Your Leavers checklist
This checklist covers everything from vehicle safety checks to packing essentials, helping you and your friends arrive safely.
School’s out and you’re ready to celebrate with your mates. Before hitting the road, it's essential to make sure you’re fully prepared for a safe and smooth trip. This checklist covers everything from vehicle safety checks to packing essentials, helping you and your friends arrive safely.
1. Before you hit the road, remember POWERS, a simple way to check your car is ready to go:
P – Petrol (or Power): Make sure you’ve got a full tank of fuel or a fully charged battery.
O – Oil: Check your oil level and top up if needed.
W – Water: Check your coolant and wiper fluid, and make sure your windscreen is clean.
E – Electrics: Test your lights and indicators to make sure they’re working.
R – Rubber: Check tyre pressure and tread depth (don’t forget the spare).
S – Safety: Ensure seatbelts, mirrors, and your interior are all in good condition.
2. If driving down together, check before leaving that the vehicle can safely fit passengers and luggage without any hazardous loose items or obstruction to the mirrors and windows.
Remember, Red P-platers are limited to carrying one passenger in their vehicle. Some exemptions apply. Make sure you assess what items you need, than risk driving distracted or with impaired vision.
3. The driver is covered for roadside assistance to and from Leavers.
If the driver is not already covered, RAC free2go gives novice drivers free standard roadside assistance for one year.
4. Student identification, driving licence and a printed copy of accommodation confirmation.
Don’t forget your driver’s licence! You’ll need it any time you’re driving, and it’s also a form of ID for accommodation check-ins or wristband collection.
5. A driving route has been decided before leaving including stops for food, fuel, toilet breaks and to stretch your legs.
Plan your breaks, map GPS route, set your play list, turn phone on Do Not Disturb and belt up.
6. Everyone has a printed and digital copy of important details like accommodation and emergency contacts.
This includes everyone staying at the accommodation and their parents' contact details. In an emergency, everyone should be able to contact others at the accommodation and their parents.
7. Pack a Leavers kit for your car with these essentials:
- Copy of important documents including your car manual, insurance, and roadside contact details, including a pen and paper
- Basic first aid kit
- Extra water, sunnies, sunscreen, and lip balm
- A small torch
- Hand wipes or sanitiser
- Portable mobile charger/battery bank
- Spare warm clothes and closed-in shoes
For more information and tips check out Leavers WA and RAC Ignite.
Read more of our learning to drive articles.