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Staying safe on your Ps
Find out how to stay safe as a solo driver.
In this topic
Safe driving on your Ps
Your changing crash risk as you go from your Ls to Ps
Ways to be a safe solo driver
Strategies to travel safely
Video: The Deso
Safe driving is an ongoing process
How to choose a safe car
Where to find more help
Safe driving on your Ps
Before you go for your Ps, you and your supervising driver should agree you can drive safely and consistently in all conditions and situations without support.
Keep in mind that driving solo is a new experience and you’ll still have lots to learn as you encounter new situations on your Ps.
Always keep ‘safe driving’ at the front of your mind as a new driver on the road.
As a Learner driver
You’re relatively safer as a learner, as you’ve got your supervising driver with you.
That’s why you need to gain a minimum of 120 hours driving experience, as it’s the best time to learn safe driving behaviours.
Ways to be a safe solo driver
There are many things you can do as a new driver to help stay safe on your Ps.
You can:
- Make sure you’re driving for a specific reason or need.
- Separate drinking from driving.
- Never take drugs and drive.
- Limit your driving to simple routes in your first few months.
- Minimise driving at night or in wet weather.
- Avoid driving if you’re tired.
- Use your hazard perception of think, see and do.
- Leave a safe space between your vehicle and others.
- Only carry one peer passenger aged 16 to 22 years on your red Ps.
- Be patient and choose safe gaps.
- Put your mobile away unless it is securely mounted and is being used for navigation or for playing or streaming audio material only. (This must be set up before driving)
- Manage distractions in the car so you’re focused on driving.
- Drive at safe and legal speeds.
- Plan the safest route to your destination.
- Build up long distance driving experience over time.
- Drive when you’re in a good frame of mind.
Strategies to travel safely
When you’re on your Ps and you know you’ll be going somewhere there may be alcohol or drugs, then you can do things like:
- Plan ahead.
- Work out how you’re getting there, such as with a taxi, ride sharing or public transport.
- Have a designated driver that agrees not to drink any alcohol.
- Organise somewhere safe to stay.
- Organise for a friend or family member to pick you up.
Remember that keeping our roads safe is a shared responsibility.
Getting a free three-year driver licence
You’re eligible for a free three-year driver licence in Victoria if you complete your P1 and P2 periods with a good driving record.
The Deso - MAFMAD 2012 winning film (Make a Film Make a Difference)
The TAC's Make a Film, Make a Difference (MAFMAD) competition invited young filmmakers aged 25 and under to write a short film idea that would challenge young people's attitudes to driving and encourage them to look out for their mates.
Safe driving is an ongoing process
Driving is a complex task and takes time to develop the critical skills needed for safe driving.
The stages of the learner period have given you the foundations of safe driving so you can make good decisions as a solo driver.
But don’t forget - being on your Ps isn’t the end of your learner journey.
Your skills as a driver will continue to develop throughout your life.
How to choose a safe car
The most important thing when you choose a vehicle is its ability to protect you, your passengers and other road users.
Always choose the safest vehicle you have available to you, as this will help reduce your risk of a crash or injury.
There are safe cars across all price ranges.
Visit how safe is your car to find out about what safety features to look for.
