Safer Driver Learner Booklet

Government of Western Australia
Department of Transport
Driving Techniques
for Safer Drivers
A Guide for Learner Drivers
A message from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the
Department of Transport
This guide assists learner drivers to develop good driving skills and pass
the Practical Driving Assessment (PDA).
Both young drivers and provisional drivers crash more often than other
drivers because they have not yet had the wide range of experiences
they need to drive safely by themselves. Research has shown that driving
experience is a major factor in reducing road crashes and that the safest
time for young drivers is when they are driving under supervision while
learning.
This guide emphasises the importance of gaining extensive driving

experience under supervision in a wide range of situations, and will help
you get the most out of your minimum 50 hours of driving.
Purpose of the guide

This guide will direct you through the learning phase and help set the
foundation for a safe driving future, as it:
Æ gives you information about the experience you need to become a

safe driver;
Æ explains what skills you need to develop to pass the PDA; and
Æ complements the information in Drive Safe: A handbook for Western
Australian road users.
More information can be obtained online at www.transport.wa.gov.au/dvs
Revised edition date 17 April 2024.

Prepared and published by Department of Transport, Driver and Vehicle Services.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is provided in good faith and believed to be
accurate at time of publication. The State shall in no way be liable for any loss sustained or incurred by
anyone relying on the information.
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PART 1
Learning to Drive
The Graduated Driver Training and Licensing (GDT&L) system helps you get
a wide range of driving experience and develop the skills and safe driver
behaviours to set you up for driving on your own.
New drivers, particularly those between 16 and 24 years of age, are up to
three times more likely than other drivers to be involved in a serious road crash.
Research has found that more extensive and structured driving experience
under supervision can reduce the risk of crash involvement.
The GDT&L system consists of the following steps:
STEP Learner’s permit
1
• Minimum age is 16 years.
• You need to score 24/30 to pass the theory test and get your learner’s
permit.
STEP Start to learn to drive
2
• Record your supervised driving hours in an approved Log Book.
• A minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving is required including five hours
of night time driving.
STEP Hazard perception test
3
• Minimum age is 16 years and six months.
• Eligible after at least six months of driving experience.
STEP
Continue to gain experience
4 • Continue to record supervised driving hours in your Log Book.
Practical driving assessment

STEP • Minimum age is 17 years.
5
• Completed Log Book with a minimum of 50 supervised driving hours
including five hours of night time driving.
Provisional licence
STEP • You will have a provisional licence for two years.
6 • First six months: you must display white on red ‘P’ plates and will be
subject to night-time driving restrictions.
• Remaining period: you must display white on green ‘P’ plates.
NOTE: Between steps 2 and 4, you must record a minimum of 50 supervised driving hours, including five hours at night.
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Getting ready to drive
Learner’s permit conditions
Learner drivers must:
Æ hold a valid learner’s permit;
Æ display L plates on the front and rear of the vehicle;
Æ always be accompanied by a person eligible to provide instruction while
driving, including parking;
Æ have a zero Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC);
Æ not exceed the posted speed limit, and not exceed 100 km/h; and
Æ not drive in areas where learners are not permitted, such as Kings Park.
Completing the Log Book
All learner drivers under the age of 25 must complete a minimum 50 supervised
driving hours to be eligible for a WA driver’s licence. Five of these hours must be
completed at night (between sunset and sunrise).
You can accrue these hours before or after you have passed the Hazard
Perception Test (HPT), but you must have recorded a minimum 50 hours of
supervised driving in an approved Log Book (including five hours of night time
driving) before you attend your PDA. Approved log books include the paper
Learner Log Book and the Learn&LogTM app.
If you’re over 25 or applying for a moped (R-N) licence only, you are exempt
from the Log Book, but must complete all other steps to get a WA driver’s
licence.
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Get quality instruction
You need to get as much driving experience in as many different road,
weather, and traffic conditions as you can. You will do this with the help of your
supervising driver.
Your supervising driver should:
Æ be someone you feel comfortable with;
Æ be a competent driver and have a good driving record;
Æ know and follow the road rules; and
Æ help you reach all the goals in each stage of learning to drive.
Your supervising driver must be a professional driving instructor, or have held
a licence for at least two years in the case of driving a moped, or at least four
years in any other class. For more information, visit www.transport.wa.gov.au
Learning to drive can be stressful for both you and your supervisor, especially
when it’s new. Starting off with a professional driving instructor can be a good
idea as they have experience with beginners and can help put you at ease.
Visit www.keys2drive.com.au to find out about a free lesson for you and your
supervising driver.
4
Supervising driver responsibilities
Learning to drive works best when you have a partnership with your supervising
driver.
A supervising driver isn’t just a passenger; they have an important

job to do:
Æ Work with you to plan driving Æ Teach new skills and talk about
sessions. driving situations.
Æ Show you how to set the Æ Encourage courteous,
vehicle up for driving. responsible and safe driving.
Æ Be available to give you lots of Æ Obey by the same alcohol and
on-road experience. drug restrictions that would
Æ Give clear instructions. apply if they were driving the
vehicle.
Æ Keep calm, alert and be
patient. Æ Sign off the trip in the Log Book
after each driving session.
Remember, if your supervisor holds an automatic licence they cannot

teach you to drive a manual vehicle.
There are resources for supervising drivers available on the Department’s

website www.transport.wa.gov.au
Learning the skills to drive safely
Safe driving is more difficult than it seems – it takes years of practice, and
recording at least 50 hours is just the start.
The most important driving skills are the ability to identify and respond to
potential hazards and the ability to drive safely in different conditions. Getting
lots of varied on road practise as a learner driver will help develop these skills.
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You will get more benefit from your driving experiences if you vary the situations
in which you drive. You should try driving in different:
Æ light conditions (e.g. day, night, sunrise and sunset);
Æ types of roads (e.g. highways, or gravel roads);
Æ weather (e.g. rain or cloudy conditions); and
Æ traffic density (e.g. light or heavy).
Only try driving in these conditions once you’re comfortable controlling your car.
Try one new condition at a time, so you are able to become familiar with each
new situation.
Dealing/thinking about stress
Most learners and supervising drivers find that stressful situations arise while
learning. Expect to feel anxious occasionally because learning to drive safely is
far more complex than most people realise.
It’s relatively easy to start, stop and steer, but developing and applying safe
driving skills in complex situations can be very difficult.
Keep the following in mind:
Æ If you feel stressed or angry, stop the car safely and take a short break.
Æ If the driving conditions become worse and your supervising driver is
uncomfortable, stop the practice session and let them drive. Driving
sessions should never place you at risk of crashing and learners should
never drive beyond their ability or skills.
Æ Keep reminding yourself that a few mistakes will happen; however, there will
be lots of progress.
During a stressful situation your supervisor should remain calm and talk you
through it. When you have finished the driving session it’s a good idea to talk
about what to do differently next time.
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Choosing your car
When you start learning to drive, you’ll need to choose whether you want to get
an automatic or manual licence.
If you use an automatic vehicle when you pass your PDA you can only drive
automatic vehicles in the future.
If you get a manual licence, you can drive automatic or manual vehicles.
Manual gears Automatic gears
Driving a manual car

Æ Drive around corners in a gear that helps you control the car. Don’t have the
clutch in around corners.
Æ Keep your foot off the clutch unless you’re changing gears or stopping the
car from stalling.
Æ Use the correct gear. Don’t over-rev or strain the engine.
Æ Use your right foot to brake.
Driving an automatic car
Æ When stationary, always keep the park brake or foot brake applied.
Æ If you use the gear stick when driving, choose gears that won’t strain the
engine.
Æ Use your right foot to brake.
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Pre-trip checklist
Before you drive a car, you need to check:
Æ that it’s licensed and roadworthy;
Æ that it’s well-maintained (petrol, air pressure in tyres, reverse lights are
working etc.);
Æ around the outside for any dangers (e.g. broken glass);
Æ the directions of the wheels to see which way the car will move; and
Æ that there are no small children or animals near the car.
Before you start the engine, you should:
Æ adjust the seat and head restraint;
Æ adjust mirrors and other controls;
Æ put on your seatbelt (and make sure all passengers put on their seatbelt);
and
Æ spend some time getting to know the car’s controls.
8
Stages of learning to drive
You need to plan your driving sessions to match your level of experience.
Stage 1: Learn basic skills and how to control the vehicle
Where and when?
Æ Quiet car park
Æ Empty residential street
Æ No through road
Æ Quiet sealed country road
Æ In fine weather, in the rain, and during the day.
You can move onto the next stage when you can do all skills in the checklist:
Tasks Performed 
Set up the car for driving.
Find the controls and know how to use them.
Start the car.
Move off slowly and smoothly.
Slow down and stop smoothly at a chosen location.
Corner smoothly at low speed.

