So, you just passed your learner’s test and medical assessments? Congratulations! Now it’s time to prepare for your first lesson with an NDIS driving instructor. Like learning any new skill, driving for the first time can be an exciting but nerve-racking experience. At CareUp, though, we’re here to help make your first time behind the wheel as seamless as possible.
In this article, we’ll provide some helpful tips and NDIS-tailored support for participants learning how to drive. Understand what to expect, learn how to communicate with your instructor, and discover strategies to help you stay calm and confident on the road.
Before Your Lesson
Before jumping in the driver’s seat, it’s important you feel comfortable and ready. Factor in these tips before your instructor arrives.
Brush up on the Road Rules
Road rules may vary from state to state, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with the ones in your area. In New South Wales, for example, learners must display their L plates outside of the vehicle and must not exceed 90 km per hour, even in zones with faster speed limits. Be sure to reread your learner booklet before meeting with your NDIS registered driving instructor. This will help you feel more confident about your rights behind the wheel.
Wear Something Comfortable
Lessons usually run for one hour on average. That’s quite a while sitting in the same position. We recommend wearing something you’re comfortable with, making sure that your clothes or accessories don’t obstruct your vision or vehicle controls. If you need glasses, make sure you bring them along, too, and wear flat, closed-in shoes if you’ll be using the accelerator and brake pedals.
Install Your Logbook App
All Australian learner drivers must document their hours honestly. In NSW, learner drivers are required to do so using the Roundtrip app. To avoid incorrect reporting and the hassle of setting up your logbook account later, install the app on your smartphone before your first lesson.
Be Ready
Sometimes, the thought of trying something new can be overwhelming. Share your anxieties and concerns with your loved ones or carer. Express your feelings openly and honestly. Getting everything out in the open before you drive can help you feel more confident about your lesson. Additionally, if you have other strategies that help you cope with new experiences, rely on those, too. Feeling ready to tackle this new adventure will help make you a more confident driver.
Meeting Your Instructor
Remember: your instructor is here to support you, not hinder you. Chances are they’re even more excited for you to get your licence than you are. Nevertheless, we understand that meeting new people can sometimes be uncomfortable. Consider the following to make interacting with your NDIS driving instructor easy.
Chat About Your Concerns and Driving Goals
Each new driver has their own goals and concerns, and your instructor is eager to learn about yours. Tell them what you’re most nervous about and what you’re eager to learn, and ask any questions you have about the lesson and operating a vehicle. That way, they can provide NDIS driving assistance tailored to your individual needs.
Discuss the Ways You Prefer to Learn
Some people are auditory (sounds and hearing) learners, while others prefer to use visual aids to help them understand new topics. The way you retain information is unique, and it’s possible you deepen your knowledge in various ways. Auditory learners, for example, may prefer verbal instructions from their NDIS driving coach, while visual learners may benefit from diagrams, videos, and other graphics. Discuss your preferred learning style with your instructor so they can tailor an appropriate driving lesson for you.
Familiarise Yourself With the Car
Even experienced drivers should familiarise themselves with new vehicles. Whether you’re attending your lesson in a friend's or loved one's car or learning to drive in your NDIS instructor’s vehicle, it’s important that you feel safe and comfortable behind the wheel.
Additionally, if you’re an individual with a disability, it’s possible you’ll be learning in a modified vehicle. These vehicles are great as they give NDIS participants the opportunity to drive, regardless of their physical disabilities. What this means, though, is that you might be learning to drive in an accessible vehicle. If this is the case, ask your instructor where to locate and how to use key features, such as the accelerator and brakes, indicators, windscreen wipers, gear stick, etc.
Practice in Areas You’re Familiar With
Driving is fun, exciting, and convenient, but even the most experienced drivers should remain cautious when navigating unfamiliar roads and areas. To reduce the stress of driving in areas you don’t know, practice in places you’re used to. This will help you and your instructor devise a lesson plan you’re both comfortable with.
Additionally, some individuals with disabilities thrive in structured environments. If this sounds like you, work with your instructor to develop a structured routine that works for you and your driving goals. This could look like:
Scheduling subsequent lessons in advance
Outlining routes
Planning lesson focuses ahead of time, i.e., parking, reversing, nighttime driving, etc.
Setting goals with achievable but flexible timeframes
Planning breaks in your lesson
During Your Lesson
First-time drivers sometimes feel overwhelmed on the road. Remember to lean on your instructor for guidance and support. Consider the following tips when taking your lesson.
If You’re Unsure, Ask
Teaching people how to drive safely and proficiently is what your driving instructor does. If you’re unsure about anything during your lesson, rely on them for guidance and support, whether that be clarifying road rules, giving the go-ahead at an intersection, or reminding you how to use the car’s safety features.
Pull Over Safely if You Need to
Pushing through a lesson when you don’t feel safe or comfortable is not ideal. Doing so may result in dangerous driving or accidents. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed or need a break, tell your instructor you need to pull over. They will help you do this safely and legally.
Keep a Safe Distance
Your instructor will be all over this one, but as you get used to driving, keep a little extra distance between you and other cars. This will help you stay a safe braking distance from other vehicles and help enhance road safety.
Relax and Take Your Time
First-time drivers are usually quite anxious, which is completely normal and understandable. Don’t feel obligated to drive or manoeuvre the vehicle in ways you aren’t comfortable with yet. Those are all things you can revisit in future lessons, and you will get there, trust us. Instead, practice developing skills you can attempt with more confidence. Relax and take your time. The rest will follow.
Put Your Learning First
Many new drivers feel like burdens on the road. You might sometimes notice other vehicles overtaking you or expressing some frustration when sharing the road. It’s important to remind yourself that every licence holder has been in your shoes. They each had to sit a learner's test, and they all had to learn under an instructor’s guidance. What’s new to you was once new to them, so it’s fundamental to put your own learning first. Here’s how you can do that:
Try not to feel disheartened when other cars overtake you
If it happens, don’t take road rage personally
Don’t exceed the speed limit just because there are other cars behind you
Follow the road rules and listen to your instructor
Be kind to yourself if you make a mistake. Mistakes are how we learn
After Your Lesson
Your lesson shouldn’t end just because you’ve parked up and turned off the car. Here are some things you can do after completing your first NDIS driving lesson.
Debrief With Your Instructor
How do you feel about your first specialised driving lesson with an NDIS instructor? Did it go as you expected or another way entirely? After the lesson, take an opportunity to chat with your instructor about it. You may wish to:
Ask for feedback and advice
Offer some feedback
Change follow-up lessons or revisit your driving goals
Discuss your driving experience
Log Your Hours
Once you’ve finished driving, remember to document your lesson in your logbook app. Your instructor will then need to validate your response, certifying that the lesson took place and the data is accurate.
You should log all hours you spend learning how to drive, whether that be for six minutes or sixty minutes.
Book Another Lesson
If, for any reason, you didn’t book more lessons before starting this one, or if you need to make alterations to the proposed schedule, now is a good time to do so. Speak with your instructor about follow-up lessons and book appointments that work for you.
Schedule Your First Driving Lesson With Care Up
Are you an NDIS participant eager to get your licence? Care Up can help. We provide compassionate driving lessons under the NDIS to clients in Sydney. Our qualified instructors are well-versed in NSW road laws and have extensive experience helping learners with disabilities get their licenses. Contact us to learn more.
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