Cars & Transportation Learners Driving..

[matera_goal]

Hey guys, I have a question of opinion.

Why is it that Australias licensing system is so ****ed? I know they vary from state to state but generally they are all the same.

Got told by the old lady that over in England when they were old enough to start learning they got a permit, and when they felt they were ready to start driving alone they booked a test, if they passed they were given their drivers license.

Wondering why there isnt a system like this in place over here? Theres a heap of ****ing around. For example I had never gotten behind the wheel of a car when I got my Ls (on my birthday about a month ago). It took about 4 or 5 go's to learn to drive a manual and about 2 or 3 for an auto. Can drive both proficiently despite driving less than 20 times (probably 15/5 auto/manual).

Surely then it is not that ****ing hard that learners are forced to wait a year before being able to drive alone? In todays working world, if you dont have a license, good luck getting a job, particularly one in manual work.

I believe it encourages unlicensed driving. Surely that is a greater risk than having 'someone who hasnt done their log books'

So here comes the waiting game, I can take a test in April and pass yet still have to wait until October to be able to drive alone?? Surely once you can pass a practical test you can drive proficiently enough to do it alone?

Thoughts and opinions, especially if your on the learners system too.

MG

 

[crownie]

what do you mean, you pass the test on your L's and arnt allowed to drive on your own?

 

[matera_goal]

Nope. You get your Ls, wait 6 months, take a driving test

Then you wait another 6 months, and THEN you are allowed to drive alone..

 

[J Selwood14]

in Victoria you have to log at least 120 hours

 

[crownie]

Nope. You get your Ls, wait 6 months, take a driving test

Then you wait another 6 months, and THEN you are allowed to drive alone..

ok well in Victoria once your off your L's you can drive on your own.

 

[Bombers_Forever]

The licensing system is a joke and sadly all the changes implemented are suggested by people who will never have to abide by the rules themselves. While many young people are idiots, they are just penalising them.

I maintain the system is purely designed to raise revenue for the state motoring body - it is no longer about making you a good driver. The number of people in their 30's or 40's who can't drive these days is scary - basics like indicating challenges some people.

 

[BomberGal]

So, what on earth are you actually trying to convey in your post?

You think everyone should be able to drive by themselves once they pass a test, even if they've had next to no driving practise? At the age of 16?

 

[hamG]

In England you cannot drive at all until the age of 17.

During all this so called waiting you should be practicing. Driving a car is easy, safely driving a car, understanding situations and spotting dangers before they occur only comes from experience which you do not have.

 

[TheStinger]

In England you cannot drive at all until the age of 17.

During all this so called waiting you should be practicing. Driving a car is easy, safely driving a car, understanding situations and spotting dangers before they occur only comes from experience which you do not have.

This

Being able to do something and being able to do something well are two completely different things. It's like being able to kick a drop punt in the park with a mate and then trying to perform the same skill when two guys are trying to tackle you.

It takes time and practice to be able to perform "simple" skills under pressure.

 

[rdhopkins2]

In England you cannot drive at all until the age of 17.

During all this so called waiting you should be practicing. Driving a car is easy, safely driving a car, understanding situations and spotting dangers before they occur only comes from experience which you do not have.

Great post. There is a difference between being able to drive and drive safely. That only comes through education and experience.

I'm not saying it's only the young drivers. God forbid there are some shocking drivers from middle and older age groups. By changing the system though, hopefully everyone will be starting from a safe level of competence rather than somehow fluking their license.

Anyone who thinks driving is a right and not a privilidge should pop down to their local casualty department to see the consequences of inexperienced / careless / drug or alcohol impaired driving.

 

[ben_cats_fan]

In England you cannot drive at all until the age of 17.

During all this so called waiting you should be practicing. Driving a car is easy, safely driving a car, understanding situations and spotting dangers before they occur only comes from experience which you do not have.

And these are skills that drivers won't learn on their own, hence the need for a fully licenced driver to accompany them.

I think the system isn't a bad one at all.

 

[saj_21]

In England you cannot drive at all until the age of 17.

During all this so called waiting you should be practicing. Driving a car is easy, safely driving a car, understanding situations and spotting dangers before they occur only comes from experience which you do not have.

Like others have said you hit the nail on the head!

I wouldnt have an issue with a 17 year old obtaining a restricted Probation permit if they have completed the 120 hours in 12, 14 or 16 months, instead of "waiting" till your 18. This would be upto until they are 19, so they would still obtain their full liscene at 21 or 3 years from when you get your liscene. I am unsure of the new rules in VIC may even take 4 years to get your full liscence.

But they could only have 1 passenger, only go 80 and restricted between certain hours much like that have anyways. This would help kids who are in a trade and want to get their liscene earlier.

 

[matera_goal]

**** it. I just went down the shops

I get home from work at 4.15 and the bank closes at 4.30, needed to put my pay in it.

Like hell I'm waiting until Saturday to go there so I have to carry a heap of cash around and have some clown try and mug me.

Like I said, why not have a system where at 16 you can get your learners, and whenever you're ready to take the practical test, do it, if you pass you get your drivers license.

Saves me risking my ass.