Stop the car on a slight slope and move off again using the
park brake.
Smooth and efficient use of gears in low speed (manual
cars only).
Clutch release (manual cars only).
Reverse in a straight line and around a curved path.

Correctly position the car on the road and stop the car
safely.
Use the mirrors correctly and look over your shoulder to
check blind spots.
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Stage 2: Driving on quiet roads and scanning for hazards
Where and when?
Æ Quiet residential street
Æ Busy residential street
Æ Low speed road
Æ Moderate traffic
Æ In fine weather, in the rain, and during the day and at night.
Here are some tips for you and your supervising driver:
Æ Mark out a route to drive within Æ Towards the end of this stage,
your local area. begin to drive on busier streets
Æ Your first route should look like to get a sense of what the next
a rectangle with left turns only. stage will involve.
Æ With each driving session, Æ Let your supervisor navigate

increase the complexity for you. You should be
of the route so it includes concentrating on seeing and
roundabouts and going obeying the signs and driving at
straight, or turning right at an a safe speed while noticing and
intersection. avoiding potential hazards.
Æ As you get more experience, Æ After each session, talk to your

you should add some wet supervising driver about how
weather and night-time driving. you went and what you can do
to improve next time.
Æ Keep practising slow-speed
manoeuvres such as parking.
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Tasks Performed 
Move away from the kerb safely.
Stop at the kerb safely.
Check for potential hazards when moving off.
Drive safely around corners.
Drive safely on straight, quiet roads.
Turn left at intersections safely.
Safely negotiate roundabouts.

Slow down smoothly when approaching intersections or
other vehicles.
Follow all road signs and traffic lights.
Use mirrors correctly, looking over shoulder and through the
rear side windows when necessary.
Travel through intersections safely.
Turn right at quiet intersections safely.

Drive within the speed limit and at safe speed for the
conditions.
Leave a safe distance between your car, other cars, and the
kerb.
Start and stop on hills (manual cars only).
Complete a 3-point turn.
Park and parallel park smoothly.
Reverse out of a driveway or a parking spot safely.

Check for and respond to potential hazards in quiet streets
(e.g. other vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, animals).
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Stage 3: Driving in complex areas
Where and when?
Æ Low, medium, and heavy traffic, including freeways and highways
Æ Country roads
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Tasks Performed 
Enter busy traffic safely.
Cope with short freeway trips.
Keep in your own lane and change lanes safely.
Negotiate and turn at traffic lights safely.
Handle busy roundabouts safely.
Cope with busy intersections safely.
Turn across oncoming traffic safely.

Smoothly slow down and choose a suitable speed when
approaching intersections and curves.
Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or
when turning.
Drive on high speed roads safely.
Plan your own driving routes for normal driving trips.
Overtake other vehicles safely on divided multi-lane roads.
Spot and avoid potential hazards.
Select safe gaps when entering or crossing traffic.
Keep safe following distances in busy traffic.

Drive within the speed limit and at a safe speed in busy
traffic.
Practise exercises for the PDA. (see Part 4)
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Hazard Perception Test (HPT)
The HPT is a computer-based test that displays a series of moving traffic
scenes. You will be tested on your ability to observe the whole road scene to
identify and assess possible traffic hazards and to make timely responses to
avoid or deal with the hazards.
What to do on the day
Make sure you:
Æ are a minimum age of 16 years and six months;
Æ have at least six months of driving experience (from the issue of your
learner’s permit); and
Æ bring your learner’s permit card or present your primary and secondary
identification.
You are strongly recommended to gain as much driving experience as

possible prior to the HPT.
Completing your HPT

You can sit the HPT at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) centre, regional
DoT centre or agent.
All tests must commence before 3.45 pm. You do not need to make an
appointment to sit the HPT at any metro DVS centre.
Once you have passed your HPT, you must continue to gain experience and
record supervised driving hours in your Log Book.
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Stage 4: Rehearsing to be solo
Where and when?
Æ Low, medium and heavy traffic, including freeways, highways, and country
roads
Once you pass your HPT, you need to build on your experience and continue to
record a minimum of 50 supervised driving hours including at least five hours at
night (between sunset and sunrise).
By the end of this stage you should be ready to drive safely as a solo driver
in a wider range of driving conditions. You and your supervising driver should
agree that you can drive safely in light and heavy traffic and in all sorts of driving
conditions.
You are strongly recommended to complete more than the minimum 50

hours of supervised driving as this will better prepare you for when you
can drive on your own.
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Tasks Performed 
Drive safely in heavy and light traffic.
Use correct car controls (accelerator, brakes, gears,
steering, indicators, lights).
Steer and brake smoothly to avoid skidding.
Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and increase
following distance on wet roads.
Choose a speed appropriate to the traffic, weather and
road conditions (e.g. unsealed roads, reduced visibility).
Plan your own driving routes and get from starting point to
destination.
Make safe driving decisions.
Obey all signs, road markings and speed limits.

Handle complex tasks such as merging on freeways,
reversing from driveways, parallel parking and changing
lanes in busy areas and intersections.
Scan for and respond to other road user’s movements and
hazards on and around the road.
Drive safely on a range of roads and in different conditions.
Leave a safe gap when turning across other traffic.

Pick suitable gaps in traffic and checks mirrors and blind
spots when changing lanes or turning.
Checks mirrors before braking.
Drive safely without help from the supervising driver.

Manage moderate levels of distraction in the car (music,
passengers etc.).
Have strategies in place to reduce distractions and stay
safe.
Use headlights when required and do not look directly into
oncoming headlights.
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Here are some tips for you and your supervising driver:
Æ This stage is all about Æ Gradually introduce
rehearsing for solo driving. distractions such as radio, but
Move slowly into this stage – make sure you can keep your
there’s still more practise and mind on driving. At first, add
learning to do. distractions only when you’re
Æ Your supervising driver driving in easier conditions.
will still offer advice and Once you can manage these
suggestions and will help you in easier conditions, add them
look for potential hazards, during more complicated
but increasingly you’ll need to trips — but stay in control.
practise driving as if most of Make sure you can focus on
the responsibility and decision driving and that the distraction
making belong to you. doesn’t cause you to lose
concentration.
Æ If you need to go somewhere
by car, ask to drive. Æ You’re in charge of the car
when you are driving now. It is
Æ If you haven’t done much wet OK to tell passengers to keep
weather driving and it rains, quiet.
ask for some extra practice
sessions. Æ It’s important to use a vehicle
safely and consistently, in all
Æ If you haven’t driven on a conditions and traffic, so that
freeway or rural road, ask for you’re prepared for when you’ll
a session to practise on this be driving solo.
road type.
Æ Start making some longer
Æ Now is the time to get some trips, but make sure you
practise with passengers in manage your fatigue. Don’t
the car. It is important to make drive when you are feeling tired
sure that your passengers and have a rest stop at least
understand the importance of every 1½ hours.
letting you focus on driving.
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PART 2
The Practical
Driving Assessment
This Part of the guide provides a brief overview of what to expect during the
PDA.
How does the assessor judge?

