Is it doable for the stereotypical Asian woman to drive from Sydney to Gold Coast?

lizzle on 17/05/2015 - 18:45
Last edited 18/05/2015 - 14:53

Edit: Okay, I've taken your advice into consideration guys. I was pretty keen on the drive up, but I've been thinking about how much more driving experience I could pack into a few months, and it's unlikely that I'll feel much more comfortable driving that long a distance over a long period of time. Plus the costs of having to split the trip into two days could be expensive. SO to minimize risk to myself and others on the road, I've decided not to take the trip (this time). Perhaps in the future. Instead, my sister has been nice enough to make a road trip out of it with her hubby instead, and drive the car up herself to GC, which will be safer for everyone. I'm sure a day will come in the future when I need to/want to make the trip, so all of your advice hasn't gone to waste :) Thanks for all of your opinions!

I'm planning to drive up from Sydney to GC (need to move the car up) around end of September, and just want to know if it's doable for a noob driver.

Some details about me: I haven't got my P's yet (taking the driving test in a couple of weeks) and haven't had a whole lot of driving exp, although I'm sure that'll increase over the next few months once I have my license. I'm in my early 20s, and yes, I am Asian. You can just think of me as the stereotypical poor Asian woman driver.

What I want to know is: is the drive up very different from driving on normal roads? I'm used to the Gold Coast roads, where roads are all pretty wide, traffic doesn't get terribly bad, and most drivers seem to be pretty nice on the roads. Is there anything in particular I should prepare myself for on the drive up? I'm likely to be the sole driver for the whole trip, with one passenger with me.

Thanks in advance for your advice guys :)

Travel

Comments

  • momov3 on 17/05/2015 - 21:04
    -5

    Goodness me, just fly and then rent a car from the airport!

    • PVA on 17/05/2015 - 21:07

      she's moving the car from Sydney to Gold Coast.

    • IceCreamBandit on 17/05/2015 - 21:08
      -1

      Please read OP's first line.

      I'm planning to drive up from Sydney to GC (need to move the car up)

  • momov3 on 17/05/2015 - 21:09

    OHHHH….my bad. My very bad. She will have to drive.

  • NancyCat on 17/05/2015 - 21:22
    +4

    I think you need a Plan B.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/05/2015 - 21:34
    +1

    Experienced a two way, brisbane to blue mountains (one day each way).

    Its much easier than driving in the city of melbourne the roads are good quality and not very many drivers if you avoid peak traffic from the major areas. Your real enemy will be focus and fatigue. It can be easily done in 2 and a half days, stopping over to see the sights every so often. Not sure how well you can fight the road-hypnosis but as a new driver I would not take it more than 2.5 hours in the morning and 2.5 hours in the afternoon.

  • airzone on 17/05/2015 - 22:45
    -6

    "Is it doable for the stereotypical asian woman to drive from Sydney to Gold Coast?"

    First thing that comes to mind (having lived near hurstville) is that you shouldn't be behind the wheel of a car to begin with. rofl!

    • [Deactivated] on 18/05/2015 - 09:54
      +3

      I thought the op playing the race card was inappropriate and offensive…

      But so is your comment.

  • blitz on 17/05/2015 - 22:46
    +20

    Sydney to Gold Coast (843km)
    noob driver
    haven't got my P's yet
    haven't had a whole lot of driving exp
    sole driver for the whole trip
    I was hoping to be able to make the trip in one day

    This is a recipe for disaster. OP, do not jeopardise your life and the lives of others on the road.

    • kiamsup on 17/05/2015 - 23:09
      +2

      Agree with blitz. Do yourself and others on the road a favour. Stay off the road. You are not even a P and yet thinking about driving long distances.

    • Davo1111 on 17/05/2015 - 23:51
      +1

      I did 800km as a passenger in one day (wasn't old enough as it was a rental).

      It was really really shit… i really wouldn't want to do it again. I'm sure it was much worse for the driver.

  • Charity on 18/05/2015 - 00:00
    -7

    A license, theoretically, says you are competent at driving on any public road - not just short trips - and not just under perfect conditions.

    You should hand in your license and sue the state for giving it to you.

