5 important factors to consider when choosing a driving school


Driving is something everyone must learn because if you know how to drive, you can drive independently and go wherever you want to go.

Before learning to drive, you need to research everything about it. Perhaps that you need to find a suitable Driving School perfect for you firstly. Driving a car is a big dance, so you need experts who would help you learn to drive efficiently with the proper guidance.
So, here is the list of 5 essential factors to consider when choosing a Driving School:

How good is the training:

The most crucial aspect of a Driving School is the quality of training they provide. For the excellent quality of training, they should have the most perfect and experienced instructors who would teach the students very well. Professional instructors and an ideal manual will take you through the success of learning to drive very quickly and in a fun way. Do not hesitate to ask them questions about how the driving school works, who the instructors are, and how many years of experience they have; all these aspects are fundamental to know before joining a Driving School. You can choose the best Driving School that could give you the best results, and if you clear your practical and theory test by preparing beforehand, you have much more chances to clear the exam at the very first attempt and get the licence quickly.

Where the school is located: 

Check out the location of your Driving School because it is imperative to have a driving school near your home or your work, please, because it will be easy for you to travel and reach your Driving School. If you opt for a school far away from your home and your workplace, that would be very difficult as you need to struggle with public transportation or tell your friends or relatives or your family to drop you there and get you back, which will be different chaos altogether. But if you join a driving school in your local area, they also have pickups and drops from your place on the day of your driving lesson.

How flexible the schedule is: 

Check out your plan, keep them organised, and manage your time accordingly. If you work your time correctly, you will be able to attend your driving lesson with a focused mind, which will quickly help you learn the driving skill. Make sure that you are free at the time of your training. Try not to keep any other commitments as you will be giving your time and money to the driving school for learning to drive and get your licence on the very first attempt. Also hope for the timings of the driving lessons which would be perfect according to you.

How safe are the cars: 

Make sure that they check the cars before taking you to the driving lessons. You are reviewing the system and functions whether they are working correctly or no. Also, you need to check that the models of the cars they use to teach you to drive are the latest and in good condition. Because when it comes to safety, the proper state of the vehicle is vital to check to avoid any accidents or mishaps. It is necessary to check the signboards at the sides of the roads to drive a car safely.

How many services they give you:

Before joining any school, check out the benefits and the different packages they provide for a driving course. And also, many of the driving schools offer different types of driving lessons should you checkout them with the curriculum mentioned. You can always check on their online websites and visit them and talk to them personally to get to know things with a better understanding. And the pricing also matters or not. It would be best to find a Driving School that offers the most affordable pricing for an introductory driving course. There are advanced courses as well for which you can enquire and ask various questions in your mind.


Whenever you visit Driving School, you should also ask about the instructors, meet different instructors, ask about their qualifications, and ask about their experiences in their field. And whenever you visit them also ask for some testimonials if they could provide. It would be best if you chose a reputed Driving School which has a good name and that would be situated in your local area. If you know any past students who might be of friends, relatives, or family members who have learned from that Driving School, you can also ask them about the instructors and the driving school and how they teach. And the most important thing is about the driving test, the physical driving test, and the theoretical driving test you need to inquire about.
These are the basic things which you need to keep in your mind before joining a Driving School.
 

10 important road safety signs everyone should be aware of

 The most important safety signs that everyone should be aware of, and everyone should follow the rules to stay safe on the roads. If you fail to follow these road rules, you might get into accidents. So, here you'll see different signs which are fundamental road rules to be followed:-

Regulatory Signs: 

Regulatory Signs are primarily in black and white but sometimes red to show danger or a limit, and other regulatory signs can be yellow and black as well. Here are the examples of Regulatory Signs as follows:


Speed limit signs:


Drivers or riders can be fined and receive demerit points, i.e. demerit point is a penalty point issued to you if you commit a driving offence that has associated demerit points. These points are recorded against your driving record, and the number depends upon the offence you have committed and the license or learner's license you own if you are caught travelling out of the speed limit. If your speed is in excess, you might face license cancellation or vehicle impoundment or immobilisation and to avoid this, always try to enter safe zones or roads. 

The following road rules and reference numbers related to the speed limit should be strictly followed to avoid penalties and accidents.

  • 20 Obeying the speed limit

  • 21 Speed-limit where a speed-limit sign applies

  • 22 Speed-limit in a speed-limited area

  • 23 Speed-limit in a school zone

  • 24 Speed-limit in a shared zone

  • 25 Speed-limit elsewhere

  • The following rule can be read in full within the Road Safety Act 1986.

