Driving Skills Syllabus

Driving skills
syllabus
Contents
About the driving skills syllabus 4

Using the syllabus 4
Using the driving log 4
Tips for driving coaches 5

Set a good example 5
Don’t set your sights too high 5
Be prepared for different rates of learning 5
Be realistic about what you can cover in each session 5
Demonstrate first 5
Encourage independence 5
Listen 6
Keep the vehicle a stress-free zone 6
Managing mistakes: the WASP technique 6
What driving coaches must do 6
Pre-drive vehicle check 7

1 Vehicle controls 8
2 Starting and stopping the engine 10
3 Moving off and stopping 11
4 Steering control – driving forward through 90-degree turns 13
5 Changing gears 15
6 Reversing in a straight line 16
7 Moving off from the kerb 17
8 Driving straight 18
9 Stopping at the kerb 19
10 Turning left off a road 20
Driving skills syllabus 2

11 Driving straight ahead at a roundabout 21
12 Turning left at a Give Way sign 22
13 Turning left at a Stop sign 23
14 Turning left at traffic signals 24
15 Turning right off a road 25
16 Turning right at a Give Way sign 26
17 Turning right at traffic signals 27
18 Three-point turn 28
19 Reversing into a driveway 29
20 Reverse parallel park 30
21 Higher-speed areas – single lane each way 31
22 Higher-speed areas – multi-lane 32
23 Higher-speed areas – driving a curve 33
24 Higher-speed areas – merge onto a motorway or highway 34
25 Incline start 35
26 Angle parking 36
27 Driving across a pedestrian crossing 37
28 Driving across railway level crossings 38
29 Driving in poor visibility 39
30 scanning and hazard recognition 41
Driving log 43

Driving skills syllabus
About the driving skills syllabus
Once you’ve learnt the basic skills of driving a car you need to practise. We’ve
designed this syllabus to help you and your driving coach (your supervisor)
while you’re learning to drive. You can use it in conjunction with lessons from an
approved driving instructor.
The syllabus isn’t a guide to the content of the practical driving tests. For more
information about the tests go to:
www.nzta.govt.nz/practical-tests
Using the syllabus

The series of 30 lessons is designed to help your driving coach teach you the skills
you need to drive safely.
As well as being taught by a coach, you may also want to have some lessons
with a driving instructor. Because these lessons cover the same material as the
lessons used by approved driving instructors, you could choose to have some of
the lessons with the driving instructor and work with your coach on the others.
You may find this approach useful in the early stages of learning to drive,
as many driving instructors use vehicles with dual controls that allow the
instructor to take control of the vehicle if necessary. And if you’re ever in doubt
about any aspect of your driving, it’s a good idea to discuss it with an approved
driving instructor.
Each lesson in this syllabus breaks down a driving task into smaller parts, and
includes a checklist that your coach can tick when they’ve seen you performing
each specific skill.
The lessons start with easier driving skills and move on to more complex
situations. Because each section builds on skills covered in the previous sections,
it’s best to do them in order. You can repeat each section until you feel you’ve
mastered all the skills in it.
It’s a good idea to begin driving on roads without much traffic. Once you’re used to
driving and how the vehicle works, you can move to roads with more traffic.
Using the driving log

The best way to get lots of driving practice is to drive your coach around as
often as you can – not just when you have ‘lessons’, but whenever you’re driving

somewhere, like the supermarket.
Research shows that the more practice a new driver has, the less likely they are
to crash once they start driving alone. You should aim for 120 hours of supervised
driving before you get your restricted licence.
To help you make sure you get enough practice driving, we’ve included a driving log so
you can log all the hours you have spent driving.
Driving log
Tips for driving coaches
Set a good example

Your new driver will pick up a lot more than you realise from the way you drive.
Try to set the best example you can when you drive, because you’ll be their model.
Don’t set your sights too high

Remember, your new driver is learning, so expect lots of mistakes and try to use
them as learning opportunities. Take things slowly, but be prepared to challenge
your new driver as they develop confidence.
Be prepared for different rates of learning

There’ll be times when your driver will take longer to pick up a new skill than you
might expect, or they might pick it up quicker than you thought they would. Try to be
patient and be prepared to take a break from lessons for a while if necessary.
Be realistic about what you can cover in each session