    It is clear that you are not ready to have a license.

    You probably think this is harsh, and no doubt i will get negs, but it really is for your own safety and other road uses.

    • supnigs super skids on 18/05/2015 - 00:12
      -1

      thats how come its recognised as a 'P' - practice plate. the purpose is to tell other drivers to beware.

      • Charity on 18/05/2015 - 00:22

        P does not mean practice. It mean probationary. Meaning a safe knowledgeable driver, but subject to stricter penalties and conditions (like speed and drinking limits, etc).

        L is "practise". Practising drivers need a licensed (competent) driver with them to help them.

        No shame being a learner.

        A lot of shame injuring someone (or worse) because the driver is incompetent.

        • the-mal on 18/05/2015 - 09:04
          +1

          P does not stand for probationary (or practise). It means Provisional: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/driver/p1.html

          All it means is it is a temporary, time limited license. To assume any new driver has somehow acquired by osmosis the skills to drive in every condition is absurd.

          Drive to your limits, that's the message here. Telling someone to hand their license in because they're asking about their limits is ridiculous. OP is doing the right thing by asking for opinions of experienced drivers instead of just heading out into the great unknown.

          This trip is probably a leap too far considering OP's level of experience, which is the advice she's been given and it sounds as if she's graciously accepting that advice. Calling for her to hand in her license is just silly.

    • DrStinge on 18/05/2015 - 09:54

      P1 Does not mean this. NSW has a set of road rules that go along with it - you're thinking of a Full License.

      • Only drive cars. You cannot apply to upgrade your licence to a higher class
      • Have P plates displayed (red P on a white background) clearly on the front and back of the vehicle, on the outside. The letter P on the plate must not be hidden. If you’re towing a trailer, a P plate must be on the back of the trailer
      • Observe a maximum speed limit of 90 km/h, and observe the posted speed limit, where it’s below 90 km/h
      • Not tow any trailer more than 250 kilograms of unloaded weight. You must display a P plate (red P on a white background) on the back of the trailer while towing
      • Not exceed zero blood alcohol concentration. This means you cannot have any alcohol in your system when you drive a vehicle. It’s also illegal to drive under the influence of drugs
      • Not supervise a learner driver
      • Ensure all occupants, including yourself, are in a seat that has a seatbelt or an approved restraint fitted, and that each passenger is using the seatbelt or restraint
      • Not use any mobile phones, including hand free devices or loudspeaker, while driving or while your vehicle is stopped, but not parked
  • supnigs super skids on 18/05/2015 - 00:10

    nah. dont do it. even with 'P' license you don't have enough experience yet for long trips at speed then the transition to busy roads in Sydney. Especially dangerous when roads get worse in your country journey and then weather gets bad and extremely windy(this type of driving is different to urban.), or your car breaks down/a kangaroo jumps into the car and you need to remediate.

  • gummibear on 18/05/2015 - 00:54

    What kind of car will you be transporting? Sitting in the left lane as a big Semi-trailer speeds past can be unsettling if it's a small car

    I would definitely budget 1 day or even more so you never feel pressured to drive faster or longer than you feel is 100% safe.

    I've done syd <-> bris a few times and found the bulk of the driving is pretty un-remarkable. The worse bit is GPS navigating out of Sydney, after that it's alot of straight driving.

    You need to be confident with overtaking and always be courteous to other drivers and drive in the Left lane whenever possible.

    • lizzle on 18/05/2015 - 07:55

      I'll be driving a Mitsubishi Lancer up. As a rule of thumb, I always try to stay in the left lane, because I know a lot of people speed and whatnot in other lanes, and I don't want to get in the way of them.

      • [Deactivated] on 18/05/2015 - 08:23
        +1

        Itsamitshi?

