Supervising a Learner Driver in Western Australia
Supervising a learner driver in Western Australia (WA) is a significant responsibility that requires adherence to specific rules and regulations. This guide provides essential information to ensure both supervisors and learner drivers comply with WA's legal requirements.
Who Can Supervise a Learner Driver?
In WA, to legally supervise a learner driver, you must:
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Hold a Current and Valid Driver’s Licence: You must possess a current licence for the type of vehicle the learner is driving and have held this licence for at least four consecutive years.
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Be Sober and Alert: Supervisors are subject to the same blood alcohol content (BAC) restrictions as if they were driving. This means maintaining a BAC of 0.00%.
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Ensure the Vehicle is Roadworthy: The vehicle used for instruction must be safe, roadworthy, and appropriately licensed.
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Display 'L' Plates: 'L' plates must be clearly displayed at the front and rear of the vehicle whenever the learner is driving.
Supervisor Rules: What You Can and Can’t Do
As a supervisor, you must:
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Be Seated Next to the Learner: Always sit in the front passenger seat while supervising. This means you can’t instruct them from outside the vehicle if they’re reversing or parking.
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Avoid Distractions: Refrain from using mobile phones, including hands-free devices, and avoid any activities that may divert your attention.
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Stay Awake and Vigilant: Never sleep or become inattentive while supervising.
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Ensure Compliance with Display Requirements: Make sure 'L' plates are properly displayed whenever the learner is driving.
Insurance Considerations for Teaching a Learner Driver
Before supervising a learner driver, check with your insurance provider to determine if additional coverage is necessary. Some policies automatically cover learner drivers, while others may require you to add the learner to your policy. Confirming this ensures that both you and the learner are protected.
Vehicle Suitability Check for Supervising Learner Drivers
If you are Supervising using your own vehicle, including for the practical driving assessment (PDA), it must be safe and roadworthy. The assessor will inspect your vehicle to ensure it meets basic safety and roadworthiness standards:
Key Requirements:
General Safety
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Warning Lights: No warning lights should be on, including the fuel light, except for the service reminder.
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Speedometer: Must work to monitor speed.
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Horn: Must function to alert other road users.
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Door Handles: Must work from inside and outside for safe entry and exit.
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Mirrors: Interior and exterior mirrors must be fitted and adjusted for a clear rear view.
Braking & Control
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Handbrake: Must hold the vehicle on a slope. For standard cars (C-class), it must be centrally mounted and accessible to the assessor, except for dual-control cars.
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Pedals: Must have anti-slip coverings unless originally manufactured without them.
Lights & Visibility
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Lights: Headlights, indicators, brake lights, and tail lights must function properly. Reflectors must be in good condition.
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Windscreen: No major cracks (over 15 cm) or chips in the driver's view.
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Wipers & Washers: Must be working to clear the windscreen of dirt and moisture.
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Windows: Must be able to open and close.
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Air Conditioner/Demister: Must work when needed for visibility in cold weather and to maintain safety in heat.
Structural & Mechanical Safety
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Headrests: Required if originally fitted in the vehicle.
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Exhaust System: Must be secure, without leaks or excessive noise.
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Seat Belts: Must function correctly and not be frayed, twisted, or damaged.
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Tyres: Must be in good condition, have matching speed/load ratings, and at least 1.5mm tread depth across the width.
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Cleanliness: The vehicle should be reasonably clean, with loose objects secured.
Before the Test
Best Places to Teach a Learner Driver
To provide a conducive learning environment, consider starting in areas with minimal traffic and gradually progressing to more complex driving situations:
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Quiet Residential Streets: Ideal for practicing basic driving skills.
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Empty Car Parks: Suitable for learning vehicle control and parking maneuvers.
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Industrial Areas During Non-Operational Hours: Offer a variety of road types with minimal traffic.
As the learner gains confidence and competence, introduce them to busier roads, highways, and different driving conditions, including night driving.
Can an Automatic Driver Teach a Manual Learner?
If you hold a licence restricted to automatic vehicles, you cannot supervise a learner driver in a manual vehicle. Supervisors must be licensed for the specific type of vehicle the learner is operating.
Tips for Teaching a Learner Driver
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Be Patient and Provide Clear Instructions: Understand that learning to drive is a gradual process.
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Stay Calm: Maintain composure, even when mistakes occur, to help the learner remain confident.
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Gradually Increase Driving Complexity: Start with basic maneuvers and slowly introduce more challenging driving scenarios.
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Encourage Defensive Driving: Teach the learner to anticipate potential hazards and drive proactively.
Supervising a learner driver in WA requires a thorough understanding of the legal requirements and a commitment to creating safe driving habits. If you need additional support, professional driving lessons by a qualified driving instructor in Perth can help ensure the learner gains the skills necessary for responsible driving.
For the most current information and additional resources, consult the Department of Transport's official guidelines.