Driving skills syllabus

Once you’ve learnt the basic skills of driving a car, you need to practise. We've designed this syllabus to help you and your driving coach (your supervisor) while you're learning to drive.

Your new driver will pick up a lot more than you realise from the way you drive. Try to set the best example you can when you drive, because you’ll be their model.

Before you start learning to drive you should have a basic knowledge of what you need to check to make sure your vehicle is safe and legal to drive.

To identify and use the vehicle’s controls.

To start and stop the vehicle’s engine.

To move the vehicle off under full control at the first attempt.

To consistently steer the vehicle through 90-degree turns at slow speed.

To select the appropriate gear and use the clutch and accelerator in a coordinated manner.

To legally and safely reverse the vehicle in a straight line for 20 metres.

To legally and safely pull out from the kerb, with the vehicle under full control, at the first attempt.

To legally and safely drive the vehicle on a straight road in normal traffic conditions.

To legally and safely bring the vehicle to a stop next to the left kerb.

To legally and safely turn left from a road.

To legally and safely drive straight ahead at a roundabout.

To legally and safely turn left at an intersection with a Give Way sign.

To legally and safely turn left at an intersection with a Stop sign.

To legally and safely turn left at an intersection with traffic signals (traffic lights).

To legally and safely turn right from a road (turning right across traffic).

To legally and safely turn right at an intersection with a Give Way sign.

To legally and safely turn right at an intersection with traffic signals (traffic lights).

To legally and safely complete a three-point turn without touching the kerb or using driveways.

To legally and safely reverse into a driveway from a roadway.

To legally and safely reverse parallel park between two stationary vehicles.

To legally and safely drive at higher speeds, while staying in a safe position on the road and keeping within the posted speed limit.

To legally and safely drive at higher speeds on multi-lane roads, while staying in a safe position on the road and keeping within the posted speed limit.

To legally and safely drive at higher speeds through a left or right curve (bend in the road), while maintaining a safe position and speed (keeping within the posted speed limit).

To legally and safely merge onto a motorway or highway, via a merge lane or from the kerb.

To legally and safely bring the vehicle to a stop on an incline.

To legally and safely park in and exit an angle parking space.

To legally and safely drive across a pedestrian crossing, and stop if required.

To legally and safely approach and cross different kinds of railway level crossings.

To safely and legally drive in conditions of poor visibility, including at night and in adverse weather driving conditions.

Note: because this lesson is more complex, it may be a good idea to try it first with a driving instructor.