        • SirNed on 18/05/2015 - 10:21

          almost. its bitsamising

  • currentfad on 18/05/2015 - 01:34

    As a guy holding a P2 licence for around a year now, my longest trip so far being Sydney > Canberra return (approx 600km in total) which I drove when I was still on P1 (90km/h limit) with my family, I would really not recommend you attempt such a solo road trip in a day, which is around 850km as some have already pointed out. You are going to be fatigued, and since you're going to be alone, it's easy to lose awareness of your surroundings and it could be a recipe for disaster. Hope you split your journey up! Good luck :)

  • Ridiculous Panda on 18/05/2015 - 01:57
    -4

    If you're hot enough, I can join you for the drive.
    No seriously, try to get a friend (that has nothing better to do) to drive for most of the trip, while you drive for a few hours. You can easily get it done in a day.
    You will have to pay for a $100 ticket for you friend, instead of staying in a motel.

  • This Guy on 18/05/2015 - 04:08
    +5

    I've known a few young "stereotypical poor Asian woman drivers". They were fine. It was just a lack of confidence, like most new drivers have. Ignore racism. With practise you will get better.

    I got my red P's late December then drove interstate, solo to see family for Christmas. The worst for me was having trucks driving 100km/h almost straight at me. The experience increased my confidence and now long drives can be fun, not a chore.

    The other week I was driving out of Canberra at dawn. I drove though some thick fog up a hill. Near the top the sun popped up like a bright moon rising directly in front of me. For a second I could look straight at the sun because the fog shielded most of its brightness. It was beautiful.

    You will see a ton of awesome things driving and long drives will take you to some of Australia's most beautiful places.

    Ignore the naysayers. Take your time. Rest if you feel tired and enjoy your drive.

    • [Deactivated] on 18/05/2015 - 07:59
      +4

      Confidence + inexperience rarely mix well.

      • This Guy on 18/05/2015 - 23:37

        I only said it increased my confidence. I never said I'm a drift god.

    • y on 19/05/2015 - 16:48

      The op seems to genuinely believe that she's a worse driver than other people with the same amount of experience just because she's an asian female.

      Why believe in racist stereotypes?

      • This Guy on 22/05/2015 - 01:57

        "Why believe in racist stereotypes?"

        "I've known a few young "stereotypical poor Asian woman drivers". They were fine. It was just a lack of confidence, like most new drivers have. Ignore racism. With practise you will get better."

        and

        "Ignore the naysayers."

        Just because I'm wearing a white, hooded robe while I'm typing this dosen't mean I'm a racist. Also, how did you know I was wearing a white, hooded robe?

  • jackary on 18/05/2015 - 08:09

    I find it interesting how many people are talking you out of this. How do you learn long distance driving without driving a long distance? I'm long on my opens now, but on my P's I spent most weekends driving Brisbane - Hervey bay. When you receive your provisional license, you'll have completed 100 hours of supervised training, alongside a practical test I'm not even sure many here would pass now. While not 100% confident, you know the road rules, some could argue better than others, and I'm sure you'll have no troubles following them.

    When I was 17, I recall a group of girls the same age (sisters) traveling down to Brisbane the weekend the first got their licence, against their parents wishes, to celebrate. They were mowed down head on by a middle aged man busy arguing with his wife, and all died.

    Just be wary of that inexperience in relation to others on the road, and don't ignore your insides when they tell you you're tired, and you'll be fine.

    Best of luck :)

    • currentfad on 18/05/2015 - 19:14
      +2

      We're not talking her out of this. We're telling her not to do the entire trip in a day. You need to realise at 90km/h limit, it'll take her 9.4 hours assuming that she's going 90km/h the whole way and taking no breaks. As a rational person does this not seem stupid to you? Especially for someone who's just received their P1 licence??

      • jackary on 18/05/2015 - 20:59

        I really really don't… I say that because as a few have mentioned at 90km/h you'll be constantly tailgated, then pair that with "first drive nerves" and I really don't think fatigue is going to be the issue, so much as competence (or a perceived lack of).

        Doing the trip in two days doesn't appear viable as it would make the cost of the trip more expensive than towing the damn thing. All I was trying to say is I feel the best advice is to make sure OP is well rested, and takes breaks as required. OP is allowed to do the speed limit once crossing the QLD border, cutting a bit off you're quoted time. In any case, there are more than 9.4 hours of daylight and if OP is well planned I feel it is definitely doable :)

  • samcro on 18/05/2015 - 08:14
    +3

    I'd suggest you do it in 2 legs. Sydney - Coffs then Coffs - GC. You can split the motel fee with your friend. Lots of reasonable motels in Coffs.
    Sydney to Port Macquarie = good dual lanes all the way.
    Port Macquarie to Coffs = road works, road works and more road works.
    Coffs to Ballina Bypass = some dual lane, stretches of road works and single lane.
    Ballina Bypass to GC = Excellent (mostly).
    I would also suggest that you don't travel at night (too many trucks).
    Most importantly, take regular breaks.
    Have a great trip.

