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Free Driving Lesson for Learner Licence Holders @ Keys2Drive (Aus Govt Funded)

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I was looking for deals on driving lessons for a relative when I came across this deal. Been just over 12 months so I thought I'd re-share for those that didn't know about it.


Keys2drive is an Australian Government-funded program providing learner drivers and their parents/supervisors a free driving lesson with a Keys2drive accredited professional driving instructor

The free lesson goes for 60 minutes, during which the Keys2drive accredited driving instructor will explain the Keys2drive learning approach – ‘Find Your Own Way’ – and offer examples of how it can be used when learning to drive. The remaining lesson time includes a practical demonstration of these skills being used and taught and you will be driving.

The Keys2drive free lesson is not intended to replace normal driving lessons rather, it should complement them by empowering learner drivers to ‘Find Their Own Way’ to becoming safer drivers.

Learner drivers will receive training in the best ways to practice, helping them gain the confidence they need to prepare for safe P plate driving and beyond.

Parents/supervisors will come away with tools to help their learner drivers achieve a good foundation for lifelong safe driving.


Other safe driving courses -

(NSW) Free course for disadvantaged learner drivers

To be eligible for a free place you need to:
Hold a valid learner licence
Be aged under 25 years
Have completed a minimum of 50 log book hours
Hold a current Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card issued by the Department of Human Services – Centrelink.

(QLD) Braking the Cycle

PCYC Braking the Cycle (BTC) is our volunteer driver mentor program designed to support learner drivers without access to a supervisor or registered vehicle to complete their logbook hours. The aim of the program is to provide young people with increased employment opportunities, community connection and driver education.


Credit to sacs2k1 for original post.

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  • Wish this was motorbike too, so expensive to get licensed in vic

    • +7

      Your learners for motorbike include a practical test and you can't have someone on the bike while on your Learners…
      Not sure how you'd expect this to function.

      • +3

        Yeah I'd never ridden a motorcycle when I attended the L's course. Was pretty good.

    • So, get lic'd elsewhere, ie, if the resulting
      out-of-state license "transfers into Vic."

  • +10

    I wish they gave them defensive driving course instead,

  • +21

    Going to tag a few people who need to go back to learn how to drive.

    • LMAO, couldn't agree more!

    • I just spent nearly 10 mins in a Woolie's parking lot waiting for a five car, pulling in/pulling out, "cl*ster-F to get the F out of the way! Good grief….

      No one understands "right of way", apparently…

      • So, give us your 25-words or less intro/reminder,
        already & Improve the World, just a bit

        • @IVI Hey. Lookie what I found.

  • +4

    Do learners in NSW these days really do 120 hours? Or do they round up from 72 or thereabouts.

    I'm asking for a friend (that works for the criminal investigation bureau at the RMS).

    For kids that don't have parents to do their bidding, I imagine it takes a very long time to pay $50/hr or so for 120 hours of lessons when you get paid $10/hr part-time. I suppose it's good practice for mortgages, daycare and child support.

    • +4

      120 hours. 20 of which must be night time driving.
      Though, of course a lot of people cheat the system and lie about their hours.

      • ive never met someone in my entire life that did their actual hours

        • +6

          My daughter got her Learners Permit at 16, and during that time we did multiple trips Mel - Syd. She got her night driving hours up in one weekend and had done many more hours than required by the time she turned 18. So yes, they're out there - you may not have heard of them because they don't have accidents

    • +6

      snitches get stitches

      • -4

        Incorrect use of the term -
        You've made the common mistake of applying to to a situation outside of prison 😝

        • +2

          Narc!

          • @Manny Calavera: "Concerned about Narc's…?
            so, move to Portugal or Canada,
            if you only do weed."

            Disclamer: We don't do any"

    • +1

      They do give exemptions if you cant find suitable people to teach you.

    • +2

      In perth we need 50hours, less than half my friends completed 50. I did about 30 hours and got 100% in my driving test. Majority lie nowadays ask any teen.

    • I believe every hour with a certified instructor counts as 3 hours for the log book.

      • Up to a maximum of 30hours (10 hours : 30 hours logbook). Then there after 1:1.

    • +1

      Depends on the parents, our daughters friends parent told her to dodgy the book herself. My daughter will be doing the 120 she needs it, takes time and money if throwing in some lessons too, more like $60-75 a pop. NRMA driving cause gives 20 hours = $140.
      1 lesson = 3 hours but you can only do 10 that way.
      The hardest thing is if you live in town and most drives are 15-30 mins, we are only at about the 80 hours with only 6 weeks to go to get her P's.

      • take a road trip if possible? I let my daughter do some driving on our Sydney to Noosa return road trip.

      • Does sleeping in the car count?