During your PDA the assessor will look at the components of good driving skills
and at how well you put the components together. The assessor makes these
checks while you are doing driving tasks as part of your PDA.
They will look at how well you:
Æ operate and guide the car;
Æ put the road rules into practise;
Æ fit in with other traffic; and
Æ see and respond to hazards.
The assessor will compare your performance to that described in the
Driver Licensing Competency Standard, which is available on the Department’s
website www.transport.wa.gov.au/dvs. To pass the PDA you must have made
significant progress towards meeting the Standard.
Assessors are subject to regular auditing and training. An auditor, trainer or
trainee may sit in the back of the vehicle during your assessment for quality
assurance purposes.
How does the PDA work?

The PDA has five sections – during three sections you will be asked to follow
directions and during two sections you will have to perform set exercises.
Æ When you are following directions, the assessor will be telling you when to
make turns at intersections and guiding you on the journey from the PDA
site and back again.
Æ When you are performing exercises, the assessor will explain to you what
you have to do. You will have to decide the best way to do the exercise for
yourself.
The exercises cover the sorts of tasks drivers often have to do, such as finding
somewhere to park in a car park.
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The diagram below summarises how the PDA works.
Section1: Section 2:
PDA site
Follow directions Exercise A
Section 3: Section 4: Section 5:

Follow directions Exercise B Follow directions
PDA site
While you drive, the assessor watches you and uses ‘PDA items’ to help judge
your performance. The PDA items list what you are expected to do.
The assessor has to judge whether you do what the PDA items require you to do.
The assessor records the judgement by indicating ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ as you drive.
If the assessor writes something it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have made
a mistake.
How long does it take?

The driving part of the PDA will take around 35 minutes.
Remember, if you are more than five minutes late for your PDA, you will not be
assessed.
What happens at the end of the PDA?

When you arrive back, the assessor will tell you the result of your PDA.
If you PASS
Nobody’s perfect and even if you pass the PDA, it is likely that you would have
made some errors. The assessor will tell you which areas of your driving did not
meet the Standard.
Your driving will continue to improve as you gain more experience. Even
after you pass your PDA you should continue to get as much supervised
driving experience as possible.
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If you Don’t PASS
The assessor will explain to you which areas of your driving did not meet the
Standard.
The PDA form will clearly show you and your supervisor where your performance
needs to improve. The assessor will also give you some specific information on
how you can improve your driving before you take the PDA again.
What will the assessor look for?

During each section of the PDA, your performance will be assessed against
seven PDA items. There are also some serious faults that can cause you to fail.
They include all of the offences for which you can incur demerit points while you
have a provisional licence, together with things that clearly indicate you are not
ready to drive on your own.
You will automatically fail if you:
Æ disobey a regulatory sign e.g. stop sign;
Æ speed; or
Æ drive without wearing a seat belt.
Refer to the full list in Part 3 - PDA Items.
Vehicle suitability - C class vehicles

You need to provide a licensed roadworthy vehicle for your PDA for your
personal safety and the safety of the assessor and other road users. If the
vehicle is deemed unsuitable, you will not be assessed and your PDA will
be cancelled. Note, other factors may contribute to a vehicle being deemed
unsuitable.
This guide may be used for all vehicle classes.
Vehicle suitability inspection

The assessor will conduct a brief vehicle suitability inspection to check that your
vehicle meets minimum safety standards.
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Vehicle suitability factors
Æ Speedometer
Must be operational to ensure that the speed limit is being adhered to.
Æ Horn
Must operate to provide audible alerts to others.
Æ Door handles
All door handles (internal and external) must operate so users can safely
enter and exit the vehicle.
Æ Mirrors
Interior and exterior mirrors must be fitted and adjusted to provide
maximum view of the rear of the vehicle on both sides.
Æ Park brake
The park brake must hold the vehicle stationary on a slope. For car (C class)
PDAs the park brake must be centrally mounted and easily accessible to
the assessor (excluding driving school cars fitted with ‘dual controls’).
Æ Lights
All globes, lenses, and controls must work effectively. Reflectors must have
minimal corrosion, lenses must not be cracked or faded, and headlights
must be correctly focused.
Æ Head restraints
Must be fitted to vehicles that are manufactured with them.
Æ Exhausts
The exhaust system must be secure and not produce excessive noise or
leak.
Æ Pedals
The accelerator, brake, and clutch pedals must have anti-slip or non-slip
coverings, unless manufactured without them.
Æ Seat belts
The use of seat belts is a vehicle occupants’ main protection against serious
or even fatal injury in the event of a crash. Seat belts must operate correctly
and not be frayed, twisted or damaged.
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Æ Tyres
Tyres must have the appropriate speed and load rating for the vehicle and
should not be mismatched, worn or damaged. All tyres must have at least
1.5mm tread depth across the entire width of the tyre.
Æ Windscreen
Cracks and/or chips can impair visibility and may reduce the structural
strength of the vehicle. A crack over 15cm long or any crack in the driver’s
line of sight is not acceptable.
Æ Windscreen wipers and washers
Wiper blades must be operational and should prevent dirt and moisture
from obscuring visibility.
Æ Windows
All windows must be operational, users must be able to open windows.
Æ Air-conditioner/demister
Must be operational (when required) to ensure visibility through the
windscreen in low temperatures and for the safety of occupants from heat.
Æ Cleanliness
The interior and exterior of the vehicle should be reasonably clean and any
loose objects secured for the safety of occupants.
Æ Learner “L” Plates
Must be removed for your scheduled assessment.
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PART 3
The PDA Items
This Part details exactly what your assessor will be looking for during your PDA.
It explains how the assessor will score what you do and tells you how you need
to drive to pass the PDA. You should read the examples in conjunction with
Drive Safe: A handbook for Western Australian road users.
Terms used in this guide

The words with special meanings that have been used in this guide are:
Æ diverge means a manoeuvre in which a vehicle changes its position on the
road. Two common examples of diverging would be pulling out from the
kerb and changing lanes;
Æ an exercise is an activity during the PDA consisting of two low speed
manoeuvres that are typical of an everyday driving task;
Æ manoeuvres which include all low speed and road speed manoeuvres;
Æ merge which occurs when two lanes of traffic merge into one;
Æ road speed manoeuvres which include changing lanes, merging, turning at
intersections, giving way, and stopping at intersections;
Æ slow manoeuvres which include parking, starting off from the side of the
road, and turning around in tight spaces (for example, three-point turns); and
Æ turn which includes turning at an intersection to leave one street and enter
another.
3.1 Flow
3.1.1 What does ‘Flow’ assess?
Flow assesses how well you combine driving skills together.
When your driving flows it suggests that you are becoming a competent driver.
It is a sign that you have learnt the individual driving skills and that you can put
them together and you do not have to think consciously about what to do. You
can do things ‘automatically’. If your driving flows, you can have a conversation
with a passenger without it affecting your driving in any way.
To develop the flow quality of your driving, you need to get as much driving
experience as possible. One or two ‘practice runs’ in a few situations will not
be enough. Flow also covers how well you deal with mistakes. Even competent
drivers make mistakes, but when they do, they can generally correct and adjust
their driving without breaking their flow.
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The diagram below represents what flow might look like – one part flows to the
next. As one part is finishing, another part is starting, and sometimes several
parts happen at once.
A competent driver combining the parts of a task
When a competent driver makes an error, such as stalling the car, they
immediately restart the engine without interrupting their flow. This is a sign of
competence. You can make mistakes and still receive a ‘PASS’ for flow.
Put into Ease Signal left Steer
gear brake or right and go
Ease clutch to Check Look behind

friction point mirrors (head check)
An inexperienced driver performing a task

When you are still learning, you might have some problems completing tasks
in the correct order. Your driving might appear as separate parts with obvious
breaks and pauses between actions as illustrated in the picture below.
Pause
k
ea
br
k
k
ea
ea
ed
Br
Br
nd
Pa
Br
Br
te
ea
ea
us
Ex
e
k
3.1.2 When is ‘Flow’ assessed?