  • Part 6A - Impoundment, immobilisation and forfeiture of motor vehicles

  • Schedule 5 – Minimum suspension periods for excessive speed

Stop and give way signs:

Whenever you see these signs, you must always follow them. Stop when you see this red and white stop sign and give way to other vehicles when you see this Triangular sign with 'Give Way' written on it.

Pedestrian or Children crossing Signs: 

  • When you see these signs when pedestrians and children are Crossing the roads, you must stop your vehicle right away and let them cross the street. 

  • It'll also help you to avoid accidents or sudden breaks.

Tram safety zone:



This Safety Zone sign is to be followed by keeping your vehicle slow or keep a watch in the surroundings so that, if possible, that road can be avoided or going slowly and being careful would work.

Keep Left Sign:

  • Whenever you see this sign called Keep Left, keep your vehicle a bit slower than the average speed and be at the left side, this will help you avoid accidents.

  • Warning Signs:-

  • Warning Signs will tell you that there might be danger ahead. 

  • They are usually diamond-shaped and yellow with black symbols or written words on them.

  • They aren't giving you instructions like the Regulatory Signs, and they are giving you advice that you need to pay attention to. 
So, here are the examples listed below:-

Advisory Speed Signs:

These are the Advisory Speed Signs as shown in the picture above; this means you need to keep your vehicle at a speed limit of 45 kilometres per hour which will keep your vehicle's speed in the limit as the vehicles might take a turn here referring to the sign above it. 

Do follow these warnings to avoid crashing vehicles.

Curves and Bend Signs:

These curves and bends are to warn you about the road in this shape.

So when you see such signs, you must keep your vehicle slow so that you can move according to the symbols shown beforehand.

Also, give way to other vehicles on the road to avoid any confusion.

Changing road layout Signs:

When you see these signs, keep in mind that the layout of the road will be changing, so you must drive accordingly and be careful.
This warns you and will avoid any mishaps that might take place.
Also, keep your vehicle slower while you see these warning signs.

Intersection Warning Signs:

It would be best to be careful enough whenever you see these intersection warning signs because it will help you check the roads and the patterns of intersections.

And also, slowing down while taking these turns will help you drive your vehicle very safely. 

Also, sometimes these intersections might confuse you, so it's better to keep your vehicle slow and steady. It might also help people while giving them a way.

Also, these additional intersection signs would help you follow the instructions correctly.

Changing road conditions:

These are the road changing conditions that are conveyed to you through these signs.

Gravel roads are also known as dirt roads which does not has any proper or smooth surface, which isn't safe to travel.

"When Wet" signifies that the road might be wet due to heavy rainfall, which can be slippery and accident-prone for travellers.

DIP sign means that the road is lower at a point which might be very dangerous to travel, so the drivers should slow down their vehicles as the depression in the road can be very hazardous. The speed also should always be in control while you see the DIP Sign.



So here are the essential ten signs to be followed, including the Regulatory Signs and Warning Signs. They are to avoid accidents and keep the pedestrians and the travellers free from any Hassles. 

Learning to drive from a local driving school is very important as they will be guiding you through all these road safety rules, and you will be able to move correctly. There is a driving school in Melbourne, Australia, i.e. Darshan Driving School, the most affordable one. They have an excellent and experienced team of professional driving instructors who will teach you manually with ease. 




















5 Misunderstood road rules in Australia - so, are you driving right?



The five most misunderstood road rules in Australia while driving a car or any vehicle, all these rules are to be kept in mind and taken care of while you are driving a car. And if you maintain all these road rules in your mind while driving a vehicle, then life would be accessible in Melbourne, Australia, and it will also save you from penalties and accidents on the road. So, here is the list as follows:-

1]  Can you change lanes in a Roundabout?

  • Yes, if you obey all the road rules in Australia, you can change your lanes only if the arrows or the road's markings allow it.
  • The driver must give away to the lane they are entering by an indicator.
  • The drivers who wish to go right or left or U-Turn must use their indicator or else should go straight.
  • Drivers must go slow or stop their vehicle if any vehicle is already in the roundabout to avoid accidents. And its legal requirement.
  • Drivers must indicate left/right if they are travelling to the left/right side of the road unless there are any markings or directions on the road. They can stay on the left side of the lane and exit from the left side itself.
  • No need to give indicators if you are going straight ahead, wherever you go, left or right; indicate if the directions on the roads are on the other side.
  • Whenever you exit from the roundabout, indicate if possible, and it's not mandatory.