  • tomleonhart on 18/05/2015 - 08:34

    pay me my return airfare and I'll go with you. Cost for return airfare = $75 $25. Deal ? :)

  • windale on 18/05/2015 - 08:44
    +2

    The drives easy. Just make sure your car is up to the task. Check all fluids and tyre pressures and your spare. Know how to change a tyre. Rest every 2 hours. Even just shutting your eyes for a few minutes (when stopped) and having a bit of a walk around helps. Don't have the heater on too much, I get sleepy in warm cars, I prefer the aircon on even in winter. Just take it easy and if worried just break it down into smaller hops and you will get the hang of it. Pick a spot 2 hours up the road, get there, see how you feel, carry on etc.

    Get yourself 12 hours of music on your device and pump out the tunes and have a blast :) The driver chooses the music :)

  • Champagne Comedy on 18/05/2015 - 09:09
    +6

    What does being female or asian have to do with anything? The key points here are that you are inexperienced and it is a long distance (which gladly are the key points most respondents have provided advice on). There'll be other factors that could influence your safety - the weather, your passenger, how often you stop, etc - but your sex and race have nothing to do with it and it shouldn't have been so prominent in your original post.

    If you want some stats,
    This study in 2010 found asian-born Australians have half the risk of a crash as their Australian born counterparts. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20544565

    AAMI data finds that women have fewer crashes and their claims cost less.
    http://www.aami.com.au/sites/default/files/fm/pdf/AAMI-Facts…

    • [Deactivated] on 18/05/2015 - 10:05
      -2

      OP sounds insecure about being Asian and female.

      Not sure if we can blame her insecurity, given that it is somewhat publicly acceptable to insult Asian and female drivers in Straya.

      But bottom line, she's insulted female and Asian drivers, due to her personal lack of confidence. Well done OP, stay classy.

      • [Deactivated] on 18/05/2015 - 10:26
        +4

        It is not publicly acceptable to insult Asian and female drivers in this country.

        • [Deactivated] on 18/05/2015 - 10:40

          The OP has insulted Asian female drivers, no?

          She could have easily not played the race or gender card. She could have just said, "I'm an inexperienced driver…" … But she didn't, and now it's like, "I'm a bad driver, but I'm also Asian and female, so I'm worse than the worst…"

          Also, yeah it is somewhat acceptable, though it is "frowned upon". Go out drinking, and you may hear this and then a few laughs. Comedians do this too.

          I don't find them funny, but this is the reality.

  • Hirolol on 18/05/2015 - 09:10

    Not sure if this has been said but if it's down to a 1 lane section and cars are behind you make sure you pull over to let them past.
    In Victoria they have slow car turnouts in some areas not sure about other states.

  • Juvi on 18/05/2015 - 09:27
    +3

    Some mixed advice there.. my 2 cents.. I've done the drive a few times when I moved from Sydney to GC, and also helping a friend pickup a car from Syd.
    1) There's no reason you can't do the drive after getting your licence, just be careful stay under the speed limits, and be sensible.
    2) Don't do the whole trip in 1 day. It is very tiring, and you make mistakes as you get tired, that's even for an experienced driver.
    3) As other's have said break up the trip into parts. I'd suggest stopping every 2-3 hours to give yourself a break and the car a break. Stop for breakfast, lunch, and stay over somewhere along the route, coffs, or port macquire are both good suggestions.
    4)Try and get someone to go with you. Sharing the drive makes it a lot easier, and also goes quicker having someone there to talk to, and safer. Try not to pick some random person off the net, but someone you know.
    5) Don't do a long drive on a road you don't know at night if you can avoid it. Leave early morning or on a Sunday or public holiday where you may get quieter roads.
    6)Look at the costs, and consider the truck transport option - how much will fuel be for the car, how about snacks, food, and accommodation if you stopping off?
    7)Get the car serviced and checked over before you do the drive.
    8) Make sure you have your insurance and roadside cover on the car.
    9) Make sure you have an 'Awesome Mix tape 1' and maybe 2-10 as well.

