So You Think You Can Drive?

Attending a defensive driver training course will not get your face on national TV, but it will give you the knowledge and skills to be a better driver.

There have been vast improvements in car technology as well as changes in road rules since most of us first learnt to drive. While we've managed to navigate our way through roundabouts (which didn't exist when I got my Ps) how many of us know the advantages of an Anti-lock Braking System and how to effectively engage this technology? Or what the optimum driving position is?

Defensive driver training courses are a valuable and a fun day out for anyone with a driver's licence, regardless of age and experience. They cover an array of practical advice and experiences to help you become a more competent driver by minimising risk and improving your safety margin. Courses are conducted in your own vehicle in safe environments including race tracks, air strips and car parks. By being in your own car, you will get to learn your vehicle's capabilities as well as your driving ability in your car.

The courses consist of some tutorial work and driving activities. The classroom work covers the theory behind better driving practices as well as a reminder of some of the basics, such as how to fit your seatbelt correctly. You will also get the opportunity to put the theories into practice through some carefully designed exercises. Qualified trainers will brief you on each exercise and provide feedback on your ability and how to improve where necessary.

The overall objectives of a course include:

• Learning how your vehicle performs in an emergency

• Evaluating your own level of skill in day to day emergencies

• Improving your decision making and perceptual skills

• Developing a positive attitude towards defensive driving

One of the best driver training schools we've come across is Murcotts Driving Excellence. They offer a variety of courses throughout Australia and base their education on something called BAAMS® Driver Profile. Theses 5 elements (Behaviour, Attitude, Awareness, Motivation and Skill) are the key human attributes that underpin a safer driving culture. While the course improves your driving skills, it also ensures that you don't become over confident behind the wheel.

Murcotts' Defensive Driving Level 1 is suitable for people of all ages and driving ability. They create an environment conducive to learning and improving your driving skills. There are plenty of opportunities to ask questions and plenty of knowledgeable people around to answer them.

So instead of thinking you can drive, why don't you do a course to improve your skills and knowledge and get yourself on the road to knowing you can drive!