2]  When turning from a single lane onto a multi-lane road, you must first turn into the inside lane? 

  • You cannot turn into any lane, and it also depends upon the setup of the roads.
  • You should make sure that the adjacent lane should be empty while you merge to any street. For example, if you turn into the left lane, make sure the right road is free, and no vehicles should be there when you ride.
  • Even if you are turning to any lane, just come to the edge of the road while riding. Do not swing wide onto another road or in any traffic zone.
  • You can also turn if it's the closest lane without interfering with the traffic.
  • While turning, you must give way to the pedestrians walking on the road or the vehicles around you.
  • It would be best if you stopped or slow down while indicating and proceed safely.


3]  Are you allowed to change lanes in an intersection?

  • No, you cannot change lanes into an intersection. And it would be best if you did not change lanes on a solid line road marking.
  • You can change lanes due to parked cars, avoiding blocked roads, stationary traffic, blocking the intersection, etc. 
  • It's just the same as a regular lane change, but it's 'invisible.
  • As long as you obey the road rules, indicate, give way, follow the directional markings and arrows, you are good to change the lanes, do not cross the solid lines, which may not allow you to change the routes.
  • You can also change lanes in an intersection to prevent collisions or accidents, as last-minute moves are recommended.
  • But the drivers are however told to avoid changing lanes in an intersection because it's pretty unsafe to do so.

4]  You do not have to stop for a Yellow/Amber traffic light?

  • No, you are required to stop if possible.
  • A driver must stop while seeing a yellow/amber traffic light safely if he reaches the stop line or traffic lights.
  • Penalties apply to those who fail to stop their vehicle.
  • The driver must stop when they are close to the yellow/amber traffic light safely because it is necessary to stop to avoid penalties, break road rules, and be a safe driver.


5]  Is it illegal to drive through a petrol station or thoroughfare at an intersection?

  • No, it isn't illegal to drive through a petrol station or thoroughfare at an intersection, as long as you obey all the road rules.
  • Usually, during emergencies, rush hours and office hours, drivers tend to do this, which is standard in Melbourne, Australia. 

To understand all the rules and regulations and get a perfect driving school is Darshan Driving School, the most affordable driving school in the locality. It has the best local driving instructors who always help students with simple techniques which can be implemented quickly while driving and be a safe driver for your life. They have written and practical driving lessons, where both are necessary to become a good driver. This driving school also provides Advanced Driving Training and Defensive Driving Training, and they have a great team of professional driving instructors who belong to Melbourne itself. They'll teach their students from the basics, and they also make their students practise until they become good drivers. Most importantly, you should join a good driving school so that you can learn with a calm mind, rather than from your acquaintances who might get angry when you don't know certain essential things. So, going to this driving school will guide you through every aspect you need to know while driving. 

Why should you take driving lessons from a professional driving school?

 


We know you want to be just perfect when it comes to acing that driving test. But! That becomes a bit challenging if you do not have any access to professional driving lessons. Driving a car may seem like a piece of cake to some of us whereas, it becomes a considerable challenge when you sit in the driving seat for the first time. If you are reading this, you will probably look for an affordable driving school or find out why you need one.

With years passing by, we have understood the importance of driving lessons from a professional driving school to clear that dreaded driving test that haunts us all at the midnight hour! We are not asking you to spend a significant deal on the professional driving school. Still, an affordable driving school like Darshan Driving School can help you with automatic and manual car lessons and help you brush up your skills with local driving lessons. It becomes easier for you to pass the driving test with zero hassle and emerge as a skilled driver. 

While we discuss the importance of a professional driving school for your driving lessons, you must understand a few things:

-Your parent/s can indeed teach you the same, but a professional intervention can help clear out your basics

-With the help of an affordable driving school, you can be more confident behind the wheel

-You will learn what NOT to be done while driving, which seems to be the fundamental aspect sometimes to avoid accidents later

-You can quickly learn from your driving mistakes if you have a professional instructor by your side

Now, let's jump straight into why should you take driving lessons from a professional driving school before your driving test!

Professional instructors

Unlike other techniques, driving is essential as well as requires attention. If you are not focused on where, when and what to do, it may become difficult for you to ace the driving test (remember the driving test always before making a decision, I suggest). Once you enrol at an affordable driving school, they can assign a professional instructor to teach you the techniques and mishaps to avoid. A professional driving instructor can be a wise investment for your safety and independence. Plus, they train you more than just starting a car - they offer automatic and manual car lessons and local driving lessons as well. Moreover, these instructors are excellent at identifying your weak areas and work on the same to help you gain confidence before you appear for the driving test. 

