Tips to complete your 50 driving hours in WA
You’ve got to get at least 50 hours of supervised practice before you can sit your practical driving test. Here are some tips on how to get your hours up.
It can be tricky to find the time but it’s so important to complete all your driving hours. Studies have shown that having 100-120 hours of supervised driving experience can reduce the risk of being involved in a crash by a third.
Honing your driving skills in a range of driving situations will help to prepare you for real-world driving conditions during your driving test and after you get your P plates.
Here are some tips on how to get your hours up:
Plan regular sessions
Set a schedule like driving for an hour every weekend and a couple of shorter sessions during the week. Consistency will help build good habits and accumulate hours steadily.
Combine practice with everyday activities
Offer to drive when running errands, commuting to school or work, or going to social activities.
Help your family out
Volunteer to drive during family outings or long trips. This provides extended practice and helps build endurance for longer drives.
Drive after dark
You need to get at least 5 hours of night-time driving under your belt before you sit your test. This is because its different to driving during the day as you can’t see as much and streetlights, and lights from other cars can be distracting.
Switch up your route
Driving where you haven’t before – like on highways, rural roads, and in city traffic – not only keeps things interesting, but it also means you'll be less freaked out when you need to tackle these situations on your own.
Set goals
Make something a focus for each driving session, such as practising parallel parking, merging onto a highway, or tackling roundabouts. This makes the time more focused, productive and memorable.
Celebrate milestones
Positive reinforcement keeps everyone motivated. Be sure to celebrate when you clock up your first 10 hours or complete a challenging drive.
Seek professional help
Add to your practice with lessons from a professional driving instructor. They can provide expert guidance and help correct bad habits. For subsidised lessons, check out if programs like RYDE operate in your area.
Read more of our learning to drive articles.