Your new driver will be concentrating hard and will probably get tired quite quickly
at first. To start with, 45–60-minute sessions will probably be long enough. You
can build up to longer sessions as you progress.
Demonstrate first
One of the best ways to teach a new skill is to demonstrate it first, explaining
what you’re doing at the same time. If it’s a more involved skill, you may need to
demonstrate it a few times. Give your new driver lots of encouragement when
they try a new skill for the first time.
Encourage independence
As your new driver progresses, you should have less and less involvement.
Your early coaching will be focused on teaching new skills, so naturally you’ll be
demonstrating and talking the new driver through these. However, as your driver

progresses, encourage them to apply their skills in new situations without your help.
At this stage, all you need to do is ask: ‘How do you think that went?’ or ‘Could you
have done that better?’.
Listen
If your new driver says they’re not comfortable in a new situation, ask them why
and allow them more time. New situations, such as heavy traffic, higher speed and
wet weather, can be very challenging for new drivers.
Keep the vehicle a stress-free zone

Things go wrong sometimes – and not always on the road. Before you start a
lesson, make sure you’re both calm and relaxed.
Managing mistakes: the WASP technique

Wait – see if your new driver notices they’ve made a mistake.
Ask – if they haven’t said anything, ask if they’ve noticed the mistake.
Show – if your driver can’t work it out, show them.
Practise – repeat the skill a few times the right way.
You should also be aware of what’s going on both inside and outside the vehicle,
and be prepared to intervene or warn your new driver if they’re in, or likely to be in,
an unsafe situation.
What driving coaches must do

Coaches should:
» be prepared to commit to the time needed for the new driver to practise
» be a responsible, skilled and confident driver
» be an effective communicator, able to explain information and ideas
clearly
» have the patience to instruct the new driver effectively
» be able to teach and build on previous lessons
» review, evaluate and assess the new driver’s progress
» make sure the new driver carries their learner licence at all times while
driving
» make sure L plates are displayed on the front and back of the vehicle the
new driver will be driving.

Pre-drive vehicle check
Before you start learning to drive you should have a basic knowledge of what you
need to check to make sure your vehicle is safe and legal to drive.
You should know how to locate and check everything in the table below.
Check What To Look For

Vehicle posture Make sure the vehicle is sitting square to the road, which shows
that all tyres have equal pressure.
If it isn’t, you will need to check the pressure in your tyres.
Vehicle body There should be no obvious damage to the vehicle body that
could be considered dangerous. Small dents are acceptable.
Tyres and wheels The tyre tread depth must be at least 1.5 millimetres.
Wheels should be undamaged.
Indicators and Should work. If your vehicle has a high-mounted stop light,
brake lights then that must also work.
Headlights Should work on both high and low beams.
Windscreen Should work effectively.
wipers
Mirrors Should be in the correct position for you to see behind you when
sitting in the driver’s seat.
Horn Should work.
Safety belts Should work and shouldn’t be frayed or damaged.
Licence label Must be current and displayed on the lower left-hand corner
of the windscreen.
Warrant of fitness Must be current and displayed on the top right-hand corner
(WoF) or of the windscreen.
certificate of
fitness (CoF) label
Road user charges If the vehicle requires a RUC licence, it must be current.
(RUC) licence

1 Vehicle controls
Aim
» To identify and use the vehicle’s controls.
Situation
» The vehicle should be parked somewhere safe and off the road, such as
a driveway.
» The vehicle should have the handbrake/park brake on and be in neutral
(manual) or park (automatic).
The driver should

» Identify the dashboard instrument lights and dials:
z speedometer.
z tachometer or rev counter.
z fuel gauge.
z temperature gauge.
z warning lights.
» Identify and operate the steering wheel controls:
z steering wheel.
z windscreen wipers.
z indicators.
z headlights on full beam.
z headlights on dip.
z horn.
z cruise control.

» Identify and operate the floor controls:
z accelerator pedal.
z brake pedal.
z clutch pedal (manual).
z gear lever.
z handbrake/park brake.
» Identify and operate the console controls:
z ignition.
z hazard warning light switch.
z heating controls.
z air conditioning controls.
z rear demister.
z airbag deactivator.
» Identify and operate other controls:
z adjust the seat and headrests.
z adjust mirrors, both inside and outside the vehicle.
z identify blind spots.
z inspect safety belts for wear.
z adjust the safety belt (including height and tension, if appropriate).
z perform the tasks at least twice.
Other controls for identification could include the bonnet release, boot/tailgate
release, fuel tank and fuel cover release.

