DOLLY.COM.AU DOLLYMAG^117
DOLLY
LIFE
WORDS
NATALIE BABIC.
PHOTOGRAPHY
GETTY IMAGES.
1
PREPARE FOR THE ONLINE LS TEST
Before sitting your knowledge test, make
sure you study up. “The best thing to do
is practise online,” says Larry Rowe, senior driving
instructor and managing director at ABC Driving
School (abcdrivingschool.com.au). “Usually, and
it differs between states, you can reset the questions
to bring up a fresh set of questions. Make sure you
do it at least six times without failing and then
you’re ready to sit the actual exam.”2
DECIDE WHICH CAR YOU’LL LEARN ON
Auto? Manual? Which one is best to learn
on? “You’re better off starting with a manual
first, if you have the option,” says Larry. “You’ll have
no preconceptions about how to drive and therefore,
it will become natural for you to use your left leg and
hand to operate the clutch and gears. It’s a lot harder
for an automatic driver to switch to manual.”3
ASK THE PROFESSIONALS
Driving lessons are a really good way to clock
up a whole heap of hours and to perfect your
technique. “I’d suggest 10 hours of tuition at the very
beginning,” says Larry. “You can start learning the correct
way of driving and then practise it with your supervising
driver, such as your parents or older brother or sister.”4
FIND THE RIGHT DRIVING SCHOOL
There are hundreds of driving schools across
the country so how do you know which one
is the best for you? Larry suggests the following:* When looking for a driving school, compare
the different deals that they offer. Some schools offer
a $60 lesson and it will go for 60 minutes, whereas
others will be 45 minutes long and $50. It’s all about
finding the right deal that will suit you.
* Ring at least six driving schools to compare different
deals on lessons and also talk to different instructors.
* Ask lots of questions and trust your gut instinct.
If the driving school isn’t very friendly, it’s likely they
won’t be very friendly in the car. If someone is lovely
and you get a good vibe from them, chances are,
learning to drive with them will be more enjoyable.5
PRACTISE MAKES (ALMOST) PERFECT
Before applying for your provisional licence,
it’s important to ensure you’ve practised driving
in the day and at night. In some states, you must log
a certain amount of night-time driving, like in NSW
where it’s a minimum of 20 hours. “Driving at night is
very different to daytime driving,” says Larry. “You need
to experience the differences... Often, new drivers spend
so much time practising in the daytime that they will
go to drive at night without turning the headlights on.”6
NAIL THE DRIVING EXAM
“Always ensure your car lights are working,”
says Larry. This includes the break light in the
middle of the rear windscreen. “If your instructor checks
your lights and one isn’t working, the test will then be
terminated. Another common mistake is that people don’t
come to a complete stop at stop signs. Your body should
sit back into the seat when you’re at a complete halt.
Stay still for three seconds before moving on.” bIT'S OK IF YOU DON'T
PASS ON THE FIRST GO!
THESE POOR CELEBS DIDN’T HAVE TOO
MUCH LUCK ON ROUND ONE.MARTY'S TOP
DRIVING TIPS
He’s been schooled in the car by Aussie stars
such as Havana Brown and Megan Washington,
so we thought we’d ask Learner Dri[V]er host,
Marty Smiley, for his hard-earned wisdom.
*Make sure you have a driver’s licence before you
get in the car. I think that one is pretty important.
*Once you’re in the car, make a habit of checking
your mirrors as well as doing regular head checks.
*Guard your logbook with your life. I lost mine after
racking up 100 hours. It was seriously the worst.
*If someone lets you into a lane or does you a favour
when you’re on the road, don’t forget to give them
a wave. Don’t be one of those people who can’t
be bothered.
LEARNER DRI[V]ER IS ON CHANNEL [V],
FORTNIGHTLY, ON SATURDAYS, AT 11AM.KENDALL JENNER: “I failed it
on TV; it’s the most embarrassing
thing. Some of my friends watch
the show and they don’t know
that I sobbed. So embarrassing.”AUSTIN MAHONE:
He tweeted, “Taking my driver’s
test today!! Wish me luck.”
Half an hour later, he
tweeted, “I failed.”VICTORIA JUSTICE:
“I failed because I didn’t practise
at all. When I took my driving
test, I failed as soon as we were
leaving the parking lot.”EMMA ROBERTS:^ “I failed
my driving test and then my
permit expired.”