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Top 5 tips for teaching learner drivers

Last updated on October 24, 2023

Teaching a learner driver is a rewarding experience, but it can also be stressful.

Taking the time to understand the rules can give your student the best chance of becoming a skilled driver, and teach them safe driving habits for the future. In this article, we highlight five important things you need to know when teaching learner drivers, such as car insurance, driving skills, and car safety.

1. Check you have the right car insurance for learner drivers

Before you hit the road it’s important to check that you have the right car insurance for learner drivers. If you’re unsure whether your situation is covered, you should read your insurer’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). For existing Allianz customers, if you have an Allianz Comprehensive Car Insurance policy, your learner driver is covered when driving supervised by a person who is fully licenced. For more information, you can read the Allianz Comprehensive Car Insurance PDS.

Remember, Compulsory Third Party insurance (CTP) only covers for injury you cause to another person. It doesn't provide cover for any damage you cause to other people's cars or property while using your car. You’ll need a comprehensive car insurance policy to maintain cover for damage to your own vehicle or damage caused to any other vehicles or property while teaching a learner driver.

If you’re teaching an under-25 driver and planning to allow them to use your car once they’re licensed to drive on their own, don’t forget to also review the excesses applicable on your policy. Although listing under-25 drivers may reduce the Under 25 Driver excess, it's also likely to increase your premium. The Under 25 Driver excess does not apply in the case of a learner driver though.

2. Know the learner driver restrictions

Learner drivers face strict regulations, designed to keep them safe while learning their skills. These differ depending on your state and territory, but usually include:

  • Supervision at all times by the holder of a full Australian driver’s license
  • Clearly displayed L plates
  • A maximum speed limit of 90 or 100 km/h (depending on your state or territory)
  • A zero-alcohol limit
  • No use of mobile phones (even hands free) while driving.

Breaking these rules can mean penalties for both you and the learner driver.

3. Refresh your knowledge of the road rules and driver skill requirements

Road rules and driving skill requirements are constantly changing. Teaching your learner driver outdated rules can be a quick way for them to fail their driving test.

Road rules vary between state and territory, so check the rules in your location. Most states will provide learner drivers with a handbook detailing common road rules.

It’s also worth checking which driving skills are likely to be in the test. Look for a driving skills test checklist for your state or territory and practice the requirements. If you’re not sure how to teach driving skills or if your technique is a little rusty, take a professional lesson yourself before you start.

When covering new skills, introduce them gradually from a beginner level. Make sure your learner driver has mastered the basics before moving on to advanced skills such as overtaking, parallel parking, and complex navigation challenges.

If you’re looking for help with teaching a learner driver, here are some of our favourite resources with great tips and advice:

4. Keep your car in good condition

Keeping your car in good condition throughout the learning process will help drivers pick up safe habits for the future. This includes showing your learner driver basic maintenance techniques such as correctly inflating tyres and checking fluid levels.

Before you start teaching a learner driver, it’s a good idea to take your car for a safety check at your local mechanic. Learner drivers may not know how to react if something goes wrong with your car, and so it’s best to reduce the chance of this happening.

5. Check in with your learner driver

Teaching not only requires time and knowledge, but also great communication. Check in with your learner driver often to see how they are feeling on the road. This will help them feel more confident, and allow you to adjust your driving time to target any weaknesses or problems they may be having.

Next stop, driving test!

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Disclaimer

This article has been prepared by Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL234708 (“Allianz”). In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.

Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither Allianz, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.

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Allianz acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work across Australia. We pay our respect to First Nations Elders past and present.



Any advice here does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions apply. Before making a decision about this insurance, consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)/Policy Wording and Supplementary PDS (if applicable). Where applicable, the PDS/Policy Wording, Supplementary PDS and Target Market Determination (TMD) for this insurance are available on this website. We do not provide any form of advice if you call us to enquire about or purchase a product.

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