2 Starting and stopping the engine
Aim
» To start and stop the vehicle’s engine.
Situation
» The vehicle should be parked somewhere safe and off the road, such as a
driveway.
» The vehicle should have the handbrake/park brake on and be in neutral
(manual) or park (automatic).
The driver should

» When starting the engine:
z Make sure the handbrake/park brake is on.
z Make sure the gears are in neutral (manual) or park (automatic).
z Press the clutch pedal with left foot (manual) and press the brake pedal
with right foot.
z Turn the ignition key on, then turn it further to start the engine.
z Let the key go as soon as the engine starts.
z Check all gauges and warning lights.
» When stopping the engine:
z Push the clutch in (manual) and press the brake pedal.
z Put handbrake/park brake on.
z Put gears in neutral (manual) or park (automatic).
z Check gauges and warning lights (only handbrake/park brake or park light
should be on).
z Turn the ignition key off and remove it from the ignition.
z Perform the tasks at least twice.

3 Moving off and stopping
Aim
» To move the vehicle off under full control at the first attempt.
» To bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
Situation
» The vehicle should be parked on a safe, flat roadway with at least 50 metres
of uninterrupted straight roadway ahead.
» The engine should be running.
The driver should

» When moving off:
z Disengage the clutch by pressing down on the clutch pedal and selecting
first gear (manual) or place foot on the brake and select drive (automatic).
Note: when driving automatic vehicles use the right foot for both the brake
pedal and the accelerator.
z Release the handbrake/park brake.
z Slowly push down on the accelerator while slowly releasing the clutch
pedal (manual) until the clutch reaches the friction point (the engine sound
will change and drive is engaged) or remove foot from brake and slowly
push down on the accelerator (automatic).
z Hold the steering wheel with a light grip, with hands in the ‘quarter to three’
position or slightly lower, and keep the vehicle moving in a straight line
without much steering input (see page 66).
11 12 1
10 2
9 3
8 4
7 6 5
Where to hold steering wheel
z Accelerate quickly but safely, without stalling or rolling back.

» When stopping:
z Slowly take right foot off the accelerator pedal.
z Smoothly push the brake pedal with right foot.
z Just before the vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal fully to the floor (manual).
z Bring the vehicle to a smooth stop.
z Put the vehicle into neutral (manual) or park (automatic).
z Put the handbrake/park brake on and switch the engine off.
z Perform the tasks at least twice.

4 Steering control – driving forward through 90-degree turns
Aim
» To consistently steer the vehicle through 90-degree turns at slow speed.
Situation
» The vehicle should be in a safe area, either on or off the road, with enough room
to make 90-degree turns at low speed.
Note: if on the road, then the driver will need to use indicators.
The driver should

z Have both hands lightly gripping the steering wheel in the ‘quarter to three’
position or slightly lower. This is because of the possibility of injury if the
airbag goes off.
z Steer the vehicle through at least five left and five right 90-degree turns,
maintaining the correct lane position (if on a road).
z Turn the steering wheel back to the centre position after each turn
(rather than just letting it turn back by itself).
z Use an appropriate steering method – either push-pull or hand-over-hand.
1 2 3 4
Push-pull steering method
1 2 3
Hand-over-hand steering method

z Keep full control of the vehicle throughout the turns.
z Look ahead in the direction of the turn, not at the ground in front
of the vehicle.
z Perform at least five consecutive left and five consecutive right
90-degree turns.

5 Changing gears
Aim
» To select the appropriate gear and use the clutch and accelerator in a
coordinated manner.
» To change gears smoothly (manual) while maintaining steering control and
without looking at the gear lever.
» To use the automatic transmission to slow the vehicle down (automatic).
Situation
» With the vehicle in a safe area with the engine off.
» With the vehicle running, on a road.
The driver should

» When stationary with engine off:
z Accurately describe and explain the gear pattern.
z Select appropriate gears when asked, with the clutch and accelerator used
in a coordinated way, at least five times (manual).
» With engine started:
z Move off smoothly from a stationary position in the appropriate gear (first
gear for manual and drive for automatic).
z Change gears in sequence, from first gear up to the highest gear that is
suitable for the situation, without clashing or missing the gear and without
jerking the vehicle (manual).
z Change down through all gears without jerking or choosing the wrong gear
(manual only), or shift automatic gearbox to lower gear (automatic).
z Select the appropriate gear for the situation or road speed without over-
revving or labouring the engine (manual).
z Keep eyes on the road ahead rather than looking at gear lever.
z Perform the tasks at least five times.