      • "When I was a boy…
        in the Olde Country…

        well, most schools gave
        driving lessons for Free

        and, you were doing
        "useful work" as you drove:

        Almost every "Driver Ed" car,
        donated by a local dealership,
        (according to a mag.sign,
        on each front door),
        was carrying decks of IBM-
        punch cards, from the FORTRAN
        programming course to the
        local Tech School, which had
        an "IBM computer" much bigger
        than a (say, DEC) mini-computer

        …or they'd be carrying
        print-outs of program results
        (or "fatal" errors, if there
        were "syntax" errors…

        seemingly named as if
        for the "syn" of FORTRAN errors
        you'd be "taxed" for making 'em

        ;~)

        How do Aussie schools get away
        with Not providing Driver Ed?

        In our (fairly new) High School,
        the school auditorium was filled
        with DE students, B4 & between
        driving lessons, for Safety "filums"
        w/ optional Q&A.

        Then, on a roster, ~3-4 kids would
        pile into a big car, with DE teacher
        & take turns driving.

        To me, that part seems, in hindsight,
        a bit unsafe, ie, if the "passengers"
        got at all noisy (they tended not to)

    • -1

      I feel like if you're making $10 an hour you actually can't afford to drive.

      • Why are teens doing such undervalued work?

        A bright teen we met was already running a
        very lucrative business, renting computer-
        time (or slots?) & installing & keeping "up"
        Game servers for other kids, who liked his
        price & high availability rates.

        Farm kids I've met raised calves until they
        were worth $50 each on the local market.

        With lotsa calves coming at certain times
        of the year, they could make heaps (kids
        of farm owners… before MegaFarms were
        a thing in AU.

    • ^This is one of main reasons I was unable to get my licence during high school/ uni…

  • +1

    PCYC in QLD offers this program as well: https://www.pcyc.org.au/youth-and-community/personal-and-lea…

    It's not the same as an accredited driving school but it may still be of help to some.

    • +1

      Thanks mate. Added to OP.

  • This is kind of unrelated but I have my driving test in a few days, any tips? I'm very nervous about it and I just want to drive nicely.

    • +3

      It's your luck really, there's just too many factors! Driving nicely/safely/fast n furiously, would need to do more hours of driving in all conditions.

    • +2

      As long as you've practised, it'll be fine.
      Pay attention to school zone speed limits is the one tip I'd give.
      There are posts on Whirlpool giving lots of advice if you want.

    • +4

      Imagine the tester is a friend you're dropping off and they're giving you directions to get there.

      Don't feel you're inconveniencing anyone if you have to reverse park with traffic around.

    • +2

      Talk your way through it. I did my test 3 times and failed one way or another every time. The fourth time I talked myself through everything I was doing and I found that it was extremely helpful.

      Passed with flying colours the last time.

    • +3

      Imagine you were driving your Mum/Grandparent down to the shops, so drive smoothly, don't exceed the speed limit at all, make obvious head checks in mirrors and blind spots when changing lanes (so the testing officer can see that you are aware of your surroundings). Know where all the controls of your car are (or your instructors car). Also recommend practicing reverse parallel parking, 3 point turns. Make sure you indicate and allow the minimum indicating time required (depending on state rules) before pulling out from the kerb. Leave a safe distance from vehicles in front of you and if turning next to a truck, observe the 'do not overtake turning vehicle' rule. Good luck!

    • +6

      This from a lucky 1-taker:

      1. The examiner needs to see you're confident, capable
      2. Practice parallel parking now
      3. Have small chats with the examiner (item 1)
      4. While driving expect, "Oops, forgot my glasses, make 3-pt turn here."
      5. When you get in the car with the instructor, look at all the mirrors
      6. While driving, make sure you look at the mirrors enough for the instructor to notice
      7. Be conscious of speed signs…instructor will ask you what speed you're doing
      8. School zone
      9. And the best one, make sure the doors shut and your seatbelt (and instructor seatbelt) is locked PRIOR to starting the car…had abfriend who made the mistake and they never left the Licencing parking…Auto-Fail

      Oh, you have to be lucky with the instructor too…some have higher tolerances to small mistakes than others

      One last thing, EXPECT TO FAIL!!! That's the best advice. Take the load off your shoulders and worries off your head. Just enjoy the driving test. More than half of 1st time takers FAIL. It happens.

      Good luck!

      • +1

        Glad you had an examiner better than mine! I asked mine how his day was and had no response whatsoever… Still passed though so I can't complain!

    • +1

      Make sure you turn your head behind when turning. Completely stop at stop signs for at least 1 second. Drive safely, it's an easy pass if you think you are ready.

    • +1

      Drive slower than you think you need to. The speed limit is a maximum not a suggestion. I failed multiple times by driving how people actually drive (eg don't slow down much on roundabouts if there is literally no car in view). The instructor wants to see you come to almost a complete stop before entering roundabouts.

      Basically, demonstrate an above and beyond reasonable level of care and safety.

      Hover over the brake when there are possible hazards like pedestrians close to the road, children playing nearby, dogs off a leash.

      Leave the 3 second gap between you and the car in front, even if that means cars constantly cut in front of you, just pull back farther.

      Be obvious that you are scanning close, sides, far, and rear mirror, do proper
      head checks when changing lanes.

      Basically don't rush, take your time, pretend you are driving grandma and grandma has recently had spinal surgery.

