Towing Caravans

The safest mirror to use when towing a caravan is one that provides an extended and unobstructed field of view, and when it comes to Aussie outback roads we also want a mirror which doesn’t vibrate or fall off as soon as a road train thunders past.

Mirrors designed specifically for towing, such as the ARB ClearView and MSA towing mirrors, are often the best choice, but also the most costly.

On that note, if you can afford ARB or MSA, or are a serious caravaner, then they’re the brands for you. Both are engineered to minimise blind spots and offer a clear view of the road and surroundings, and handle Australian terrain and corrugation.

Safety should always be a top priority when towing a caravan, so investing in high-quality, purpose-built towing mirrors is recommended.

If you can’t stump up the funds, SAN HIMA are a better option than no towing mirrors at all.

Do I Need One or Two Towing Mirrors?

The number of towing mirrors you need depends on your caravan, and also your personal preference. Having two towing mirrors obviously offers you more visibility, but also extends the width of your vehicle.

In Australia, the law mandates that you have a clear view to the rear of your caravan. This often necessitates the use of two towing mirrors – so keep that in mind.

Having two mirrors provides a wider field of vision and reduces blind spots, making it safer to navigate while towing. Even if you have a smaller caravan, two mirrors can be advantageous for a more comprehensive view of your surroundings.

Do I Need Special Mirrors to Tow a Caravan?

When towing a caravan, it is advisable to use specialised towing mirrors designed for this purpose.

These mirrors are larger and offer an extended field of view, which is essential for safety. While some caravan owners may make do with regular side mirrors or the more budget friendly towing mirrors found at Bunnings, using mirrors specifically designed for towing is the safest option.

Specialised towing mirrors are more stable and less likely to vibrate, ensuring a clear and steady view while on the road. If you want the best, ARB ClearView towing mirrors are my recommendation.

Final Thoughts About Towing Mirrors

If you’ve had experience with the brands of towing mirrors mentioned in this guide, or other brands, then we’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.

For Australian caravan owners, choosing the best brand of towing mirrors is crucial for a safe and enjoyable towing experience.

Brands like ARB ClearView and MSA offer high-quality, purpose-built towing mirrors that enhance safety and visibility. While you can find mirrors at Bunnings, it’s recommended to invest in specialised towing mirrors to ensure the highest level of safety.

Whether you need one or two mirrors depends on your caravan size and personal preference, but having two mirrors generally provides a safer towing experience.

Ultimately, prioritise safety and choose the towing mirrors which best suit your needs. These will make your Australian caravan adventures both enjoyable AND safe.

From engine upgrades to custom body kits, modifying our cars allows us to maximise enjoyment and be a part of one of the best and most rewarding enthusiast communities out there.

However, we must understand and adhere to the legal regulations governing car modifications to ensure safety and compliance on the roads. In Australia this is harder than other western countries due to more stringent modification laws, and to make this worse they differ in each state and territory of Australia.

Understanding Car Modification Laws in Australia

Australia follows a combination of federal and state-based regulations for car modifications.

The Australian Design Rules (ADRs) at the federal level set the safety and emissions standards for vehicles. In addition to that, specific car modification laws are managed by each state and territory’s road transport authority.

More information: Australian Design Rules (ADRs)

Let’s take a look at car modification laws by state:

New South Wales (NSW)

In NSW, car modifications are regulated by the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).

Engine modifications, exhaust systems, suspension changes, and wheel alterations must comply with specific requirements.

Many modifications require certification by a licensed engineer.

More information: Modified and non-standard vehicles (NSW Goverment)

Victoria (VIC)

The VicRoads oversees car modification laws in Victoria.

Body modifications, engine swaps, brake upgrades, and lighting alterations must meet safety standards.

Some modifications may also need engineering approval.

More information: VicRoads – Vehicle Standards Information

Queensland (QLD)

In Queensland, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) manages car modification regulations.

Vehicle height, steering modifications, and safety equipment changes have specific guidelines.

Some modifications require an engineering certificate or inspection.

More information: Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) – Vehicle Modifications

Western Australia (WA)

The Department of Transport in WA regulates car modification laws for those in the wild west.

Engine modifications, exhaust systems, suspension changes, and wheel and tyre alterations must meet specific requirements.

Off-road and 4WD vehicles may have additional considerations.

More information: Department of Transport – Vehicle Modifications

South Australia (SA)

The South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport oversees car modification regulations.

Lighting, window tinting, vehicle height adjustments, and performance modifications have specific rules.

Engineering certification may be necessary for certain modifications.

More information: Department for Infrastructure and Transport – Vehicle Standards

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmania’s car modification laws are managed by the Transport Tasmania.

Emission standards, noise regulations, and certification requirements are essential considerations.

Compliance with national standards is essential for modified vehicles.

More information: Transport Tasmania – Vehicle Standards

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Car modification laws in the ACT are regulated by Access Canberra.

Engine swaps, exhaust systems, and other modifications have specific requirements.

Vehicles used on public roads must meet specific restrictions.

More information: Access Canberra – Vehicle Standards

Northern Territory (NT)

In the Northern Territory, the Department of Infrastructure, Planning, and Logistics manages car modification regulations.

Engineering certificates and compliance with national standards are necessary for various modifications.

There are specific considerations for modified 4WD vehicles.

More information: NT Government – Vehicle Modifications

Complying with car modifying laws

Understanding and adhering to car modification laws in Australia is essential to ensure road safety and legal compliance, which is why they’re put in place. As modification enthusiasts we must always adhere to local car modification laws, as the last thing we want is big fines or our car impounded.

Each state and territory has its own set of regulations, and as an enthusiast it is up to you to research and comply with the specific requirements for your location.

Always verify the latest information with the respective road transport authority or government department before making modifications to your vehicle, and get an engineering certificate when required. If you can’t do that, be aware of the risks or stick to track use.

Generally, the purpose of laws and regulations for car modifications are to keep you and other road users safe on the roads.