6 Reversing in a straight line
Aim
» To legally and safely reverse the vehicle in a straight line for 20 metres.
Situation
» In a 50km/h zone, on a straight, flat road with light traffic flow.
The driver should

z Choose a safe and appropriate place to stop and carry out the manoeuvre.
z Check the mirrors (inside and outside).
z Indicate left for at least three seconds before starting to move left.
z Position the vehicle next to the kerb.
z Hold down the brake pedal while putting the handbrake/park brake on.
z Hold down the brake pedal while putting the vehicle in reverse gear.
z Check mirrors and blind spots for hazards.
z Turn to look over left shoulder through rear window in the direction the
vehicle will travel in.
z Slowly release the handbrake/park brake.
z Press down on the accelerator slightly with right foot and slowly release the
clutch pedal.
z Slowly reverse in a straight line for 20 metres, while continuing to look
through the rear window.
z Smoothly bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
z Put the car in neutral (manual) or park (automatic), put the handbrake/
park brake on and switch off the engine.

7 Moving off from the kerb
Aim
» To legally and safely pull out from the kerb, with the vehicle under full control,
at the first attempt.
Situation
» On a flat road in a 50km/h zone.
» The vehicle should be stationary and parked legally and within 300mm of the
left kerb, with at least 50 metres of straight road ahead.
» The engine should be started, but the handbrake/park brake should be on and
the vehicle should be in neutral (manual) or park (automatic).
The driver should

z Search ahead and behind for hazards, using mirrors both inside and outside.
z Indicate right for at least three seconds before moving.
z Push in the clutch and put the vehicle in first gear (manual) or place right
foot on the brake pedal and select drive (automatic).
Note: when driving automatic vehicles, use the right foot for both the brake
pedal and the accelerator.
z Release handbrake/park brake.
z Check mirrors again and check the right-hand blind spot with a head check
over shoulder.
z When it’s safe to move out, release the clutch and accelerate smoothly,
quickly and safely into an appropriate gap.
z Check mirrors again.
z Adjust steering if necessary.
z Perform the tasks at least three times.

8 Driving straight
Aim
» To legally and safely drive the vehicle on a straight road in normal
traffic conditions.
» To position the vehicle correctly in relation to the road and other road users.
» To stay within the posted speed limit and maintain place in traffic flow.
Situation
» In a 50km/h zone.
» On a two-way road with intersecting roads and no traffic signals (traffic lights).
The driver should

z Keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane.
z Keep the vehicle a safe distance from parked vehicles, kerbside hazards and
oncoming vehicles.
z Drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions.
z Maintain their place in the traffic flow and keep a safe following distance
(at least a two-second gap).
z Check the mirrors regularly – about every 10 seconds.
z Consistently search forward and to both sides to identify potential hazards.

9 Stopping at the kerb
Aim
» To legally and safely bring the vehicle to a stop next to the left kerb.
Situation
» On a two-way road with legal and safe parking areas.
The driver should

z Locate a safe parking space and check appropriate mirrors.
z Smoothly slow down the vehicle.
z Position the vehicle appropriately to move towards the kerb.
z Indicate left for at least three seconds and check over left shoulder
for hazards.
z Stop the vehicle in a legal and safe position, parallel and close to the kerb
(within 300mm).
z Put the vehicle in neutral (manual) or park (automatic), put the handbrake/

10 Turning left off a road
Aim
» To legally and safely turn left from a road.
Situation
» In a 50–60km/h zone.
» On a two-way road with intersections to the left and right controlled by Stop
and/or Give Way signs.
The driver should

z Check their blind spot by looking over their shoulder.
z Indicate left for at least three seconds before starting to turn.
z Check the intersection for hazards.
z Slow the vehicle for the turn, using appropriate gears.
z Keep the vehicle in the correct position throughout the turn (no less than
1 metre and no more than 2 metres from the kerb).
z Give way to pedestrians and vehicles if required.
z Drive at an appropriate speed throughout the turn.
z Check the mirrors again on completing the turn.
z After finishing the turn, accelerate to an appropriate speed for the
traffic flow.

11 Driving straight ahead at a roundabout
Aim
» To legally and safely drive straight ahead at a roundabout.
Situation
» On a two-way street with a roundabout.
The driver should

z Position the vehicle appropriately in the lane for the intended route through
the roundabout.
z Slow the vehicle to an appropriate speed for the roundabout and stop
or give way if required.
z Search the roundabout and exits for hazards.
z Select an appropriate gap in the traffic.
z Keep the vehicle in a correct position through the roundabout.
z Indicate left for at least three seconds before leaving the roundabout
(when passing the exit before the exit they are taking).
z Check the mirrors when exiting the roundabout.
z Accelerate back to an appropriate road speed for the conditions.

