Rotary guides good driving

Prospective learner drivers Samantha Crameri-Miller and Natalie Tees face the daunting prospect of spending 120 hours behind the wheel before they can sit for their P-plates.

IF the thought of spending 120 hours in an enclosed space with your parents sends chills down your spine, the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness program (RYDA) could be for you.

The program’s aim is to equip teenagers and learner drivers with the skills to drive with confidence. Grafton RYDA team leader Artie Seewald said the program would help take some of the pressure off parents teaching their children to drive.

“It’s complementary and supplementary to everything you’ve learnt before, because you’ll be hearing from professionals, and also survivors which will have a big impact,” Mr Seewald said.

The program will include six interactive sessions, a ride in a driving instructor’s car and a confronting DVD. The learners will also hear talks from the police, local driving instructors and road smash survivors.

Free lunch and transport are provided. For more information and bookings, phone Mr Seewald on 0417 281 240 by December 1. The program costs $15.

Learner drivers must complete at least 120 hours of supervised driving for a minimum of 12 months, and 20 of those hours must be completed at night.

Learner drivers can only drive up to 80km/h.

Learner drivers face immediate licence suspension if they drive without a licensed supervisor.

A zero blood alcohol limit applies to all L, P1 and P2 licence holders.