As the sun wakes up after winter, and stays low and timid, spring presents unique challenges and opportunities for learner drivers. And what better time to learn? The warmer weather brings the desire to get out and about, making it a great time for learners to build up their driving hours and pass their probationary driving tests.
However, as a transitional season that fluctuates between sunny and grey, hot and cold, wet and dry, and windy and humid at the drop of a hat, spring is a tricky one for learner drivers. While there are some difficult driving conditions during this season, it is also essential for learners to train in more challenging settings like this.
Before you hop into your car with a learner at the wheel, read below to ensure you're fully prepared to guide them safely and effectively through their driving experience.
Check your insurance cover
When a learner driver first starts out, they’re unfortunately at a higher risk of having an accident. That risk only goes up even further once they’re on their probationary licence too.And as many of us know, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye – whether by reversing into a parked car or taking out a car’s side-view mirror. As such, it’s best to have insurance cover from the get-go.
The main consideration is whether your car is covered by a suitable insurance policy before your learner driver even gets behind the wheel. As a minimum, third party car insurance cover is needed, and make sure the specific policy covers learners. Doing so not only insures you for accidents that occur, but also gives you and the learner driver peace of mind and the confidence to learn without unnecessary pressure.
More traffic more problems
Spring brings the community to life; from agricultural shows in Victoria’s farming towns to the AFL Grand Final in the heart of Melbourne. As more people get out and about, traffic increases, causing congestion and longer travel times.
This is a great opportunity for learner drivers to establish a ‘cognitive map’ and build route-planning skills. Whilst we have maps and GPS devices in our pockets, having a mental map of your route reduces distractions, allowing drivers to pay close attention to conditions and hazards. This internal navigation establishes easy shortcuts which means learners can avoid congestion or bypass road closures that increase during spring events.
With heavier traffic comes impatient, erratic and dangerous drivers. Aggression is often directed at learners and it’s important that new drivers are able to stay calm in the face of others’ frustration or anger.
In these moments, it’s important to reassure the learner driver. If they are upset, highly anxious, or angry, encourage them to pull over until they feel composed and ready to drive safely. This situation also serves as a valuable teaching moment: regardless of experience, other drivers can be unpredictable, which can lead to unsafe conditions on the road.
Keep cyclists safe
The number of warm days increases as spring progresses and when the sun is out cyclists and pedestrians head outside in droves. Drivers need to be extra vigilant to ensure people stay safe, both inside and outside the car.
Learner drivers are likely to be up-to-date with the latest driving rules and regulations but, to be safe, remind your learner about safe distances around cyclists. Cars must give a 1m (1.5m when driving over 60 km/h) buffer zone when passing cyclists. As this is difficult for new drivers to estimate, give learners the opportunity to get a sense of the distance from a variety of angles while the car is stationary.
Learners are still getting accustomed to being alert to other road users and are vulnerable to simple mistakes. Fatalities have been caused by drivers opening their door in front of cyclists, causing them to veer into traffic. When parking, remind your learner to do the ‘Dutch Reach’ when opening their door. Using the left hand to pull the door handle ensures a driver looks in their blind spot, thereby avoiding possible collisions with cyclists or pedestrians.
Consider road conditions
Winter may be behind us, but much of Victoria experiences spring storms that bring wet and wild weather, creating challenging driving conditions even for the most experienced drivers. Not to mention the glare from the sun that intensifies as days grow longer and warmer.
To ensure learner drivers are as safe as possible on wet roads, it’s essential to check and replace windscreen wipers, tyre treads, and your vehicle’s front and back lights as needed. Your learner driver should also be educated on how to check these operational concerns, alongside learning how to check tyre pressure as well as assessing tyre treads. Wet roads increase stopping distances and reduce traction, making training in gentle braking and keeping a safe following distance critical.
Practising driving in various weather conditions is crucial, as learners need experience in both wet and dry scenarios. Sun glare, particularly intense in spring and autumn, can lead to an increase in rear-end and right angle collisions by impairing vision and causing fatigue. Learners should wear polarised lenses in high-glare conditions and always maintain a safe following distance.
Getting your learner’s permit is an exciting time for any new driver. It can also be nerve-wracking, and for good reason. The number of people hospitalised in Melbourne due to road injuries increased by 12% from 2022 to 2023. With few opportunities to learn outside of private lessons, preparing learners as best we can contributes to safer roads and more enjoyable driving experiences.
By equipping them with the skills and knowledge to navigate the challenges of spring driving, we not only boost their confidence but also foster a culture of safety that benefits everyone on the road.