Your assessor will check the flow of your driving when you are performing either
slow or road speed manoeuvres.
The assessor starts scoring flow immediately after giving you a direction.
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3.1.3 How is ‘Flow’ scored?
 When all conditions are met.  When any of these occur.
 You start the manoeuvre.
 You do not respond to an instruction from your assessor.
 You are very slow starting or miss opportunities to start a manoeuvre.

 You proceed continuously through the parts of the manoeuvre.
 You stumble or pause while performing parts of the manoeuvre.
 You proceed directly through a series of manoeuvres.

 You falter joining manoeuvres together.
 You fit in with other traffic.

 You inconvenience or unnecessarily slow or hold up other road users when
doing a manoeuvre.
 You comply with the rules for stop signs, give way signs, traffic signals, and
right of way.
 You don’t comply with the rules for stop signs, give way signs, traffic
signals, and right of way.
 You drive without assistance.

 You ask for, or require, help from the assessor to perform any manoeuvre.
 You adjust your driving as situations change.

 You continue with the same driving pattern even though situations are
changing.
 You direct your eyes to hazards posing an immediate threat.
 You keep your head and eyes directed forward when approaching hazards
to the side.
 You smoothly adjust to a safe speed in the presence of threats to safety.
 You adopt a speed that would prevent you avoiding a collision with road
users who are not complying with the law or with safe and reasonable
driving.
 You use a suitable, safe, and legal low-speed manoeuvre for the location.
 You use an unsuitable, unsafe or illegal manoeuvre for the location.
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3.1.4 Examples of ‘Flow’
The following examples of flow represent the aspects of your driving that the
assessor will be checking when assessing flow. In the following diagrams, you
are driving the green car.
At various times your assessor will ask you to follow directions or perform
specific exercises. You should start the manoeuvres promptly.
Finding somewhere to turn around
If you have to turn around,
select the first suitable location.
It must be safe and legal.
You must show the assessor you can quickly

identify places to do manoeuvres. You should
not have to stop and think about what to do.
Turning up ahead You need to turn into this street.

You must prepare to change
lanes in plenty of time.
Turning
Change Lanes
Do not leave your preparation until you

are nearly at the intersection.
Preparing for a reverse park
You have stopped for a reverse park.

You have checked the mirrors and
have the left indicator on. You select
Reversing
reverse, check that it is safe and start
reversing smoothly. There should be
no unnecessary pauses.
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Turning at an intersection
Leaving You are going to turn. There is no

traffic on the road you are entering.
You have a clear view both ways.
From the approach to the When you get to the intersection you
turn until leaving the turn, do not have to stop, pause, and think
your driving should flow. about what to do.
Approaching
Timing a turn at an intersection

Cars on this street should not
have to brake when you turn
Don’t rush. You may leave

the first gap to make sure
you have worked out the gap
You should not hold
size correctly. You should
up cars on this street
take the next suitable gap.
if it is safe to go.
Traffic should not be

inconvenienced
When changing lanes you

should fit in with other
traffic safely and legally.
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You proceed continuously through the parts of the manoeuvre
Most manoeuvres have many parts. When your driving flows, all those parts
blend from one into the next. In basic manoeuvres you should not have to
pause and think about what to do.
You perform your manoeuvres so that they fit in with other traffic
When you perform manoeuvres such as leaving the kerb, changing lanes, or
turning at intersections or roundabouts you must fit in with other traffic.
You must be able to:
Æ look for gaps in the traffic;
Æ decide which gap allows you enough space to complete the manoeuvre
safely; and
Æ drive smoothly into your chosen gap.
When performing three point turns
When doing a three-point turn, don’t

use more space than is necessary.
30
Choose a safe location in which to complete the manoeuvre or you may also
be marked down for FLOW. Attempting a manoeuvre in a very unsafe location
could cause you to fail your PDA.
The location you choose should be away from:
Æ blind corners;
Æ hill crests;
Æ large parked vehicles; and
Æ any other obstructions.
It should also be more than 30m from any traffic control lights.
You comply with rules for stopping and giving way
Flow also assesses your ability to apply certain road rules, particularly stopping
and giving way.
Stop signs
You must stop within one If for some reason you have to
metre of the line. The front stop back from the line, you
of your car must not be must stop again within one metre
over the line. of it when you move forward.
You will fail the PDA if you do not come to a complete stop at stop lines.
If there is no stop line, you must stop as near as practicable before entering the
intersection.
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3.2 Movement
3.2.1 What does ‘Movement’ assess?
Movement assesses whether the car moves smoothly when you drive it
forwards or backwards.
Competent drivers move forwards and backwards smoothly and stop
accurately. They also adjust their speed so that it is legal and it best suits the
driving task they are doing.
To manage movement you need the physical skills to work the vehicle’s controls
such as the accelerator, brakes, and gears.
You also need mental skills which enable you to:
Æ regulate your speed;
Æ work out stopping points; and
Æ decide how to spread the vehicle’s braking out across the available
stopping space.
When you manage your vehicle’s speed well, passengers feel comfortable
because the vehicle moves smoothly and travels at a speed that is right for the
situation.
3.2.2 When is ‘Movement’ assessed?
Your assessor will check the movement aspect of your driving when you are
performing either slow or road speed manoeuvres.
The assessor starts scoring movement immediately after giving you a direction.
32
3.2.3 How is ‘Movement’ scored?
 You always move in the correct direction for the manoeuvre you are doing.
 You travel in the wrong direction for more than 30cm, the car rolls back, or
you drive off in the wrong gear (e.g. reverse instead of first) and move in the
direction NOT intended.
 Your vehicle moves smoothly and remains stable when you start moving
and when you adjust speed.
 Your vehicle moves roughly and is not stable when you start moving or
when you adjust speed. That is, the vehicle jerks.
 You vary the speed to suit different stages in a manoeuvre.
 You travel too quickly or drive excessively slowly for any part of the
manoeuvre.
 You travel within the speed limit.
 You exceed the speed limit (AUTOMATIC FAIL).
 You stop accurately.
 You stop well before or past the desired stopping point.
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3.2.4 Examples of ‘Movement’
The following examples of movement represent the aspects of your driving
that the assessor will be checking when assessing movement. In the following
diagrams, you are driving the green car.
You vary your speed
You must match your speed to the manoeuvre you are doing. This means
speeding up (without exceeding the speed limit) or slowing down to suit the
situation. Your driving should be comfortable for passengers, not too fast so you
have to rush things, and not unnecessarily slow.
Driving in slow moving traffic
Adjust your speed to avoid stopping unnecessarily

and to maintain a safe following distance.
Slow moving vehicle.
Vary your speed smoothly.