    Enjoy the drive, and don't forget to stop off to take photos with the Big banana, giant prawn, giant avocado and other sights along the route. Besides the corny ones mentioned there are some lovely sights and beautiful places, and towns to stop off at and enjoy.

    • shaybisc on 18/05/2015 - 09:56
      +1

      Excellent advice, Juvi. I can't believe the number of people, out of the choice of a pleasant 2 day adventure or a 1 day endurance test, are advocating the latter.

      • jackary on 18/05/2015 - 10:29

        Because its not even 900km, its a day trip. If you left at dawn, even if you stopped for half an hour every two hours you would be home by dark. It's not an "endurance test".

  • IdBuyThat4aDollar on 18/05/2015 - 09:46
    +2

    Depends if parallel reverse parking is going to be involved.

    • jackary on 18/05/2015 - 10:29

      Oh come on, why the neg! OP planted the seed!

      • IdBuyThat4aDollar on 18/05/2015 - 17:45

        exactly…the title itself is is drawing on stereotyping

    • stephendt on 19/05/2015 - 09:39
      +1

      thanks for the lol

  • rickxs on 18/05/2015 - 10:00
    +1

    i'd not suggest this — P Plater, long drive, solo , drowziness kills lots of young kids these days
    my nephew from the philippines has fallen asleep twice , last time hit a bridge culvet side on, just a 50 min drive home from Shep
    another 2-3 feet over to the centre & would have been head on into the culvet posts

    you cant fight a micro/nano close of the eyes & others have said how bad & congested that road can be
    night time ??? no way, what with rain , road could get greasy , a bad cocktail

    43 yrs driving — 20 with my own truck & dog

  • scotty on 18/05/2015 - 11:54
    +3

    I used to live on the Gold Coast and came to Sydney to study uni ~20 years ago. My mum & I drove the 900km down in an old Toyota Cressida and she drove back afterwards. Mind you 20 years ago Pacific Highway is a lot harder to drive back then than today. These days at least from Sydney to Coffs Harbour it bypasses a lot of towns. And my mum is an Asian :) So if she can do it I guess it's not that hard.

    I also drove between Sydney and GC a few times myself, with the old Cressida, Charade, N15 Pulsar and currently a Kia. It's actually easier back in the days when I was young — you drove up only stopping for food, toilet and petrol and you don't really feel tired. Now days with kids at the back I'll have to stay over one night in the middle.

  • constantly L8 on 18/05/2015 - 12:38

    I helped drive a friend move from Sydney to Melbourne 2-3 years ago and rode from Sydney to Brisbane on a Victory motorcycle (thanks to a post on ozbargain about their free weekend ride promotion https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/86124)

    really good experience, made me a seasoned driver/rider :P however I must admit it was extremely tiring… What helped me stay focused was keeping hydrated! Have a large bottle of water and coke/juice/sports drink on hand so you can drink and drive without taking your small eyes off the road :P (I'm azn too). Not only does it help with fatigue but also forces you to take breaks every 2-3hours

    Also watch out for kangaroos, they are more likely to come out around dusk and dawn. Either avoid those times or drive behind another car/truck

    Stay safe and do more research before taking the trip

  • Lockieasy on 18/05/2015 - 13:06
    -5

    I recommend doing it without your P plates and driving at the speed limit, because the 90km/h limit that you are restricted to is absurdly dangerous on roads where the limit is 110km/h. It will also save you alot of time.

    • jackary on 18/05/2015 - 17:09

      Enjoy the RBT.

      • Lockieasy on 18/05/2015 - 20:37
        +2

        Enjoy getting demolished by a semi-trailer trying to overtake you.

        Better off breaking a really dumb law put in place as a knee-jerk reaction and incurring a fine, than getting killed by it. Just my two cents.

