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Staying safe on their Ps
Find out how to help your learner stay safe as a solo driver.
In this topic
Safe driving on their Ps
Your learner's changing crash risk as they go from their Ls to Ps
Ways to be a safe solo driver
Strategies to help your learner travel safely
Video: The Deso
Safe driving is an ongoing process
How to choose a safe car
Video: Helping your P Plater stay safe
Where to find more help
Safe driving on their Ps
Before your learner goes for their Ps, you both should agree they can drive safely and consistently in all conditions and situations without support.
Keep in mind that driving solo is a new experience and your learner still has lots to learn as they encounter new situations on their Ps.
Your learner should always keep ‘safe driving’ at the front of their mind as a new driver on the road.
As a learner driver
Your learner is relatively safer on their Ls, as they’ve got you with them.
That’s why your learner needs 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 your learner can do as a new driver to help stay safe on their Ps.
They can:
- Make sure they’re driving for a specific reason or need.
- Separate drinking from driving.
- Never take drugs and drive.
- Limit their driving to simple routes in their first few months.
- Minimise driving at night or in wet weather.
- Avoid driving if they’re tired.
- Use their hazard perception of think, see and do.
- Leave a safe space between their vehicle and others.
- only carry one peer passenger aged 16 to 22 years on your red Ps.
- Be patient and choose safe gaps.
- Put their mobile away unless setting up before driving for navigation or to play or stream audio material ONLY.
- Manage distractions in the car so they’re focused on driving.
- Drive at safe and legal speeds.
- Plan the safest route to their destination.
- Build up long distance driving experience over time.
- Drive when they’re in a good frame of mind.
Strategies to help your learner travel safely
When your learner is on their Ps and they know they'll be going somewhere there may be alcohol or drugs, they can do things like:
- Plan ahead.
- Work out how they'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 them up.
Learn more about how to keep your P plater safe.
Getting a free three-year driver licence
Your learner is eligible for a free three-year driver licence in Victoria if they complete their P1 and P2 periods with a good driving record.
Remember that keeping our roads safe is a shared responsibility.
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 your learner the foundations of safe driving so they can make good decisions as a solo driver.
But don’t forget - being on their Ps isn’t the end of their learner journey.
Your learner’s skills as a driver will continue to develop throughout their 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.
Lessons from the road
Helping your P plater stay safe on the road.