You should be able to accelerate
gently away from the turn.
Your approach speed should allow

you to come to a smooth stop if you
have to do so.
Brake smoothly and progressively.
Your approach speed should

permit smooth braking.
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Low speed manoeuvres
You must stop Do not stop well
Do not overshoot.
behind the line if required. before the line.
Stop before hitting the kerb. Stop before hitting the kerb. Stop before hitting any object.
Parking
When you have to park, look ahead and choose a safe and legal location.
Park here. Do not park here.
Park here.
Do not park here.
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Driving into a car park
Your speed should
be appropriate for
all stages of the
manoeuvre.
Slow down
Speed up a little
Slow down
Stopping
Leave a buffer between

your vehicle and others.
As a guide, you should
easily be able to see the
back tyres of the vehicle
in front of you.
36
3.3 Path
3.3.1 What does ‘Path’ assess?
Path assesses whether you pick the best track and stay on track.
Competent drivers choose the best manoeuvre and route for a situation and
keep ‘on track’. They don’t need to make major adjustments to their steering to
stay on track.
When assessors are scoring path they are looking at:
Æ how well you steer; and
Æ where and when you steer.
The ‘how’ of path is the physical aspect of turning the steering wheel.
You use mental skills to do the ‘when’ and ‘where’ part of path.
Path sometimes has a relationship to speed. For example, if you go too wide at
the end of a turn, it could be because you did not reduce speed enough before
you started the turn. Or you change lanes too quickly and your passengers are
thrown sideways. If this happens, it means that the amount of steering you used
was not suitable for the speed you were travelling.
If you have any weaknesses in path they will probably show up in slow speed
manoeuvres. Competent drivers are good at working out the best path to take
for the manoeuvre they want to do. For example, they don’t reverse over to the
wrong side of the road or clip kerb edges when turning into or out of a driveway.
3.3.2 When is ‘Path’ assessed?
Your assessor checks the path aspect of your driving when you are performing
manoeuvres in which you change direction. There are also checks while you
drive along straight sections of road.
The assessor starts scoring path immediately after giving you a direction.
37
3.3.3 How is ‘Path’ scored?
 You track accurately in manoeuvres, curves and on straight roads.
 You don’t steer accurately, or you follow a path that uses more or less
steering input than is appropriate for the manoeuvre.
 You keep the vehicle stable during changes of direction.
 Your steering tends to unbalance passengers.
 You travel centrally in the lane (where lanes are marked).

 You travel over or near line markings unnecessarily.
 You use the most travelled section of road.
 You adopt a position on the road not normally followed by other road users.
 You follow a legal path.
 You travel an illegal path.
 You use steering well and at the appropriate time.

 You don’t use your steering well, or you steer inappropriately.
 You adopt a path that suits the environment.

 You adopt a path that places the vehicle unnecessarily close to a series of
hazards.
3.3.4 Examples of ‘Path’
The following examples of path represent the aspects of your driving that the
assessor will be checking when assessing path. In the following diagrams, you
are driving the green car.
You steer accurately
You should be able to work out the best path to take and stay on track.
38
When turning
Your path should look like this: Your path should not look like this:
No
Yes No
No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
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When reverse parking
START
Start a safe distance out, between a half metre and one metre out from the other vehicle.
You should be reasonably parallel to it.
Between 1/2m
and 1m
REVERSE
Use definite and appropriate changes in direction. Try to end up close to, and about parallel to, the
kerb on your first reverse manoeuvre.
LEAVE ROOM FOR ERROR

Allow about 30cm or more from other vehicles. Do not hit, nudge or scrape the kerb.
At least 30cm Clears kerb
DISTANCE BACK FINAL POSITION

Do not go any more than 4m back from Make sure road users can move freely. Your car
the vehicle in front. should be reasonably parallel to the kerb, entirely
within the confines of any parking bay, and more
than 1.2m and less than 3m from the vehicles in
front and behind.
Less than 4m More than 1.2m less than 3m
40
When manoeuvring in car park Position yourself correctly
in the parking bay.
Take a smooth
Use an approach that path and leave
helps your entry. room for error.
When performing U-turns
41
3.4 Responsiveness
3.4.1 What does ‘Responsiveness’ assess?
Responsiveness assesses whether you are responding to what is happening
around you and keeping control of your safety and that of other road users.
Safe drivers are aware of their surroundings; they drive actively and continually
adjust their driving as they notice situations change. They adjust their driving so
that they have enough space to stop if someone else makes a mistake or does
not follow the road rules. Safe drivers act this way ‘just in case’ something goes
wrong which threatens their safety and that of other road users.
You are driving with responsiveness if you notice hazards to your safety
and respond in an appropriate way.
Drivers with responsiveness adjust their driving to even small changes in the
driving environment. Drivers do this by looking and linking. They look for
situations that need to be watched.
They then link those events to similar situations they have experienced before.
The driver ‘replays’ the memory of the previous event to see in advance the
possibilities for the current situation. An observant passenger can see a direct
connection between what happens outside their car and what the driver is
doing.
You need extensive experience to become fully responsive. This is why it is a
good idea to get lots of experience driving under supervision - that way, if you
make a mistake there is someone there to help you deal with it.
Later, you can draw on that experience if the same situation occurs again. As
you gain more experience in a wide variety of circumstances and situations, you
can gradually build up your own internal library of options for dealing with driving
events.
42
3.4.2 When is ‘Responsiveness’ assessed?
Your assessor will mark your responsiveness to the events happening around
you as you follow their directions.
3.4.3 How is ‘Responsiveness’ scored?
 Adopts a speed that suits the environment.
 Drives too fast to respond to the hazards safe drivers could expect in the
environment.
 Shows courtesy to other road users.

 Does not drive courteously or has no attention to spare to consider acting
courteously to other drivers in busy or adverse traffic situations; selfishly
maintains their own right of way and passage at the expense of other
road users.
 Is aware of traffic conditions well beyond the immediate vicinity.
 Concentrates upon, and reacts to, issues only in the immediate vicinity or
directly related to the car in front.
 Responds appropriately to other road users who are not obeying the road
laws or driving safely.
 Fails to react to other road users acting illegally or unsafely.
43
3.4.4 Examples of ‘Responsiveness’
The following examples of responsiveness represent the aspects of your driving
that the assessor will be checking when assessing responsiveness. In the
following diagrams, you are driving the green car.
You look for hazards that pose immediate threats
To respond safely to hazards you must first see them. Responsive drivers scan
the whole driving scene while looking for things that could threaten their own
and other road users’ safety. Your assessor will check to see if you look for
hazards that pose an immediate threat.
At blind intersections
Car on side road Car waiting to turn
44
Truck blocking view
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Vehicles ahead may enter traffic
45
Pedestrian stepping out
Pedestrian crossing
46
You adjust to the situation
There are countless potentially hazardous situations to which you will have to
respond while you drive.
The examples below will give you an idea of what the assessor will be looking for.
RESPONSE
• Check the traffic behind.
POTENTIAL HAZARD • Ease off the accelerator.
The vehicle ahead is slowing. • Maintain a safe following distance.
RESPONSE
POTENTIAL HAZARD • Ease off the accelerator.
Drivers may be getting out of parked cars. • Steer away from the hazards.
• Cover the brake.
• Drive at a speed that will allow you
to stop safely if you have to do so.
Approaching a pedestrian
POTENTIAL HAZARD RESPONSE
A pedestrian is moving between parked cars. • Check the traffic behind.
• Ease off the accelerator.
• Steer away from the pedestrian.
• Drive at a speed that will allow you
to stop safely if you have to do so.
47
Approaching a blind intersection
POTENTIAL HAZARD
There could be
vehicles entering the
intersection but you
cannot see to be sure.
RESPONSE
• Brake if your approach
speed will not allow you to
stop if you have to do so.
• Continue braking until it is
clear that no vehicles are
entering the intersection.
• Accelerate when it is safe to
do so.
Approaching a green traffic light
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Traffic lights have been
green for some time
and could change.
RESPONSE
• Brake if the light turns amber.
• If the lights stay green,
accelerate when you are
past the safe stopping
distance from the stop line.
48
Approaching a cyclist
The cyclist could • Check the traffic behind. • Cover the brake.
move out around the • Ease off the accelerator. • Drive at a speed that will allow you
parked cars. • Steer away from the cyclist. to stop safely if you have to do so.
Approaching a large parked vehicle

There could be pedestrians • Check the traffic behind. • Cover the brake.
in front of the truck or the • Ease off the accelerator. • Drive at a speed that will allow you
car could pull out. • Steer away from the truck. to stop safely if you have to do so.
An oncoming car is overtaking a cyclist

The car overtaking the • Check the traffic behind. • Cover the brake.
cyclist might cross the • Ease off the accelerator. • Drive at a speed that will allow you
centre line. • Steer away from the car. to stop safely if you have to do so.
49
Driving through a car park
POTENTIAL HAZARD
The car could reverse.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
The car turning could
block the path.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Pedestrian may move out
from between parked cars.
RESPONSE
• Check the traffic behind. • Drive at a speed that will allow you
• Ease off the accelerator. to stop safely if you have to do so.
50
You are courteous to other road users
Slow moving traffic.