12 Turning left at a Give Way sign
Aim
» To legally and safely turn left at an intersection with a Give Way sign.
Situation
» On a two-way road with a 90-degree turn at an intersection that has
a Give Way sign.
The driver should

z Check blind spot for traffic by looking over shoulder.
z Search well ahead through the intersection for hazards.
z Slow the vehicle down for the turn, using appropriate gears.
z Keep the vehicle in the correct position in the lane throughout the turn
(no less than 1 metre and no more than 2 metres from the kerb).
z Check the mirrors again when turn completed.
z Accelerate to an appropriate speed after completing the turn.

13 Turning left at a Stop sign
Aim
» To legally and safely turn left at an intersection with a Stop sign.
Situation
» On a two-way road with a 90-degree turn at an intersection that has a Stop sign.
The driver should

z Bring the vehicle to a complete stop in a position where approaching traffic
can be seen to check if the way is clear (but not in the way of other traffic).

14 Turning left at traffic signals
Aim
» To legally and safely turn left at an intersection with traffic signals
(traffic lights).
Situation
» On a two-way road with a 90-degree turn at an intersection that
has traffic signals.
The driver should

z Select the left lane, or position the vehicle to the left of the lane.
z Slow the vehicle down before the intersection.
z If the signal is yellow or red, bring the vehicle to a complete stop at the
limit line or behind other traffic.
z When the signal is green, check around the corner and continue when
it’s safe to do so.
z Give way to pedestrians and other vehicles if required.

15 Turning right off a road
Aim
» To legally and safely turn right from a road (turning right across traffic).
Situation
» On a two-way road with intersections to the left and right.
The driver should

z Indicate right for at least three seconds before starting to turn.
z Position the vehicle in the appropriate lane or to the left of the centre line.
z Check the intersection for hazards.
z Slow the vehicle for the turn, using appropriate gears.
z Keep the vehicle in the correct position throughout the turn, using the
appropriate lane.

16 Turning right at a Give Way sign
Aim
» To legally and safely turn right at an intersection with a Give Way sign.
Situation
» On a two-way road with a Give Way sign and with intersections to the left
and right.
The driver should

z Keep the vehicle in the correct position throughout the turn, using the
appropriate lane.
z Check mirrors again when turn completed.

17 Turning right at traffic signals
Aim
» To legally and safely turn right at an intersection with traffic signals
(traffic lights).
Situation
» On a two-way road with traffic signals and with intersections to the left
and right.
The driver should

z Select the right lane, or position the vehicle to the left of the centre line.
z If the light is yellow or red, bring the vehicle to a complete stop at the limit
line, or behind other traffic.
z When the light is green, check around the corner and continue when it’s
safe to do so.
z Keep the vehicle in the correct position and in the appropriate lane
throughout the turn.
z Check mirrors again when turn completed.

18 Three-point turn
Aim
» To legally and safely complete a three-point turn without touching the kerb or
using driveways.
Situation
» On a two-way road with a light traffic flow, where there is 50 metres of visibility
ahead and behind, and no parked vehicles in the way. The road should be wide
enough to complete the manoeuvre but narrower than the turning circle of
the vehicle.
The driver should

z Choose a safe and appropriate place to carry out the three-point turn.
z Position the vehicle to the left of the road, next to the kerb.
z Search all around (360 degrees), checking in mirrors and over shoulder
for hazards.
z When it’s safe to move, quickly turn the wheels to the right while moving
the vehicle slowly forward.
z When the vehicle is about 1 metre from the right-hand side of the road or
kerb, straighten the wheels and turn them quickly to the left.
z Stop the vehicle before it touches the kerb and apply the handbrake/park
brake if necessary.
z Search all around for other traffic.
z When safe, reverse slowly with wheels on full left lock.
z When back far enough to be able to drive forward along the road, quickly
turn the wheels to the right.
z Stop the vehicle before it touches the kerb.
z Search all around and check mirrors and blind spots before moving forward.

19 Reversing into a driveway
Aim
» To legally and safely reverse into a driveway from a roadway.
Situation
» On a two-way road with driveways, with light traffic flow, where there is
50 metres of visibility ahead and behind, and no parked vehicles in the way.
The driver should

z Indicate left for at least three seconds, before positioning the vehicle safely
just past the driveway and about 1 metre from the kerb.
z Indicate left for at least three seconds before reversing.
z Search all around (360 degrees), checking in mirrors and over shoulder
for hazards.
z Give way to pedestrians and other traffic if required.
z Turn to look out the back window while reversing.
z Reverse the vehicle all the way into the driveway, making sure there is equal
space on either side.
z Put the gears in neutral (manual) or park (automatic), put the handbrake/
z Drive at a safe and appropriate speed throughout.
z Perform the tasks at least two times.