    • +1

      Do your best and don't worry if you fail the 1st time. None of my Sons friends or anyone of my work colleagues children passed the 1st time - I think they do it on purpose.
      My son failed the 1st time for being too cautious (so apparently being nervous and safe on your driving test doesn't work).

    • +2

      Make your mirror/blind spot checking obvious- dont' just move your eyes, move your whole head.

      Other tips not limited to driving test: look ahead, not just the car infront of you, but 3+ cars ahead. If a bunch of cars ahead all change lanes, there must be a reason eg. cars parked or bicycle.
      Know your surroundings, who's in your blind spot and how fast cars are moving behind you. Unless you're going super slow, other cars position while travelling is usually about the same, unless someone is speeding. This will give you a heads up that a speeder/lane changer is coming up so you can decide what to do.
      There's a big chance a car behind a truck/bus will want to change lanes, put yourself in a safe position by adjusting your speed and keeping an eye on their position.

      There are so many more tips that the book will not tell you. You just have to pay attention and observe why other people do what they did, so you can spot that behaviour next time, predict their actions and know what to do to. Sort of like chess.

      Half of the accidents on Aust Dash Cam youtube could have been avoided by the non-at fault driver.
      I passed first time. 100%.

    • +2

      If you haven't booked a lesson with an instructor, its best to do so ASAP and have them take you around the test route so you are prepared. I did 6 lessons with a great instructor and we did mock test runs and he scored me as the instructor would. If you can't book a lesson in time, here are my tips for safe driving which will get you your license:
      - You absolutely need to drive under the speed limit at all times, this means paying attention to speed limit signs. You need to be constantly checking the odometer because the instructor will be monitoring it. It is an instant FAIL if you go over the limit at any point during the test.
      - Slow down safely at turns, lights, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings etc. Monitor your surroundings and be ready to stop at any time. When you aren't accelerating, your foot should be hovering on the brake.
      - Stop for 3 seconds at any stop signs (this is a FAIL item if you don't), and indicate for at least 3 seconds whenever you are changing lanes, turning, or moving away from the curb.
      - You MUST indicate off roundabouts.
      - Practice reverse parallel parking and 3 point turns.
      - Check your mirrors before turning your head for a head check, and turn your head all the way (even when checking mirrors) so the instructor can see you doing it.
      - Drive to the conditions. If its raining or visibility is low, for instance if you can't see around a corner or there are large vehicles parked along side the road that would obstruct a pedestrian, drive slower. You will not be penalised for this.
      - Make sure you understand right of way. My instructor told me this is also an instant FAIL item if you give way to someone when you have right of way.

      I passed on my first go, scored 124 out of 125.

    • Guys I did well on the driving test!! Thank you everyone for all the advises given to me!

  • +3

    When they say no drink and drive is it specify to alcohol or any drink like coffee, soft drink

    • Lol, alcohol buddy

    • +13

      If you have to ask that, it's better for all of us if you stay off the road completely.

      • Just in case, you know don't want to lose my ozbargaih license for getting 400 fine for drinking water or soft drink

        • +1

          You most certainly can get done for dangerous driving if you are drinking (anything) and not in correct control of the vehicle.
          Link

          • +1

            @[Deactivated]: See this is the type of things I was asking about.

  • Are there some teenagers with pensioner cards now? Where do i get mine?
    "Be aged under 25 years"
    "Hold a current…Pensioner Concession Card…"

    • +4

      Old age pension is not the only one. Disabilities are age agnostic.

  • Any ideas on at what point would be best for the learner drive to do this?

    I'm teaching someone who has just figured out 1st, 2nd and reversing gear, and driving around in a car park, I'm thinking it might be a little early for them to get a benefit from this.

    Actually found it on their website

    "The ideal timing for the free lesson is after you have done around 5-10 hours."

  • $15 for 90 minutes driving experience - not a lesson, but experience for the log book. Designed to help those who don't have someone who can take them out driving.
    https://ryde.org.au/
    WA based but possibly similar programs elsewhere.

    Also
    https://rac.com.au/car-motoring/roadside-assistance/free2go
    1 yr free roadside assistance for new drivers.

  • +3

    Vic?

  • Thanks OP, I know someone who is still on 2 hours after many years lol. Will share this with them

  • +1

    Nothing for Victorians?

  • I did this with my daughter when she was learning. I found that, as an instructor, it was very worth while. It helped me a lot in how best to guide her, and what to look out for. There was a big emphasis on safe driving - improving the safety of freshly qualified drivers. While learner drivers are generally quite safe, many of them become very unsafe as soon as they get their licence.

    I did it a little late in the process - I would have gained a lot of value by doing it earlier.

  • +1

    I wish I knew about this earlier. My daughter has been on her learner's for about 2 years and we have finally (100% legitimately) done over 100 hours driving and she's gotten the log book approved and ready to pass her driving exam tomorrow. When she finally passes, I may well lay down on the ground and weep with happiness that I don't have to drive 50 minutes to pick her up at uni on days where the bus is not possible. Respect to any other parents that have gotten through this. One down and one more to go.

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