        • IceCreamBandit on 18/05/2015 - 20:48
          +2

          Enjoy getting demolished by a semi-trailer trying to overtake you.

          Truckies are professionals who are trained to drive their vehicles. What makes you think they will be looking to, or are likely to 'demolish' a P plate driver who is obviously new to driving and is allowed to be on the highways as much as they are?

          The times I've been on a freeway and a truck has had to pass me (on my L's & P's), I slow down a touch more while they are overtaking and give them a quick 'flash' to let them know they are good to merge back in. I know I was 'in their way' but with respect and understanding everything works out okay and no one gets 'demolished'

          Better off breaking a really dumb law put in place as a knee-jerk reaction and incurring a fine, than getting killed by it. Just my two cents.

          Here's to hoping no one has to suffer the consequences when you break a 'really dumb law' and something happens.

  • Tarnos on 18/05/2015 - 14:52
    +1

    For your main question, if you are asking whether its doable - of course it is. However, from your hesitation you definitely should at least bring a legal and capable driver along, even if he/she is just a passenger the whole trip. Then you get the experience and also the pride that you drove on your own in a safe way.

  • Schezwon on 18/05/2015 - 15:24

    Will be hard to stick at 90km all the way, make sure you stay on the left lane to avoid abuse and road rage. Enjoy the drive.

  • ranmalynx on 18/05/2015 - 15:45

    I don't recommend doing the long drive if you are still a noob driver. You have to get more experienced first, especially because highway driving is different from city road driving. If you are driving at fast speeds, a small mistake can be fatal. Also, while you are on your P's, you can't go past the 90 km/h speed limit. It is a given that other drivers will pass you. Other cars passing by you is one thing, but if it is a big truck then you better have nerves of steel. Picture this - You are on a winding road when suddenly a big wide truck overtakes you while eating up part of your lane. Your car sways back and forth as the truck goes past you as you desperately try not to get hit by the truck. Now imagine if this was during a rainy night with very limited visibility and slippery or flooded roads. This is the stuff of my nightmares when I was a P-plater.

    If you are going to do this when you are experienced, here are my recommendations for the long drive:

    1. Drive only when you are usually awake. Start in the morning and avoid driving during the times when you usually sleep. Fatigue is one of the big killers on the roads.
    2. It's recommended to stop every 2 hours. Here are my recommended stops which are roughly 2 hours apart.
      a) Sydney to Heatherbrae(Mcdonald's/Subway/KFC/service centre) or The Rock service centre at Tea Gardens
      b) Heatherbrae/Tea Gardens to Port Macquarie service centre
      c) Port Macquarie service centre to Coff's Harbour (Park Beach Plaza mall or service centres)
      d) Coff's Harbour to Woodburn (Riverside Park)
      e) Woodburn to Gold Coast
  • shaybisc on 18/05/2015 - 15:52

    "It’s also important to know that you will most likely and easily fall asleep between 2am and 6am and in the mid afternoon, around 3pm or ‘siesta time’. These are biologically primed times for sleeping."

    http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/geared/your_driving_skills/staying…

  • Cozdog on 18/05/2015 - 17:30
    +1

    Only if you don't drive past a Chanel or Gucci store.

  • KaTst3R on 18/05/2015 - 18:51

    The last time I let a stereotypical asian woman drive my car, she scratched it….TWICE !! Thanks babe…

  • AlexD on 18/05/2015 - 18:52

    Every time I look online, cars are cheaper in Queensland. The drive is fine, though. I did Brisbane to Canberra in a day not long ago, and it was fine, other than having to leave at 7am and arriving in the dark.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 18/05/2015 - 20:25

    in Australia anyone can drive, if you are talking about moving a vehicle from A to B and not necessarily making it to B whilst also preventing others from getting from C to D.

  • brownhux on 18/05/2015 - 20:53

    Don't do it. You're clearly not comfortable or experienced enough. Weird how you propagate the stereotype of poor Asian drivers when you are Asian. Would have thought would be the opposite to what you would want.

  • bragains on 18/05/2015 - 22:00

    Pay me and I'll drive for you. Need a way to get back to Sydney.