20 Reverse parallel park
Aim
» To legally and safely reverse parallel park between two stationary vehicles.
Situation
» On a two-way road where there is 50 metres of visibility ahead and behind,
and with a suitable place to park between two vehicles.
Note: the first time you practise this, it’s a good idea to try the steps without
parking between other vehicles or by using cones (if available).
The driver should

z Indicate left for at least three seconds before positioning the vehicle to
the right of the parking space. Position the vehicle just ahead and parallel
to the space (normally this will be alongside the vehicle parked in front of
the space).
z Indicate left for at least three seconds before reversing.
z Search all around for hazards, using mirrors and a head check.
z When it’s safe to go, reverse left into the parking space. Once the back of
the vehicle is well into the parking space, bring the front of the vehicle in to
the left, without touching other vehicles or the kerb.
z Get the vehicle parallel to the kerb (within 300mm) and within the parking
space with equal space in front and behind the vehicle.
z Use no more than four direction changes to straighten the vehicle.
z Put the gears in neutral (manual) or park (automatic) and put the
handbrake/park brake on.
z After successfully parking, safely re-enter the traffic flow.

21 Higher-speed areas – single lane each way
Aim
» To legally and safely drive at higher speeds, while staying in a safe position on
the road and keeping within the posted speed limit.
Situation
» On a two-way road with a marked centre line.
The driver should

z Keep the vehicle near the middle of the left lane.
z Keep a safe distance from parked vehicles, kerbside hazards and
oncoming vehicles.
z Drive at a speed appropriate for the conditions.
z Keep a correct position in the traffic flow and stay at a safe following
distance behind the vehicle in front (at least two seconds behind).
z Check the mirrors regularly (about every 10 seconds).
z Consistently search forward and to both sides for potential hazards.

22 Higher-speed areas – multi-lane
Aim
» To legally and safely drive at higher speeds on multi-lane roads, while staying in
a safe position on the road and keeping within the posted speed limit.
Situation
» On a multi-laned, two-way road.
The driver should

z Choose the appropriate lane.
z Keep the vehicle near the middle of the lane.
z Keep a safe distance from parked vehicles, kerbside hazards and
oncoming vehicles.
z Drive at a speed appropriate for the conditions.
z Check the mirrors regularly (about every 10 seconds).
z Consistently search forward and to both sides for potential hazards.

23 Higher-speed areas – driving a curve
Aim
» To legally and safely drive at higher speeds through a left or right curve (bend
in the road), while maintaining a safe position and speed (keeping within the
posted speed limit).
Situation
» On a two-way road with a left or right curve that requires the driver to adjust
their speed.
The driver should

z Search well ahead, to the sides and in mirrors to identify potential hazards
and warning signs.
z Select the appropriate position before the curve starts.
z Adjust to an appropriate speed for the conditions before entering the curve,
paying attention to any signs.
z Keep the vehicle within the marked lane.
z Keep a safe distance from kerbside hazards and oncoming vehicles.
z Stay at an appropriate speed for the conditions throughout the curve.
z Search well ahead and to both sides to identify potential hazards.
z When leaving the curve, check mirrors again, accelerate to normal road
speed and stay in correct position in the traffic flow.

24 Higher-speed areas – merge onto a motorway or highway
Aim
» To legally and safely merge onto a motorway or highway, via a merge lane or
from the kerb.
Situation
» Either:
parked on the side of the road on a two-way highway, or
in a merge lane for a multi-laned motorway.
The driver should

When parked on the side of the road:
z Search ahead and to the rear, using mirrors both inside and outside.
z Check the mirrors again and check the blind spot with a head check over
right shoulder.
z Select an appropriate gap.
z When safe to go, accelerate quickly to an appropriate speed to merge with
the traffic, while remaining within the posted speed limit.
z Check appropriate mirrors.
From a merge lane:
z Use the full length of the merge lane to adjust speed to match the speed of
the traffic flow, while remaining within the posted speed limit.
z Indicate right for at least three seconds before merging (while in the
merge lane).
z Search for an appropriate gap in the traffic.
z Move into the gap when safe.
z Get into a correct position in the traffic flow and stay at a safe following
z Check appropriate mirrors.