Let driver into traffic stream.
Slow moving traffic. Let driver into traffic stream.
51

Drop back to allow the

rider to change lanes
Pedestrians crossing the road
If necessary, stop back to allow

pedestrians to cross the road
52
3.5 Look Behind
Drivers must keep an eye on the traffic behind them and know what that traffic
is doing. Look behind requires you to check in the mirrors and check your blind
spot so that you can interact safely with other traffic.
3.5.1 What does ‘Look Behind’ assess?
Look behind assesses whether you can you keep an eye on what is happening
behind you as you drive.
Looking behind should become second nature. You should always be doing it.
3.5.2 When is ‘Look Behind’ assessed?
Competent drivers look behind as part of their regular routine to avoid colliding
with other vehicles travelling in the same direction. They do it when they:
Æ slow down;
Æ turn; or
Æ diverge (such as when they change lanes, merge or leave and return to the
kerb).
Look behind is checked more frequently by the assessor when you are
performing complex driving tasks. This helps the assessor find out whether you
can use look behind without having to think about it consciously.
53
3.5.3 How is ‘Look Behind’ scored?
 You direct your eyes towards the appropriate rear side window (head check)
immediately before the vehicle starts to enter a position that a following vehicle
could also enter.
 You don’t head check immediately before the vehicle starts to enter a position
that a following vehicle could also enter.
 You do a head check more than two seconds before the vehicle alters course.
 You direct your eyes to the appropriate mirror(s) at regular intervals.
 You don’t direct eyes to the appropriate mirror(s) at regular intervals.
 You direct your eyes to the appropriate mirror(s) at least 5 to 10 seconds
before starting to turn or diverge.
 You don’t direct your eyes to the appropriate mirror(s) at least 5 to 10 seconds
before turning or diverging.
 You direct your eyes in the appropriate directions prior to, and at intervals while
reversing.
 You don’t direct your eyes in the appropriate directions prior to, and at
intervals while reversing.
54
3.5.4 Examples of ‘Look Behind’
The following examples of look behind represent the aspects of your driving
that the assessor will be checking when assessing look behind. In the following
diagrams, you are driving the green car.
Doing head checks in the right direction
You should turn your head and check your ‘blind spot’ whenever you are about
to steer into a position that could be used by a vehicle behind you.
Moving off
Look in this direction

Head check immediately
before you start to steer
Changing lanes

Head check immediately
before you start to steer
Moving around a hazard
If road users could be in

the space or could move
into the space you intend to
move into, you should do a
head check
55
Starting a turn at an intersection
You need to do a head

check after stopping
when there is a chance
of a road user overtaking
you on the left
You need to do
a head check
when turning
Although illegal,
this vehicle could
go straight ahead
in this lane
56
Getting in position for a turn
Head check by the

time you reach here
You must do a head check if

there is a reasonable chance
of other road users being in
the space, or moving into the
space, you are going to take
57
3.5.5 Merging lanes
When two lanes merge into one lane (and this might also be indicated by signs
such as ‘lane ends merge left‘ or ‘lane ends merge right’ or ‘form one lane’, or
symbolic warning signs), you must give way to another vehicle if any portion of it
is ahead of your vehicle.
You should indicate that you are merging by using your indicator or hand signal.
Remember to keep a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front and
take turns to merge if there are long lines of merging traffic.
Merging
If other road users could be in

the space, or could move into
the space you intend to move
into, you should do a head check
58
3.6 Signal
3.6.1 What does ‘Signal’ assess?
Signal assesses whether you let other road users know what you intend to do
before you do it.
Indicators and Hand Signals
Indicators and hand signals are an effective way to communicate with other road
users. You may be planning to stop, change lanes or turn, but unless you let
other drivers know, you can be a danger to other traffic.
Be consistent and considerate about using indicators/signals at the appropriate
times. Drivers must signal their intention to turn or diverge by indicating for
as long as necessary to let other traffic know their intentions. In typical traffic
conditions and in built-up areas, you must indicate long enough to give sufficient
warning to other drivers and pedestrians. Before moving from a stationary
position, you must indicate for five flashes or five seconds.
Signalling your intentions should become almost second nature. You should not
have to think consciously about doing it.
59
3.6.2 When is ‘Signal’ assessed?
Competent drivers signal as part of their regular routine when they:
Æ turn; or
Æ diverge (such as, when they change lanes, merge or leave and return to the
kerb).
Signal is checked more frequently by the assessor when you are performing
complex driving tasks. This helps the assessor to assess whether you can use
the indicators without having to think consciously about it.
3.6.3 How is ‘Signal’ scored?
 When you are leaving a parked position, you have the indicator on for five
seconds before moving.
 You have the indicator on for less than five seconds before moving from a
parked position.
 When you are moving, you turn on the appropriate indicator for a sufficient
time to signal your intention before turning or diverging.
 You don’t provide sufficient indication before turning or diverging.
 You keep the indicator on until the manoeuvre is completed.

 You cancel the indicator before most of the vehicle has entered the new
lane or position.
 Your indicator is cancelled within three flashes of the manoeuvre being
completed.
 Your indicator is not cancelled after four flashes of the manoeuvre being
completed.
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3.6.4 Examples of ‘Signal’
The following examples of signal represent the aspects of your driving that the
assessor will be checking when assessing signal.
In the following diagrams, you are driving the green car.
You use your indicators
Leaving a parked position
You turn the indicators You have the indicators on

off when you have for at least five seconds or
completed the manoeuvre five flashes before moving
Diverging around a hazard
When you need to diverge

out of your lane or by more
than 1.5m, you must signal
what you are going to do Diverging around hazards
1.5m or more
Allow
sufficient
signal time
When you need to diverge

out of your lane or by more
than 1.5m, you must signal
what you are going to do Diverging around hazards
1.5m or
Allow sufficient signal time more
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Turning at roundabouts
Indicate to leave the Turn your indicators
roundabout here off within three flashes
You should indicate to turn

right before you enter the
roundabout. Make sure your
indication gives sufficient
warning of your intention to
turn to other traffic
Indicate left to leave

the roundabout here
No indicator on
the approach
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3.7 Vehicle Management
3.7.1 What does ‘Vehicle Management’ assess?
Vehicle management assesses whether you can you do things like keeping an
eye on your vehicle’s instruments, use the steering wheel correctly, and use the
clutch and gearbox effectively while you are driving.
This item includes some important tasks that you should be doing before you
drive and while you drive.
3.7.2 When is ‘Vehicle Management’ assessed?
Your assessor scores how you manage the vehicle when you first get in the car
and prepare for driving and then continuously throughout the PDA.
3.7.3 How is ‘Vehicle Management’ scored?
 You make sure that the inside of the vehicle is safe for you and any passengers.
For example, you:
• secure loose objects (that is, you store them in the boot or the glove box); and
• make sure everyone in the vehicle is correctly seated and belted up.
 You ignore things affecting safety inside the vehicle.
 You have your mirrors adjusted for the best view of the traffic behind you.
 Your mirrors do not provide the best view of the traffic behind you.
 You adjust, and keep adjusted, the driver’s seat and seat belt. Your seating
position should enable you to operate the car effectively.
 You take up a driving position that is not good for controlling the vehicle.
 You respond properly to the vehicle’s instruments.