Safety and security

I know you are cautious to ensure safety for yourself first before driving. However, it can get overwhelming for you while you learn how to drive, control, focus on the lane and practise safety - all at the same time. A professional and affordable driving school can offer you complete guidance on multiple things such as:

-Better driving techniques

-Understanding fluctuating weather conditions

-Avoiding an accident or collision 

-Learn defensive driving

-Learning traffic rules


Boosted confidence

Tell me, honestly, would you be able to keep calm in front of a family member while they are teaching you a driving lesson? On the other hand, a professional instructor can understand your psyche and help you keep calm while teaching you suitable driving lessons and techniques. Once you can take control, it immensely boosts your confidence behind the wheel. At a professional driving school, these instructors deal with multiple personalities while teaching the driving lessons. Hence, it is easier for them to help you identify and work vigorously towards your weakness.

What's more? They teach you about the other technicalities such as intervals of changing oils, identifying engine issues, pre-checking the car before you take it out for a drive and even acting in emergencies. All this sums up to be a valuable lesson when you aim to ace the driving test.


Understand defensive driving

Most of us are scared of only one thing: learning how to drive - accidentally hitting the car. What if I tell you that you can overcome such fears easily with the help of a professional driving lesson from a certified instructor? You heard us. Experienced instructors can teach you defensive driving and help avoid accidents. Defensive driving techniques help majorly on the day of your driving test since these techniques save you from committing mistakes and educate on:

-Learning traffic laws

-Practicing road safety

-Interpreting traffic signs


All I am saying is - enrolling on an affordable driving school before your driving test can be a wise investment that saves your time & money, boosts your confidence and helps you take those manual car lessons with ease and even educates you on the driving rules to avoid any mishaps. You can always lookout for the best driving schools in Melbourne and get yourself enrolled. After all, we all want to be the best drivers of all time. Be safe and all the best :)

Is it Beneficial to learn to drive only on driving test routes?

 
Driving test Instructors

There are a lot of controversial discussions on the benefits and non-benefits of learning to drive in only driving test route areas. It all depends on the learner's requirements and how desperate or how fast he needs to get his driving licence. Normally We recommend learning to drive safely and not for your licence. When you learn to drive safely, you will end up in the right habits and will avoid accidents in future. Which will end up in safe driving habits. Learning to drive is just developing your habits without your knowledge. Anyone who drives frequently will understand all techniques by themselves out of the experience. Moreover learning through experience gives more advantage and confidence than theoretical lessons. And that’s what a learner does while learning to drive.

Benefits

As per my knowledge, the benefits of learning to drive in test route areas or suburbs are as following

  • Can learn to drive faster - Because the learner is going to drive only on specific routes and the scenarios will be the same repetitive.

  • Can understand the critical places and will be able to handle the car effectively during the driving test. Because he has always learnt in those specific routes.

  • Can handle the driving test easily and get the licence ASAP

  • From the driving instructor point of view, it’s easier for him to provide the training because he is making the student drive on the same route repeatedly.

  • And his pass rate might be high.

Disadvantages in learning to drive in test route suburbs are as following 

  • Since the learner has learnt to drive in specific routes, he might struggle to drive in different routes where the scenario will be different

  • It might make the person lose his confidence while driving on different routes.

  • Might get panic when looking at new scenarios and roads

  • Will find difficulties in handling different scenarios along with traffic

  • Will not be able to develop the skills on handling different and difficult scenarios.

Scenarios of Driving Lessons in Melbourne 

According to my knowledge and experience In Melbourne Metropolitan itself, there are more than 350 suburbs. And if you drive across different suburbs you can notice the road markings and scenarios are totally different from each one. The difference is maintained to have the uniqueness of each suburb and that’s how the road engineering is designed and structured.

For example, there are a lot of differences in driving around the test routes of Dandenong VicRoads compared with Carlton VicRoads or Burwood east VicRoads.

It’s the same scenario with all other VicRoads test routes and moreover, VicRoads Also changes the test routes frequently. Because they want the learner drivers to be a perfect and safe driver.


Anyone who wants to drive would like to drive safely for their life. So why should I take the risk of just getting the licence? Instead of that learn to drive safely by having the driving experience in different scenarios and different suburbs.

So we strongly recommend any learner to learn to drive in different scenarios and develop the proper skills for their life and not for their licence.

When you learn to drive safely by handling different scenarios and traffic, the driving test becomes easy and you will get your driving licence on your first attempt.