25 Incline start
Aim
» To legally and safely bring the vehicle to a stop on an incline.
» To start the vehicle on an incline and move off without rolling backwards or
stalling the engine.
Situation
» In a 50km/h zone, on a road with a moderate incline, where there is 50 metres
of visibility ahead and behind.
The driver should

» When stopping:
z Locate a safe parking space and check appropriate mirrors.
z Smoothly slow down the vehicle.
z Position the vehicle appropriately to move towards the kerb.
z Indicate left for at least three seconds and check over left shoulder for hazards.
z Stop the vehicle in a legal and safe position, parallel and close to the kerb
(within 300mm).
z Disengage the clutch and select neutral (manual) or park (automatic) while
pushing down the brake pedal.
z Hold the brake pedal down while putting the handbrake/park brake on.
» When moving off:
z Put the vehicle in first gear (manual) or drive (automatic).
z Search ahead and behind for hazards, checking in mirrors and over right shoulder.
z Push down on the accelerator, giving a little more power than usual, and
hold it in this position.
z Allow the clutch pedal to come up slowly and smoothly until the sound of
the engine changes.
z Slowly release the handbrake/park brake.
z Check in mirrors again and look over right shoulder to check the blind spot.
z Move off smoothly, accelerating to an appropriate speed.

26 Angle parking
Aim
» To legally and safely park in and exit an angle parking space.
Situation
» A place with marked angle parks.
The driver should

» To angle park:
z Identify an appropriate space to park in.
z Position the vehicle before the parking space.
z Search all around for hazards, using mirrors and a head check.
z Indicate for at least three seconds before turning.
z When safe to go, move forward slowly and then turn into the parking space.
z Position the vehicle in the centre of the parking space.
z Move to the front of the parking space and stop.
» To exit angle park:
z Check mirrors and blind spots for traffic and pedestrians in all directions.
z Release handbrake/park brake.
z Gently and smoothly reverse the vehicle, keeping speed slow so the front
of the vehicle can swing out without hitting other parked vehicles
alongside, until the vehicle is completely out of the parking space.
z Stop and check all around for hazards, using mirrors and a head check.
z Select appropriate gear and drive forward smoothly.

27 Driving across a pedestrian crossing
Aim
» To legally and safely drive across a pedestrian crossing, and stop if required.
Situation
» A road approaching a pedestrian crossing.
The driver should

z Search well ahead for hazards.
z Look left and right for pedestrians crossing or intending to cross the
pedestrian crossing.
z Be ready to stop for any pedestrians.
z Stop and give way to any pedestrians who are crossing or are about to
cross. If required to stop, stop behind the limit line.
z Proceed when safe.

28 Driving across railway level crossings
Aim
» To legally and safely approach and cross different kinds of railway level crossings.
Situation
» On a road with a railway level crossing that is:
controlled by a Stop sign or a Give Way sign
controlled by barrier arms or signals
uncontrolled (does not have barrier arms, signals or a Stop or Give Way sign).
The driver should
When at a railway level crossing controlled by a Stop or Give Way sign:
z Look to right and left along railway line for rail traffic.
z If there is a Give Way sign, slow down and be ready to stop.
z Stop if there is a Stop sign.
z If required to stop, come to a complete stop behind the limit line, or at a safe
distance from the crossing (at least 5 metres away) if there is no limit line.
z When it’s safe to go, drive over the railway lines.
When at a railway level crossing controlled by signals or barrier arms:
z If signals are flashing or barrier arms are down, come to a complete stop
behind the limit line, or at a safe distance from the crossing (at least 5
metres away) if there is no limit line. Stay stopped until the signals stop
flashing and the barrier arms have completely lifted.
When at a railway level crossing that is uncontrolled:
z Look to right and left along railway line for rail traffic.
z Slow down and be ready to stop.
z If required to stop, come to a complete stop behind the limit line, or at a safe
distance from the crossing (at least 5 metres away) if there is no limit line.

29 Driving in poor visibility
Aim
» To safely and legally drive in conditions of poor visibility, including at night and
in adverse weather driving conditions.
Situation
» In a 50km/h zone with the following conditions, where available:
at night
in rain
in fog
in sunstrike/glare.
The driver should

At night:
z Make sure the windscreen is clean.
z Switch headlights on early when visibility is poor.
z Scan the road 12 seconds ahead (see page 186).
z Dip headlights when required.
z Maintain vehicle position to the left of the road.
z Check mirrors and blind spots for hazards.
z Switch the mirror to anti-dazzle mode if required/available.
z Adjust driving to suit the road conditions and take account of reflectors
and guide posts.
In rain:
z Turn vehicle headlights on if necessary.
z Turn on windscreen wipers and demisters if required.
z Adjust speed appropriate to conditions and increase following distance
to at least four seconds.
z Maintain vehicle position to the left of the road.

