Albury Wodonga News

As local holidaymakers prepare to head off for the Easter break, TAFE NSW Albury is hitting the road for the Course in Foundational Skills for Learner Drivers, commencing  26 April.

The course caters for aspiring drivers who due to disability or learning challenges, require support to tackle the RMS learner driver’s test.

TAFE NSW expert teachers work one-on-one and in a group setting with students, and even accompany them to the RMS to support them while they complete the test.

“We have an almost 100 per cent strike rate with students passing the test and it’s very satisfying on a personal level to help a young person reach such an important milestone,” TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Career Pathways James Cluff said.

“Many of these students are living with a disability or a learning difficulty, and that adds yet another layer of pressure for them.”

The course is specially tailored to each student and runs mainly in school holiday periods, offering participants three hours a week of tuition.

Mr Cluff also offered a range of simple tips to local drivers to ensure the annual Easter road pilgrimage ran smoothly:

• Check your tyre tread: “There may be no warning sign on the dashboard but make no mistake, poor tyre tread dramatically increases your chance of an accident.”
• Keep a safe distance: “You won’t get there any quicker by tailgating. Try and leave a roughly two second gap between you and the car in front, or four seconds if conditions are poor.”
• Get some sleep: “Signs of fatigue include yawning, squinting and blinking more than usual. You may also wander into a daze, forgetting the last few kilometres. Sound familiar?”
• Don’t swerve to avoid animals: “Animals on the road can be a huge hazard. Don’t risk your own and other road users lives by swerving.”
• Put your phone out of sight: Texting while driving at 100kmh is the equivalent of driving the length of the MCG blindfolded. Replying to a message can always wait. If it can’t wait, pull over at a safe place.

To find out more about studying the learner driver course at TAFE NSW, phone 13 16 01 or visit the TAFE NSW website.