Frequently Asked Questions
Q. My Son/Daughter has just got their L's, what should I do now?
A. If you have had your full licence for at least two years, you qualify as a 'supervising driver' and should try to find time to show your child the basics of safe driving. This may be daunting at first, so find a quiet back road or street and start from basics if necessary. Combining your time with professional instruction will allow your child to slowly develop safe driving techniques to give them the confidence to become a safe driver. You would also benefit from the information on mylicence.sa.gov.au
Q. I don't want to pass on any of my bad driving habits or teach my child incorrectly. What should I do?
A. Your role as your child's supervising driver is to allow them the opportunity to develop basic familiarisation with the vehicle, and allow them the opportunity to practice what they learn during professional driving lessons. Hill Start Driving will quickly correct any bad habits they may have developed. It is important that you allow your child the opportunity to practice. In any case they must have logged 75 hours, including 15 hours at night driving before qualifying for their 'P's'.
Q. How do I book a lesson?
A. Call Josh on 0473 058 937. Lessons can be booked and taken any time, including office hours, after hours, and weekends. You may also nominate the preferred instructor if you have one. It would be good if you have some idea of which option you prefer your child undertakes to obtain the Certificate of Competency - either VORT or CBT & A. Both options are explained in the Driving Companion, however you may like to discuss the two options on the phone before deciding. Please note, the CBT&A method is not available until July 2022.
Q. How much do lessons cost?
A. Professional driving lessons for VORT and CBT&A cost $100 per hour, or $140 for a 90 minute lesson. A VORT will cost $300 including the Transport SA booking fee and a 30 minute drive beforehand. The CBT&A final drive is $190 which includes the DIT booking fee. We are currently not offering CBT&A.
Q. What forms of payment do you accept?
A. Josh has card facilities or ask for EFT information.
Q. What should I bring to the session?
A. You must bring your current Learners Permit and your 'Driving Companion' book if undertaking the CBT&A ('Log Book') training or wanting the hours recorded as part of your driving time. The training fee is also payable at the time of your lesson.
Q. Is the driving training vehicle automatic or manual?
A. All of our vehicles have automatic transmission, passenger side brake pedals and are air-conditioned.
Q. Should I do the CBT & A (Log Book) or a VORT (vehicle on-road test) to get my P's?
A. There are pro's and con's for each option, and each is outlined in your 'Driving Companion' book. CBT & A (which stands for 'Competency Based Training and Assessment' and formerly referred to as 'log book') is the preferred option to obtain your 'P's' as suggested by Transport SA in the latest 'Driving Companion'. You should read this before making your own decision. Generally the CBT & A takes longer as it provides greater skill development. It is more thorough and arguably less stressful during the assessment phase. The major difference is the assessment of each option with the 'VORT' offering no second chances on the day. If you are still unsure which method will be best for you, the Instructor could advise you after your first session.
Q. How many lessons will it take to get my Provisional (P1) licence?
A. This will depend on your existing ability to control a vehicle, how quickly you can learn new skills and how much practice you get between lessons. There is generally a minimum of two to three training sessions to ensure the driver has a firm grasp of safe driving techniques and is proficient at the five slow speed manoeuvres before they attempt a VORT. CBT takes about twice as long as there is more to learn and it is assessed differently. We have found it takes on average eight x 90 minute lessons to complete the CBT&A course, including the final drive. Some take more and a few take less.
Q. What is the Hazard Perception Test and when can I do it?
The Hazard Perception test is an online test you must complete before getting your P1 licence. Find more information about it here.
Q. Is the training vehicle covered by insurance?
A. All training vehicles are fully insured for property damage, 3rd party bodily injury, private indemnity and public liability.
Q. How can I get maximum benefit from each lesson?
A. Sessions spaced a week apart with as much practice as possible between sessions is best. You can also benefit by reading the literature provided by Hill Start Driving and Transport S.A.
Q. Can I cancel a lesson?
A. Yes, and as much notice as possible is appreciated. Generally a fee of $25 is charged for a 'no show', so phone or SMS if you will not be able to make it!