 You do nothing when the vehicle’s instruments display warnings or important
information.
 You use switches as needed while you drive.
 You do not use switches when needed.
For example, you do not turn on the wipers if it starts to rain.
 You steer and use the gears in a way that assists you to control the vehicle.
 You do anything that reduces the amount of control you have over the vehicle.
For example, you make a turn with the clutch in or you hold the steering
wheel from the inside.
63
3.7.4 Examples of ‘Vehicle Management’
The following examples of vehicle management represent the aspects of your
driving that the assessor will be checking when assessing vehicle management.
You should read these examples in conjunction with Drive Safe: A handbook for
Western Australian road users.
You make sure that the inside of the vehicle is safe, you are sitting in a good
driving position, and your mirrors are adjusted.
Mirrors Driving position
• Centre mirror - 1. Legs are apart and left foot is extended to supporting
best view of following traffic. position.
• Side mirror - 2. Knees are slightly bent.
best view of lane and least 3. Arm position lets hands complete a full turn of the
view of own car. wheel when your back is against the seat.
4. Back is against the seat.
3
2 4
Other checks Seat belt

• Passengers belted up. • Low across your hip.
• Inside the vehicle is free of loose objects. • Flat with no twists.
• No ornaments blocking your view. • Firm with no slackness.
64
You use steering and gears to promote control
Use a method of steering or gears to help you operate the car safely.
Steering
Æ Steer with both hands unless you are operating the controls.
Æ Keep your hands on the outside of the steering wheel.
Both hands on the wheel
10 2
9 3
Left hand Right hand
The preferred position for your hands

is either “10 and 2” or “9 and 3”
Driving around curves

Æ Steer with both hands unless you are operating the controls.
Æ Keep your hands in a position that allows you to adjust your steering if you
need to do so.
Æ Do not completely cross your arms.
Reversing
Æ Use a method that suits you and keeps the vehicle on track.
Æ You can steer backwards using one hand.
65
Manual vehicles
Æ Enter and drive around corners in a gear that helps you control the car. Do
not have the clutch in unless you are driving so slowly the engine could stall.
Æ Keep your foot off the clutch unless you are changing gear or using it to
prevent the car from stalling.
Æ Use the correct gear. You should not be straining or over-revving the engine.
Æ Change gears before or after you steer. Do not change at the same time as
steering is being applied into or out of a corner.
Æ Do not let the clutch slip for a long time or crunch or grind the gears.
Accelerator
pedal
Manual Clutch Brake

gears pedal pedal
66
Automatic vehicles
Æ When stopped, always keep your foot brake applied when you operate the
gear lever.
Æ If you choose to use the gear lever manually when driving forward, you must
choose gears that suit the situation and which won’t strain the engine.
Æ You must use your right foot to brake in an automatic vehicle.
Accelerator
Automatic pedal
Brake
gears pedal
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Fail Items
You will automatically fail the PDA if any of the following occur:
Æ your assessor has to intervene, or give you assistance, to avoid a potentially
dangerous situation;
Æ you disobey a regulatory sign;
Æ you speed;
Æ you disobey any traffic regulation that immediately or potentially threatens
safety;
Æ you drive without wearing your seat belt;
Æ you fail to respond to a crisis, or potential crisis, that would normally be
anticipated by an experienced driver;
Æ you cause a crisis or potential crisis;
Æ you start the vehicle while not in full control of the vehicle;
Æ you refuse to attempt, or are unable, to perform any part of an exercise; or
Æ you refuse to follow a reasonable direction given by the assessor.
Stopping the PDA

The assessor will not proceed with a PDA if:
Æ in the judgment of the assessor, you are not mentally or physically fit for the
PDA;
Æ your vehicle is not roadworthy;
Æ your vehicle is not appropriate for the class of licence your are applying for;
Æ the vehicle does not have a centrally positioned park brake, or dual controls;
Æ your vehicle breaks down during the PDA;
Æ you offer a bribe or inducement; or
Æ in the judgment of the assessor, something that would not normally be
present during a test adversely affects the authenticity, fairness, reliability, or
validity of the PDA.
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PART 4
Are You Ready for the
Practical Driving Assessment?
This part of the guide will help you to decide whether you are ready for the
PDA.
Do a practice PDA
Try some exercises that are similar to those in the PDA itself. You will be ready if
you can do these exercises without difficulty. Remember, the PDA checks your
ability to:
Æ perform set exercises; and
Æ drive around streets following directions.
You need to practise driving under the same kinds of situations you will
encounter during the PDA.
Included in this guide are practice exercises and ‘follow directions’. Try linking
exercises with the ‘follow directions’ sections to practise the whole PDA using
the Practice PDA Forms on page 80.
Try the exercises first then practise

driving around ‘following directions’
Section1: Section 2:
PDA site
Follow directions Exercise A
Section 3: Section 4: Section 5:

Follow directions Exercise B Follow directions
PDA site
70
Practise the exercises
Manoeuvres
The PDA includes two exercises. Each exercise will combine two low speed
manoeuvres into an everyday driving situation. We have given these exercises
names such as ‘Stopping for Shopping’ and ‘I’ve Left Something Behind’.
You should try various combinations of manoeuvres to build your own practice
exercises. The manoeuvres included in the two exercises will come from a set
of ten manoeuvres. You can use the same manoeuvres to devise your own
practice exercises.
71
Manoeuvre Diagram
1. Reverse into a driveway and

then drive forward to go
back along the street in the
opposite direction.
2. Drive forward into a driveway

on the right, then reverse
and change direction.

on the left then reverse out to
change direction.

on the left, reverse back to
leave in the same direction
as you started.
5. Complete a U-turn.
72
Manoeuvre Diagram
6. Complete a U-turn at a
roundabout.
7. Complete a reverse parallel

park.
8. Complete a forward angle

park.
9. Complete a reverse angle

park.
10. Complete a three point turn.

Not used unless no other
option available.
73
Combine the manoeuvres
By practising different combinations of manoeuvres, you will become
comfortable with all of the possible combinations which you could be asked to
complete during your PDA.
Try various combinations of manoeuvres in different locations. Go into car parks
and practise both forward and reverse angle parking next to other vehicles. Get
the feel for driving around car parks in shopping centres.
For example, combine:
Æ Manoeuvre 1 with Manoeuvre 6 and you have an exercise like ‘I left
something behind’.
Æ Manoeuvre 3 followed by Manoeuvre 9 in a car park nearby.
Æ Manoeuvre 5 followed by Manoeuvre 8 is what drivers often do when they
are looking for a place to park.
Check the results of your practice exercises

Each exercise in the PDA will combine two manoeuvres. During your practice
sessions, your supervisor should mark you on your flow, movement, and path
during each manoeuvre. If you complete all aspects of both manoeuvres well,
your supervisor will give you six ‘’ marks.
During each exercise your supervisor should also mark you on look behind and
signal.
Your supervisor should use the table below to score your performance during
the practice exercises. They should tick the box next to each PDA item if you
perform the task correctly.
First manoeuvre Second manoeuvre During whole task
Flow Flow Look Behind
Movement Movement Signal
Path Path Responsiveness
Vehicle Management
When you can consistently score at least five ‘’ marks, you will be near to the
standard required to pass the PDA.
74
Use the following exercise practice forms to record your performance. There
are also some blank exercises where you can try your own combinations of
manoeuvres.
Check what you think

After completing a practice exercise, consider how you felt about your
performance. Were you able to:
Æ do it without asking any questions?
Æ do it without having to think really hard about it?
Æ complete low speed manoeuvres while chatting to your supervisor at the
same time?
Check what your supervisor thinks

Ask your supervisor to consider how they felt while you were doing the practice
exercise. Did they:
Æ feel comfortable while you did the exercises?
Æ stay quiet without giving any help?
Æ feel happy about staying quiet while you were driving?
75
Exercise Practises
Practice exercise A: ‘I left something behind’
Imagine you have just visited a friend’s house. You drive off around the next
corner and then remember you have left something behind at the house. You
need to go back to the house, collect the item and then set off again. In this
task your two manoeuvres are:
1. Turning around to go back.
To do this part of the exercise you could choose to:
Æ turn around by using a driveway (Manoeuvre 1, 2, or 3); or
Æ do a U-turn (Manoeuvre 5 and 6).
2. Turning around and parking outside the house again.
76
Score What You Did
Vehicle Management
Check what you and your supervisor think about your performance.
Were you able to: Did your supervisor:
feel comfortable while you did

do it without any questions?
the exercises?
do it without having to think stay quiet without giving any

really hard about it? help?
complete low speed
manoeuvres while chatting to feel happy about staying quiet
your supervisor at the same while you were driving?
time?
77
Practice exercise B: ‘Stopping for shopping’
Imagine you have been looking for a particular shop and you have stopped just
past the entrance to the car park, which is on a busy street. You need to turn
into the next side street on the left, turn around in that street and come back
and find a place to park in the car park next to another car. You will stop the
car there as if you are going into the shop. In this task your two manoeuvres are:
1. Turning around to go back.

