NRMA is on a mission to make our roads safer for young people — by creating the safest ever generation of learner drivers.The NSW Minister for Roads, Eric Roozendaal, has given his approval to NRMA Motoring & Services’ nine new Safer Driving Schools now operating successfully across the Sydney metropolitan area. |
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“It’s our aim to teach young people the right habits and attitudes at the very start of their driving journey,” he said. “We are all aware of the alarming statistics regarding young drivers and their over-representation in crashes on our roads.”
In NSW, P-platers represent 16% of licence holders, but account for close to 30% of road trauma. “It’s because of this trend that young people are now facing a much tougher process to gain their licence than any other generation has faced,” Michael said.
The NSW Government has introduced new conditions for learner drivers who now have to complete 120 hours of supervised driving before they can apply for their P1 licence.
Michael Tynan said NRMA commended and supported this increase in supervised driving hours because research showed it increased young drivers’ safety.
“Better education is one way we seek to reduce the number of crashes young drivers are involved in. This is why we have developed our own driving schools with a dedicated road-safety curriculum as a practical resource not just for learner drivers, but also for their parents.”
NRMA Chief Executive Tony Stuart says it is important for leaner drivers to get the right kind of training early on. “Driving can be dangerous and obtaining a licence, having had little experience on the road, is a very daunting prospect for young people, their parents and other drivers.”
Before they head out on the road, students can begin their journey using a state-of-the-art driving simulator at the NRMA’s North Strathfield school. Employing the latest technology, simulators provide a real-life driving experience in a safe environment.
“Starting to drive is a major life change and young people want access to the best possible resources and training,” says Tony. Young drivers Chantelle and Aaron Blake couldn’t agree more.
“I didn’t have the skills needed to feel confident and safe,” says Chantelle. “Using the simulator gave me the chance to learn the skills to look after myself on the road.”
Her brother, Aaron, says the course has given him a broad range of knowledge and experience. “The Safer Driver Course really opens your eyes to how dangerous driving actually is.”
Tony says the safety of young drivers is paramount. “It is of great concern to the NRMA, to every driver and to every parent.”
Karen Blake, Aaron and Chantelle’s mum, says her children’s safety is at the forefront of her mind.
“The decision for me to bring my children down to the Safer Driving Centre was a very easy one,” she says.
The NRMA’s focus is on providing learner drivers with the expertise to not only pass their practical driving test but to be able to drive safely in all conditions.
Tony says: “We are committed to making a difference on our roads and our new Safer Driving Schools are the latest tool to help to reduce the rate of road accidents, injuries and deaths involving young people.”
According to Michael Tynan, NRMA Safer Driving Schools are the only driving schools providing the same curriculum and quality of instruction right throughout their network.
“Once in the car, our professional instructors will take the student through a 40-subject program to develop low-risk driving techniques,” he says.
NRMA Safer Driving Schools also offer specially targeted programs for experienced drivers, providing them with the opportunity to brush up on both driving skills and road rules.
There are already nine schools in regional NSW, and NRMA plans to have a total of 30 operating across the state by the end of the year.
For school locations, pricing, franchise information and the curriculum, visit NRMA Safer Driving Schools.
Bookings are available by calling 1300 696 762 (1300 mynrma).
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