The foremost thing is to learn to understand the techniques on how to handle the car safely and effectively by minimising the potential hazards while driving. There is a reason for performing each and every activity while you are driving. To understand the reasons and learn how to implement safe and defensive driving techniques while driving. Which will make you get your driving licence with confidence and make you drive safely on roads.




Australia Learner Licence

Australia Learner Licence

A learner licence is gained after: (a) the minimum driving age of 16 is met; (b) passing a touch-screen computer-based test Driver Knowledge Test; (c) provide identification; and (d) pass an eyesight test.[6] Learners are permitted to drive accompanied by a supervising unrestricted licence holder. Learners are subject to numerous restrictions: (a) a maximum speed of 90 km/h; (b) a zero blood alcohol content limit; (c) cannot tow a trailer; and (d) and must conspicuously display black-on-yellow "L-plates" on the exterior of the vehicle while driving. Learners must complete at least 120 hours of driving practice including 20 hours of night driving and hold the learner licence for at least 12 months before a provisional P1 licence is issued. Since 16 December 2009, one hour with an instructor is equal to three hours of normal driving hours until a total of ten hours with an instructor. This equates to a maximum of 30 hours which can be accumulated at an advanced rate .Since 19 December 2009, learner drivers 25 years old and over are not required to complete a learner driver log book and are exempt from the twelve-month tenure

Provisional P1 Licence

A provisional P1 licence (commonly called Ps and Reds) is gained after: (a) a minimum twelve months of holding a learner licence; (b) 120 hours (20 hours night drive between sunset and sunrise) of on-road driving experience; and (c) pass a driving test. The licence holder can drive unaccompanied but is limited to a maximum speed of 90 km/h, towing trailers of up to 250 kg  and a zero alcohol content. Red-on-white "P-plates" must be displayed while driving. P1 drivers are limited to a total of four demerit points during the term of the licence, as compared to the thirteen-point limit on unrestricted licences] P1 drivers must hold the licence for one year before progressing to the next stage.

Provisional P2 Licence

A provisional P2 licence (commonly known as Ps and Greens) is gained after one year and successful completion of a computerised hazard perception test. The driver is restricted to a speed limit of 100 km/h, a zero alcohol limit and a maximum of seven demerit points; however, they are eligible to upgrade the class of their licence, such as those for heavier vehicles.P2 drivers must conspicuously display a green-on-white "P-plate" on the exterior of the vehicle at all times. P2 drivers must hold the licence for two years before progressing to the next stage.

Full Licence
A full, unrestricted licence is gained after two years and successful completion of another computerized test. Unrestricted drivers licences are colored gold. More Read on : www.darshandrivingschool.com.au

Drive responsibly and driving rules

Driving in traffic is more than just knowing how to operate the mechanisms which control the vehicle; it requires knowing how to apply the rules of the road (which govern safe and efficient sharing with other users). An effective driver also has an intuitive understanding of the basics of vehicle handling and can drive responsibly.
A driver is subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which he or she is driving. Most countries also have differing laws against driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs..Motorists are almost universally required to take lessons with an approved instructor and to pass a driving test before being granted a license. Almost all countries allow all adults with good vision and health to apply to take a driving test and, if successful, to drive on public roads.
A driving test (also known as a driving exam, driver’s test, or road test) is a procedure designed to test a person’s ability to drive amotor vehicle. It exists in various forms worldwide, and is often a requirement to obtain a driver’s license. A driving test generally consists of one or two parts: the practical test, called a road test, used to assess a person’s driving ability under normal operating conditions, and/or a written or oral test (theory test) to confirm a person’s knowledge of driving and relevant rules and laws.To make the test fair, written driving tests are normally standardized tests, meaning that everyone takes the same test under the same conditions. In many places the test can be done by computer, and typically consists of questions related to road signs and traffic laws of the respective country, but may also include questions related to road safety best practices or technical questions regarding vehicle operation and maintenance. In many countries passing a written driving test is required for admission to the practical test.
Depending on the country and on the driver’s license category, the practical test includes driving on the public, open road as well as different maneuverability test, which are usually carried out in a controlled environment such as:driving back and forth through a set of traffic cones reversing around a corner or into a parking space, with or without a trailer or semi-trailer emergency stops or evasive maneuvers coupling and de-coupling of a trailer to a truck, which includes establishing the electrical and compressed-air connections and checking them maintaining a motorcycle stable at low speed Make sure your children know the road rules when they are using a skateboard or scooter or similar device with wheels. This means they are in the best position to prevent any injury to themselves or to others. www.darshandrivingschool.com.au
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