Hi i just got my P1…need to drive from Dubbo to Sydney, how hard it be for new driver?
Any tips, suggestions ….any suggestion which route to choose?
THANKS
Dubbo to Sydney ...P1 ...Suggestions, tips?
samdong on 21/11/2015 - 06:44
Comments
Pretty well done in one.
Just be super aware of fatigue and don't be afraid to pull over when you need to. I'd probably even suggest to do this one over 2 days as when I first got my red P's I would be pretty drained after just 90 mins as the body and mind haven't really got muscle memory and the familiarization that others may have on the road.
when I first got my red P's I would be pretty drained after just 90 mins as the body and mind haven't really got muscle memory and the familiarization that others may have on the road.
This. I did an hour and a half drive just after getting my red Ps and I was exhausted. I almost had to stop
Take plenty of breaks, get some music loaded on to a phone or CDs even if your car doesn't have somewhere to plug in a device.
If you feel tired just pull into a servo and take a nap. If you don't think you can make it or are getting uncomfortable, stop at a motel and continue the drive later after a decent sleep.
As for the route take the most direct on highways (you'll need to pay for tolls)
Take plenty of breaks, drowsiness can be the biggest problem on long trips.
Your biggest issue could be negotiating Sydney traffic for the first time. What suburb are you going to?
Parramatta
I drove it a couple weeks ago. It's an easy drive but long. For a new driver being stuck at 90 I probably wouldn't recommend it in one day unless you have somebody with you to keep you company.
You have two options, via Mudgee or via Orange. The Orange way is a longer but does have more major roads. The downside is the extra traffic and less patient drivers (which sucks when you're stuck going slower than everyone else).
I'd probably stick to the shortest route which is via Mudgee. The roads are more country but it's a more interesting drive, shorter and has less traffic, meaning people can overtake you whenever they'd like, rather than sitting on your arse and stressing you out.
If you choose to do it in one day, leave early so you don't get caught driving in the evening when all the wildlife comes out. You'll see a LOT of roadkill on the side of the road. If you hit a kangaroo your car is done.
Will you be alone?
I agree with yaziyo regarding going via Mudgee. The roads are good however they don't drain well in heavy rain, I have aquaplaned and I have been driving 30 years. You have a choice once you hit Lithgow to go via Bells Line of Road or via the Great Western Highway, take the highway, it is dual carriageway most of the way and Bells Line of Road is very windy and a bit hairy for novice drivers. It is about a 5 hour drive (not including breaks) however will take much longer at 90, so I would do it over 2 days if I were you.
'Much longer at 90km/h? Try about 45 minutes. Most Pepe don't realise how little difference a few km/h makes over a trip.
You're not wrong, but an extra 45 minutes after driving for 5 hours or more is not a tiny difference.
Not to mention that driving at 90 is more tiring and can be stressful with idiots tailgating you etc.
Since NSW has the stupid rule of only doing 90 I agree with breaking the trip up into 2 days as well.
Google tells me it is about 370km. Let's add a little for destination variations say 380km. Previous poster did it in 5hrs, that works out to 76km/h average. Ok, now drop the average by 10km/h to allow for travelling 90km/h max instead of 100km/h and you get 5:45.
Not worth two days. You could easily have a two hour break in the middle and still comfortably make it in daylight this time of year.
Give it a go. Don't leave or arrive around dawn/dusk, keep in mind that driving from Dubbo towards Sydney will be into the sun for the first few hours of the day. Leave after 9am this time of year for your first trip (later in winter). Take decent breaks by working out where you will stop in advance and enjoy your first trip.
Edit: if you do need to have a bit of a rest make sure you get out of the car and move around a bit, especially just before you start driving again. I've had plenty of long trips and roadside naps in my time and getting out and moving, just for a minute or two really gives you a refresh.
The reason I'm suggesting 2 days is that they JUST got their Ps.
I'm from Vic so I don't know anything about what the route is like.
It's a few years since I've done it, but it's a fairly major route with decent roads. Shouldn't be too taxing and there are plenty of rest stop opportunities.
Another tip: if you feel like you are holding up other vehicles, or someone is being a bit impatient behind you, find a spot to move over for a few seconds to let them past. Most people won't really harass you, but there are a few tools out there and it is easier to let them go than to stand your ground.
Question, have you considered taking the train? A quick look on NSW Trainlink website suggests it'll cost around $60. Dubbo to Sydney took me half a tank (Camry 3L V6, ~35L) which is only marginally cheaper. If you don't necessarily need your car in Sydney it's an option I'd consider. The thing says the train will take 6 1/2 hours which is about what it will take you driving at 90 with a few stops on the way. You can even get out in Parramatta.
It's safer than driving and will be easier. Especially on a new license. Just another option to think about.
Are you going to reply to these comments OP?
Thanks every one…I decided to practice in sydney bit more before taking longer drives….so may be after Xmas will drive from dubbo to Sydney.
If you're feeling nervous, get an experienced driver to sit in the passenger seat! Have you done much country driving? Keep your headlights on, remember that braking takes longer at high speeds so slow down to a speed which feels ludicrous to you when doing a left or right hand turn. If on a multilane road, keep to the left lane. Try not to drive in people's blind spots. If people flash their headlights at you its probably a warning about either an accident or road issue ahead, or that there are cops.
Don't speed!
Don't feel too complacent… keep your attention on the road, play music and sing a long if that helps. Take breaks every two hours at least - go to the toilet, have a quick stretch.
Not sure about best route as I haven't done this particular stretch before but highways are usually good as they are kept in better condition than back roads. Also, because there is so much more traffic on highways its less likely that there will be wildlife.
On that note, with wildlife it's a hit and miss scenario… literally. If you can see something in the road ahead, slow right down. If someone is right behind you, do so gradually to avoid any issues. Better to be safe than sorry!
Goodluck