In fog:
z Turn vehicle headlights onto dip.
z Turn on windscreen wipers and demisters if required.
z Adjust speed appropriate to conditions and increase following distance
to at least four seconds.
z Check mirrors.
In sunstrike/glare:
z Use sun visor or sunglasses.
z Adjust speed appropriate to conditions and increase following distance to
at least four seconds.
z Keep to the left of the road, or in the centre of the lane if on a multi-lane road.
z Watch out for other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
z If necessary and safe, pull over to the side of the road and wait until
conditions improve.

30 scanning and hazard recognition
Note: because this lesson is more complex, it may be a good idea to try
it first with a driving instructor.
Aim
» To continually scan for hazards while driving.
» To recognise and be aware of various driving hazards.
» To react appropriately to those hazards by adjusting driving behaviour (such as
changing speed or direction).
Situation
Parked on the side of the road in a place where various kinds of driving
hazards can be seen. The coach should tick the hazards they see and ask
the driver to point out any hazards they can see.
The coach should then point out any hazards that were not recognised by
the driver.
In an area with a range of different road types with a full range of speed
limits and potential hazards, including one-way streets, right and left turns,
roundabouts, traffic signals, motorways and city driving, lane changing,
narrow roads, hills, railway level crossings, schools and shopping areas.
While driving, the driver should describe aloud the hazards they see and
say what they are doing to react to it. For example:
› ‘Coming up to a bend. Slowing down, keeping left.’
› ‘Coming up to an intersection with a Stop sign. After stopping, I’m
checking. It’s all clear.’
This lesson should be repeated in different kinds of weather conditions and
at night.

The driver should
When identifying hazards:
(Coach to tick hazards observed Left, Right, Ahead, Behind or Oncoming.)
Pedestrians
Vehicles
Other hazards
(Other hazards can include animals, intersections, curves, bends, obstacles
such as rocks or tree branches on the road, weather and changing
road surfaces.)
z Correctly identify various kinds of hazards.
When reacting to hazards:
z Scan continually for hazards in front (12 seconds ahead), behind and to the
sides (including blind spots).
z Correctly identify various kinds of hazards.
z React appropriately to various kinds of hazards.
z Repeat the tasks at least three times.

Driving log
Use this table to record the number of hours you spend driving. Fill it out every
time you drive.
As well as including training sessions with your coach and any formal driving
lessons you have with a driving instructor, you should also include any time you
spend driving with a supervisor.
When you complete a column, add it up. When you complete the table, add up
all the columns. You should aim to get at least 120 hours of supervised driving
practice before you apply to sit your restricted licence practical driving test.

Driving log
Date Driving time Date Driving time
1 16
2 17
3 18
4 19
5 20
6 21
7 22
8 23
9 24
10 25
11 26
12 27
13 28
14 29
15 30
Subtotal Subtotal
Total

31 46
32 47
33 48
34 49
35 50
36 51
37 52
38 53
39 54
40 55
41 56
42 57
43 58
44 59
45 60
Subtotal Subtotal
Total

61 76
62 77
63 78
64 79
65 80
66 81
67 82
68 83
69 84
70 85
71 86
72 87
73 88
74 89
75 90
Subtotal Subtotal
Total

91 106
92 107
93 108
94 109
95 110
96 111
97 112
98 113
99 114
100 115
101 116
102 117
103 118
104 119
105 120
Subtotal Subtotal
Total

Driving Skills Syllabus

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Driving skills

About the driving skills syllabus 4

Tips for driving coaches 5

Pre-drive vehicle check 7

Driving skills syllabus 2

Driving skills syllabus 3

Using the syllabus

Using the driving log

Driving skills syllabus 4

Tips for driving coaches

Set a good example

Don’t set your sights too high

Be prepared for different rates of learning

Be realistic about what you can cover in each session

Driving skills syllabus 5

Keep the vehicle a stress-free zone

Managing mistakes: the WASP technique

What driving coaches must do

Driving skills syllabus 6

Check What To Look For

Driving skills syllabus 7

The driver should

Driving skills syllabus 8

Driving skills syllabus 9

The driver should

Driving skills syllabus 10

The driver should

Where to hold steering wheel

z Accelerate quickly but safely, without stalling or rolling back.

Driving skills syllabus 11

Driving skills syllabus 12

The driver should

Driving skills syllabus 13

Driving skills syllabus 14

The driver should

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The driver should

Driving skills syllabus 16

The driver should

Driving skills syllabus 17

The driver should

Driving skills syllabus 18

The driver should

Driving skills syllabus 19

The driver should

Driving skills syllabus 20

The driver should

Driving skills syllabus 21

The driver should

Driving skills syllabus 22

The driver should

Driving skills syllabus 23

The driver should

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The driver should

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The driver should

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The driver should