FAQs at North West Driving School
Here are some of the questions we hear most often with answers to help you make informed decisions about taking driving lessons from North West Driving School. If your question isn’t covered here, call us on 0402 256 505 or complete our Lesson Enquiry.
Is the Learner Driver Log Book the same as the App?
Yes, they are both used to log driving hours however the app is convenient, efficient and easy to use especially if you practice driving in more than one car. The app records, calculates and submits your driving hours. You will receive a paper log book when you get your Learner Licence. Get your learner driver log book app.
How many driving lessons will I need?
After the initial lesson your instructor can advise how many lessons you might need to reach your goals. Everyone learns at a different pace and a lot depends on how much driving practice you can do with a supervising driver.
At North West Driving School we aim to provide each learner with the skills and knowledge to stay safe on our roads for life, not just meet minimum requirements to pass the driving test. Multiple driving lessons help develop robust low risk driving habits. Please contact us with any questions or to discuss your circumstances
How do I prepare for the first driving lesson?
Make sure you have your logbook or app, learner licence, appropriate footwear, glasses if needed and take a few deep breaths. It’s a good idea to read the 20 learning goals in the learner log book or app as they form the foundation of structured driving lessons.
Our female instructor is experienced at building rapport and creating a safe, comfortable learning environment. This is important because drivers make safer low risk decisions when they feel calm and relaxed. Feeling stressed, rushed or tired may lead to poor or unsafe decision-making on the road.
How do I get the most out of lessons with a driving instructor?
Practice with your supervising driver between lessons as much as possible. This helps you continually improve, gain confidence and be ready to build new skills in your next lesson.
It helps to read material suggested by your instructor and ask when you don’t understand something or want to work on a specific driving skill.
What are the benefits of buying a lesson package?
Most learner drivers need more than a few lessons because good driving habits take time to develop and bad driving habits take time to fix. Lesson packages offer good value, cheaper than individual lessons.
Lesson Packages don’t expire and give you the flexibility to use as 1hr, 1.5hr, 2hr lessons or a longer destination drive. Flexible payment options are available. To discuss please call 0402 256 505 or contact us.
What are payment options for lesson packages?
At North West Driving School we believe it’s important each student has the opportunity to receive valuable driving lessons. Payment instalment options are available for larger lesson packages. We accept payment via Visa/Mastercard, direct deposit, PayPal and cash. Please contact us to discuss payment options. We’ll work with you to find a solution.
How do I get 3 for 1 logbook hours?
All driving lessons with North West Driving School are structured and as such comply with the Transport for NSW 3 for 1 logbook hour initiative. 10 hours of driving lessons can earn you a maximum of 30 hours in your logbook.
It’s another great reason to get driving lessons with a qualified driving instructor and get your logbook hours up. Find out more at Transport for NSW – 3 for 1 log book hours.
When can I do the Hazard Perception Test (HPT)?
- The Hazard Perception Test (HPT) is a computer-based touch screen test conducted at a Service NSW office and can be booked once you’ve held a learner licence for a minimum of 10 months. Each attempt costs $47.
- You will watch 15 short video clips (plus two practice clips to start) and will need to touch the screen when you would slow down, turn or overtake.
- The HPT assesses a driver’s ability to identify and respond to hazards and dangerous situations on our roads and focus on common crash types for provisional drivers.
- Try to attend the Safer Drivers Course before doing the HPT as the common provisional crash types and hazard perception skills are discussed.
- Read the Hazard Perception Handbook prior.
- Although Transport for NSW does not have an official practice test, you can find other practice videos online.
What is the Safer Drivers Course and how do I enrol?
he Safer Drivers Course takes 6 hours, includes lunch, costs $140, has two modules and awards participants 20 logbook hours. You can sign up once you have a minimum of 50 actual driving hours. You can include 10hrs of the 30hrs credited through lessons as 3 for 1 logbook hours. Courses usually run over weekends and school holidays. You can even register for the course with friends.
Module 1 is a 3hr theory and discussion session looking at safe driver behaviours, what influences these behaviours and strategies to manage them.
Module 2 is a practical in-car coaching session with a qualified instructor and another learner, focussing on low risk driving strategies. Upon completion of both modules, you will earn 20 logbook hours.
We recommend local Safer Driver Course providers; All Things Driving in the Baulkham Hills area and National Driver Education in Quakers Hill, Windsor, Rouse Hill and all over regional NSW
What if I need to change or cancel my lesson?
No problem, just let us know as soon as you can. We can reschedule or cancel a lesson but please understand our lesson times are limited. After school and weekend lessons are in high demand so please give us at least 24 hours notice to reschedule or cancel. This gives us an opportunity to offer your lesson time to another student.
Failure to provide 24 hours notice may result in a 50% lesson fee cancellation charge. Full fee is charged for a no show whereby the instructor arrives for a scheduled lesson and a student is not there. We always aim to be on time for each driving lesson and will send a courtesy text if we are running more than 5 mins late.