2. Entering the car park and parking next to another vehicle.

Æ enter the parking space forwards (Manoeuvre 8); or
Æ enter the parking space backwards (Manoeuvre 9).
78
Score What You Did
Vehicle Management

the exercises?

complete low speed manoeuvres
feel happy about staying quiet
while chatting to your supervisor
while you were driving?
at the same time?
79
Create your own practice exercises
Use the blank exercise sheets to record how you go in your practice exercises.
Practice exercise 1
First manoeuvre Second manoeuvre
First manoeuvre diagram Second manoeuvre diagram
Vehicle Management

the exercises?

at the same time?
80
Practice exercise 2
Vehicle Management

the exercises?

at the same time?
81
Practice exercise 3
Vehicle Management

the exercises?

at the same time?
82
Practice exercise 4
Vehicle Management

the exercises?

at the same time?
83
Practise following directions
During your PDA the assessor will ask you to drive from the PDA site to your
first exercise, then from your first exercise to your second exercise and so on.
In total you will be asked to complete four sections following the assessor’s
directions, each of which should last about five minutes.
Use the Following Directions Practice section to check your ability to drive
following directions from your supervisor.
During each practice session you should drive through situations similar to those
you may encounter during the PDA. You should be familiar with:
Æ traffic lights;
Æ GIVE WAY signs;
Æ STOP signs;
Æ right turns at intersections; and
Æ roundabouts.
You may not experience every one of these driving situations during every
practice session or every PDA section. However, after each ‘following directions’
practice session you should have been through at least two on the list.
During each ‘following directions’ practice session your supervisor should mark
you on each of the seven PDA items that this book describes.
Your supervisor can use the Following Directions Practice form over the page to
record your performance.
84
Following directions practise
L S F M P R VM
Session 1 Date:
Session 2 Date:
Session 3 Date:
Session 4 Date:
Session 5 Date:
Session 6 Date:
Session 7 Date:
Session 8 Date:
Session 9 Date:
Session 10 Date:
Session 11 Date:
Session 12 Date:
Session 13 Date:
Session 14 Date:
Session 15 Date:
L = Look S = Signal F = Flow M = Movement

P = Path R = Responsiveness VM = Vehicle Management
85
Practise the Whole PDA
Practice PDA form 1
L S F M P R VM
Follow Directions to
Section 1
Exercise A
Exercise A
(Manoeuvre 1)
Section 2
(Manoeuvre 2)
During whole task
Section 3
Exercise B
Exercise B
(Manoeuvre 1)
Section 4
(Manoeuvre 2)
During whole task
Section 5
Exercise C


the exercises?

at the same time?
Part 3 has detailed information on each PDA item and how it should be scored.
86
Practice PDA form 2
L S F M P R VM
Section 1
Exercise A
Exercise A
(Manoeuvre 1)
Section 2
(Manoeuvre 2)
During whole task
Section 3
Exercise B
Exercise B
(Manoeuvre 1)
Section 4
(Manoeuvre 2)
During whole task
Section 5
Exercise C


the exercises?

at the same time?
87
Practice PDA form 3
L S F M P R VM
Section 1
Exercise A
Exercise A
(Manoeuvre 1)
Section 2
(Manoeuvre 2)
During whole task
Section 3
Exercise B
Exercise B
(Manoeuvre 1)
Section 4
(Manoeuvre 2)
During whole task
Section 5
Exercise C


the exercises?

at the same time?
88
Practice PDA form 4
L S F M P R VM
Section 1
Exercise A
Exercise A
(Manoeuvre 1)
Section 2
(Manoeuvre 2)
During whole task
Section 3
Exercise B
Exercise B
(Manoeuvre 1)
Section 4
(Manoeuvre 2)
During whole task
Section 5
Exercise C


the exercises?

at the same time?
89
Practice PDA form 5
L S F M P R VM
Section 1
Exercise A
Exercise A
(Manoeuvre 1)
Section 2
(Manoeuvre 2)
During whole task
Section 3
Exercise B
Exercise B
(Manoeuvre 1)
Section 4
(Manoeuvre 2)
During whole task
Section 5
Exercise C


the exercises?

at the same time?
90
Practice PDA form 6
L S F M P R VM
Section 1
Exercise A
Exercise A
(Manoeuvre 1)
Section 2
(Manoeuvre 2)
During whole task
Section 3
Exercise B
Exercise B
(Manoeuvre 1)
Section 4
(Manoeuvre 2)
During whole task
Section 5
Exercise C


the exercises?

at the same time?
91

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Government of Western Australia

This guide emphasises the importance of gaining extensive driving

Purpose of the guide

Æ gives you information about the experience you need to become a

More information can be obtained online at www.transport.wa.gov.au/dvs

Revised edition date 17 April 2024.

The GDT&L system consists of the following steps:

STEP Learner’s permit

STEP Start to learn to drive

STEP Hazard perception test

4 • Continue to record supervised driving hours in your Log Book.

Practical driving assessment

A supervising driver isn’t just a passenger; they have an important

Remember, if your supervisor holds an automatic licence they cannot

There are resources for supervising drivers available on the Department’s

Manual gears Automatic gears

Driving a manual car

Find the controls and know how to use them.

Start the car.

Move off slowly and smoothly.

Slow down and stop smoothly at a chosen location.

Corner smoothly at low speed.

Reverse in a straight line and around a curved path.

Æ With each driving session, Æ Let your supervisor navigate

Æ As you get more experience, Æ After each session, talk to your

Stop at the kerb safely.

Check for potential hazards when moving off.

Drive safely around corners.

Drive safely on straight, quiet roads.

Turn left at intersections safely.

Safely negotiate roundabouts.

Turn right at quiet intersections safely.

Complete a 3-point turn.

Park and parallel park smoothly.

Reverse out of a driveway or a parking spot safely.

Cope with short freeway trips.

Keep in your own lane and change lanes safely.

Negotiate and turn at traffic lights safely.

Handle busy roundabouts safely.

Cope with busy intersections safely.

Turn across oncoming traffic safely.

Plan your own driving routes for normal driving trips.

Overtake other vehicles safely on divided multi-lane roads.

Spot and avoid potential hazards.

Select safe gaps when entering or crossing traffic.

Keep safe following distances in busy traffic.

You are strongly recommended to gain as much driving experience as

Completing your HPT

You are strongly recommended to complete more than the minimum 50

Obey all signs, road markings and speed limits.

Leave a safe gap when turning across other traffic.

Drive safely without help from the supervising driver.

How does the assessor judge?

How does the PDA work?

Section 3: Section 4: Section 5:

How long does it take?

What happens at the end of the PDA?

What will the assessor look for?

Vehicle suitability - C class vehicles

Turning up ahead You need to turn into this street.

Preparing for a reverse park

Timing a turn at an intersection

When performing three point turns

When performing U-turns

Car on side road Car waiting to turn

Approaching a green traffic light

Approaching a large parked vehicle

An oncoming car is overtaking a cyclist

Pedestrians crossing the road

Moving around a hazard