 

[demonfan9]

I don't know the ins and outs of the system these days, but back when I got my licence I thought it was way too easy and that many people could have fluked it. All it took was a computer simulation test and about 15 minutes of driving. Hopefully they have made it more challenging for kids these days.

 

[lifelike_]

I am unsure of the new rules in VIC may even take 4 years to get your full liscence.
.

If you're under 21 when you get your Ps, it takes four years, while if you're over 21 it only takes three.

----

FWIW I think the system now in Victoria is better than it used to be. The 120 hours is a decent idea, considering it almost guarantees that people taking the test have had significant experience, as opposed to the old system where you could take a test without having driven before.

The only big issue I have is the time you have to wait between tests if you fail. It wouldn't be so bad if it were a few weeks, but in some places the wait can be up to two and a half months. Having failed the first time, I was a nervous wreck when I took the test again. Thankfully I passed, but the possibility of having to wait another ten weeks threw me off a bit.

 

[Selective Retention]

The only big issue I have is the time you have to wait between tests if you fail. It wouldn't be so bad if it were a few weeks, but in some places the wait can be up to two and a half months.

I failed my test the first time, did it in the rain and the bloke reckoned I wasn't driving defensively enough in the wet. He kept telling me to slow down but I had cars going out and around me, I was traffic hazard by slowing down FFS. To avoid the wait and the knob head instructor - this guy was notorious in Launceston - I did it in Devonport instead the next week and passed no worries.

 

[sear]

**** it. I just went down the shops

I get home from work at 4.15 and the bank closes at 4.30, needed to put my pay in it.

Like hell I'm waiting until Saturday to go there so I have to carry a heap of cash around and have some clown try and mug me.

Like I said, why not have a system where at 16 you can get your learners, and whenever you're ready to take the practical test, do it, if you pass you get your drivers license.

Saves me risking my ass.

So you just put everyone else on the road at risk instead? good job

 

[GPW1]

**** it. I just went down the shops

I get home from work at 4.15 and the bank closes at 4.30, needed to put my pay in it.

Like hell I'm waiting until Saturday to go there so I have to carry a heap of cash around and have some clown try and mug me.

Like I said, why not have a system where at 16 you can get your learners, and whenever you're ready to take the practical test, do it, if you pass you get your drivers license.

Saves me risking my ass.

why didnt you just go straight from work to the bank?

 

[Hard Ball Get]

The Victorian system is one of the best going around.

However I disagree with the OP.
The only reason the license system is flawed is because it is FAR to EASY to get your license.

They are churning out tons of drivers that are not capable day by day. So many nuffies out there on the roads ant the ease in which people can get their license is the main reason.

 

[matera_goal]

So you just put everyone else on the road at risk instead? good job

They are at absolutely no risk. Hell, when I go out driving I consider myself one of the safer drivers on the road. I don't **** around or cut corners.

Complacency is a key factor in road accidents.. It all depends on the mindset of the driver. You could have held your x class license for y years, but if you let your guard drop, bang you've killed someone.

Opposed to someone who is vigilant and alert to make sure they are driving properly and obeying all road rules, lest harm to themselves, others or being pulled over.

"experience" means nothing. If you can pass a practical driving test, your driving skills are good enough to drive on public roads. Go ahead, try and prove me wrong.

Don't cite things like 'number of younger drivers in accidents'. The overwhelming majority of these involve things like speeding, alcohol or complacency. If you can safely operate an automobile, stick to all road rules and concentrate it doesnt matter how long you've driven, you can't do any better.

why didnt you just go straight from work to the bank?

Working at home, building a new room..

 

[cats2rise]

The Victorian system is one of the best going around.

However I disagree with the OP.
The only reason the license system is flawed is because it is FAR to EASY to get your license.

They are churning out tons of drivers that are not capable day by day. So many nuffies out there on the roads ant the ease in which people can get their license is the main reason.

Agree on all points.

I got my L's when I was 17. Drove for about three hours... Didnt drive again till I was 19/20 and had 6 x 45 minute lessons over 10 weeks and got my Ps. That was in June. Have only driven about 30 minutes since then, and 20 of those minutes were in the rain and that was the FIRST time I had driven in any sort of wet weather.

Wasnt complaining about getting my Ps with little effort, but certainly not ready to face major hazards.

 

[Tormented Tiger]

[Anyone who thinks driving is a right and not a privilidge should pop down to their local casualty department to see the consequences of inexperienced / careless / drug or alcohol impaired driving.

Ha, thats what I told the judge so I could get my licence back after my 2nd dd offence.

 

[Freak Dodgeball Accident]

"experience" means nothing. If you can pass a practical driving test, your driving skills are good enough to drive on public roads. Go ahead, try and prove me wrong.

Worst. Post. Ever.

 

[Heisenberg_]

Thank god you live on the other side of the country to me.

Experiance means nothing Can really tell your a pot head, stupidist thing I have seen in a long time

 

[PunyHumans!!!]

Well...there is a massive difference between doing a one off practical and then been out on the road in all sorts of weather and road conditions with all sorts of crazy drivers doing absolutely what they like. Sorry but experience when it comes to driving does matter.