  • rangerdanger on 18/05/2015 - 22:35
    -1

    Take a bus. Don't drive.

  • p1 ama on 18/05/2015 - 23:22

    I don't get this - driving long straight roads is far easier than driving in the city.

    I'd trust a noob driver to drive in practically a straight line for 8 hours more than I'd trust them to drive in the city, just because the denser traffic and higher number of people increases the risks. If you have 100 drivers in a particular space, it's much more likely you'll have an accident than if you have 10 drivers in a particular space.

    No pedestrians, no stupid drivers cutting around in front of you, no drivers pulling dodgy overtakes, no drivers ignoring give ways and doing illegal turns, no cyclists…etc. To be honest, there are far less dangers on remote highways than there are in the cities because there's much less dense traffic.

    I've made the Melbourne-Sydney trip more than once, it's pretty easy, just set the cruise control, pump up the radio and drive. I don't have ADHD, so I can sit still for around 3 hours before needing a break and stopping to refuel the car. I stopped for the first time in Albury at the border, to refuel my car, stopped again at a McDonalds somewhere along the Hume Fwy to have lunch and then didn't bother to go into a small town again, just stopping at a service centre to refuel, walk around and grab a drink.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/05/2015 - 08:59

    Here it is:

    Sydney to Port Macquarie all freeway.
    Port to Urunga is on and off roadworks now a lot of 80kmh
    Urunga to Corindi is all freeway. Coffs is like pennant hills rd now 11 sets of lights.
    Corindi to Ballina some divided rd and one lane.
    Ballina to Gold Coast freeway.

    I drive from Coffs to Wagga in one day regular. 10.5 hours with a 20min stop for fuel/food. I used to fly a lot till Qantas doubled their prices for that route.

  • bocca on 19/05/2015 - 09:23

    Done sydney to Coffs a million times & done sydney to gold coast 2-3 times (no breaks). its a drain!

    I have to load up on red bull/coffee and blast loud music. would not recommend for newbie drivers who are not confident!

    I would recommend travelling in a group of 2-3 people and split up the driving, consider staying at coffs over night and stop every 2-3 hours. Typically, new drivers concentration drop off around Newcastle (2-3 hours out of sydney) so we usually swap or stop there.

    But, if you're stubborn like me and want to go solo, bring epic snacks and caffeine haha :P

  • ramshead on 19/05/2015 - 11:22

    Have you considered the New England Hwy? A bit longer in Kms, but much less traffic. My daughter did the Sydney (Mortdale) to Tamworth trip 3 times whilst on her L's. I asked her to try do about 90 k/h rather than 80, as I felt it safer. One of the things she found difficult was merging from two lanes (an overtaking stretch) back into one lane. You'd be surprised how many drivers will try to get in front of an L or P plater. I advised that she had to constantly know what was behind her, clearly indicate her intention well before she maneuvered and think about moving into the right hand lane when the warning sign was sighted rather than wait till the last moment when the road started to disappear. I also insisted that she not overtake unless their was an overtaking lane.
    The main difference in the danger aspect between city driving and country driving is road quality and speed. An accident at 50 kms in the city will give some big dents, at 90-100k an accident can be a disaster. Not trying to put you off, just repeating what I told my daughter.
    I would even suggest you do the trip over 3 days. Knowing you have heaps of time would be a big plus psychologically.
    Also consider a regular phone in during your rest stops. Have someone at home who can monitor your progress.
    Also have a plan B. What happens if it gets too much and you decide to get a bus? What are you going to do with the car?
    Make no mistake, you are embarking on a long trip for a newbie. There has been some excellent advice in this thread (and some crap). Put everything in your favour to make the journey successful and safe.

    • frostman on 20/05/2015 - 08:46
      -1

      What a stupid and inconsiderate idea. People on their Ls should not drive extended trips on motorways let alone a 450km trip such as the one you mentioned.
      Whilst it's a long stretch of road, there are 2 issues here at stake:

      A.) Inexperienced drivers do not drive in a consistent manner. They are inexperienced at driving between lanes of fast moving and heavy vehicles given they cannot adequately determine the speed of approaching traffic causing a major hazard

      B.) The 400km length or 5 hour drive on the book of an L record look good on paper, but this in noway aims to assist her in common road rules like Roundabouts, exiting T-Sections, U Turns, 3-point turns, approaching crossings, school zones, hospital zones, giveaway, etc etc
      All these are not experienced in interstate and extended drives thus provides no assistance in the overall learning and ability to drive in suburban Sydney.

  • frostman on 19/05/2015 - 16:56
    -1

    I'm in my early 20s, and yes, I am Asian. You can just think of me as the stereotypical poor Asian woman driver.

    Easy, don't be stereotypical then. So avoid:

    • Sudden and erratic breaking (yes even uphill)
    • Driving at a constant 40km/h
    • Total lack of using the rear-view mirror (and side mirrors)
    • Stopping in the middle of the road to allow a pedestrian jaywalking
    • Picking nose while driving

    That's it

  • centrelink on 19/05/2015 - 17:04
    +2

    It is possible, but you are going to be quite nuisance on the road by having a speed limit.

    Also the lack of experience makes it a terrible idea after all.

    In conclusion, doable but stupid.

  • shaybisc on 20/05/2015 - 09:21
    +1

    Of course this plan, wisely postponed, was based on passing the driving test first go, which is not a given. Interesting article here- the pass rate at Maroubra Junction was 43% at the time of writing. Narooma's pass rate was 91%- much better young drivers down there, heh heh heh.

    http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/driving-testers-are-sent-back-to-s…

    Probably 100% pass rate on the Gold Coast, wink wink nudge nudge- say no more.

  • ItsMeAgro on 20/05/2015 - 10:10
    • It's actually a somewhat "easy" drive - plenty of big stretches of straight freeway
    • Freeway driving is, however, dangerous, with high speeds and trucks and other fatigued drivers.
    • It's really hard to stay awake. I've never had less than 2 drivers going Sydney to Gold Coast. If you want to do it solo you really need to stop overnight in Coffs. And you will need to take breaks every 2 hours.

    Be extremely careful, and you should make it OK. A little bit of adventure is worth it for it's own sake.

    Good luck.

  • godofpizza on 20/05/2015 - 15:16

    I hope the car you drive is comfortable to sit in after a massive drive.

    Plan well ahead, get plenty of rest, have a back-up plan if things go wrong: roadside cover? charged phone (with coverage in said area) emergency supplies, gps?

    best of luck with the trip

  • fr33loader on 20/05/2015 - 17:34

    Have fun!

    Don't overspeed (limit to 90km/hr), don't tailgate, and stay on the left. Also take LOTS of breaks.

    Doing it in one go isn't recommended, but doable.

    Remember you are driving and enjoying the sights. Not playing Gran Turismo 6, you don't get a 'Try again'.

  • kaz09 on 20/05/2015 - 22:26
    +1

    doesnt sound like you're confident enough :P
    theres plenty of other ways to get to Gold Coast.

    but if you're up for the trip, why the heck not?? go for it!!

    p.s
    Im an female asian (im 19, thats close enough to your age) driver and i would do the trip. But then again, my driving instructor did say i drive like a man. Got my P's with flying colours, no mistakes + bonus points for smooth driving. Dont let the stereotypes and the stigma towards females/asians driving get to you. Be confident and there wont be a problem.

    • [Deactivated] on 26/05/2015 - 12:28

      Why in 2015, doing anything "like a woman" is considered an insult/negative is beyond me.

      Interestingly, males aged 18-24 are the most likely to have an accident.

      • kaz09 on 31/05/2015 - 00:34

        Agreed!

        I'm all about that gender equality (minus those scary feminists)

        I know a couple of friends who's dad's tell them they're not ready to drive and stuff like that and it really saddens me.

      • jackary on 31/05/2015 - 08:25

        No they aren't.

  • love2buy on 20/05/2015 - 23:07
    +1

    Have a go. I'm with ya.

  • James987 on 26/05/2015 - 21:07

    My advice…. Don't do it. Too much can go wrong. You're inexperienced. It's a long drive. Nothing to do with being Asian or female. You are not up for that drive, yet.

  • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2015 - 08:13

    You won't be a noob driver by September.

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