Safe driving tips

Set yourself up before driving

Before driving, adjust your driver’s seat and mirrors.

Set your side mirrors so you can just see the rear door handle in the bottom corner of the mirror.

When adjusted correctly, there will be an overlap between the view from your rear and side mirrors. 

Know what's happening around you

Look regularly in the rear and side mirror so you know what's happening behind and beside your vehicle. This is especially important when you are overtaking and changing lanes. 

Perform head checks

Even with well set up mirrors, you'll still have blind spots around you. Head checks are an important way to overcome blind spots.

To perform a head check, turn from your waist and quickly look over your shoulder to the left or right when:

• changing lanes
• pulling out from the kerb
• turning  
• temporarily entering a bicycle or bus lane.

Head checks are also important when you’re getting in and out of your car, especially when opening your car door. 

Be aware of pedestrians

It can be difficult to see pedestrians when you are reversing. Do a head check to look over your left and right shoulders. If you have a passenger, ask them to look too.

In particular, look out for children and people using mobility scooters.

Be careful in places where pedestrians may be:  

• crossing roads
• boarding and getting off trams and buses.

Other road users can act unpredictably. Be prepared to drive safely around them if you have to.

Read more about the road rules around sharing the road with pedestrians. 

Keep a safe following distance

Always keep a safe distance from the car in front.

Try to keep a three second gap between your car and the car in front.

To work this out:

1. pick a solid object beside the road.
2. count out three seconds, starting at zero when the car in front passes it.  
3. if you reach the object within three seconds, you’re too close.

The three second gap should be extended to four seconds:

• at night or in poor light
• in bad weather conditions such as rain or fog
• when you are tired
• when your vehicle is heavy and can’t stop as quickly
• when you are towing
• when you are unsure of the road.  

Straighten your wheels when waiting to turn

Point your wheels straight ahead when you’re waiting to turn into a driveway, side street, or at an intersection.  

If someone hits your car from behind, your car will move straight ahead, and not into the path of oncoming vehicles. 

Obey speed limits and drive to the conditions

Always obey speed limits and be aware of school speed zones.  

In heavy traffic, difficult weather or on an unfamiliar road, you may need to drive at a speed that's safe for the conditions, even if it's below the limit.

When doing so, keep left unless you're overtaking. 

Use headlights during the day

Use your low-beam headlights during the day so you can be more easily seen by others. Many newer cars have daytime running lights that automatically switch on when the car is started.

Remember that low beam headlights must also be used in hazardous weather conditions that reduce visibility. 

Minimise driving at night

Avoid driving at dusk or at night. Driving at night can be dangerous on roads with no street lighting.  

If you need to drive at night, try not to avoid times when you would normally be asleep. Keep the journey as short as possible and travel on familiar roads. 

Plan ahead for long distance travel

Plan long distance travel well in advance. Where possible:

• share driving responsibilities
• rest well before you leave
• plan for rest stops every two hours. 

Be safe when you're not feeling your best

Avoid driving if you’re tired, upset or not feeling well. If you must drive make sure you:

• plan to drive when there is less traffic
• avoid driving in wet or poor light
• be alert and avoid distractions (passengers, mobile phones, GPS and music players)
• set devices like heaters and radio before you start driving
• be aware of other drivers, especially on busy roads and intersections
• always stay a safe distance from the car in front.

Read more about fatigue and tired driving.

Reaction times and peripheral vision can also decrease with age. We recommend older drivers:  

• plan to drive down roads with less traffic
• plan trips to use intersections with traffic lights
• choose routes where you can do left turns instead of right turns
• always look left and right at intersections, even those without traffic lights. 

Be a considerate driver

• Don’t drive slowly in the passing lane, or prevent other vehicles from overtaking.
• Avoid cutting in on others.
• Change lanes when it’s safe to do so.
• Don’t block intersections.
• Give way to others when you are pulling out of a driveway or parking spot.
• Avoid following vehicles too closely.
• Use your indicators to show other drivers where you are going.

Avoid confrontations with aggressive drivers

If you experience an incident with an aggressive driver:

• acknowledge any mistakes you may made
• don’t retaliate  
• if the other driver is ahead, increase the gap between you and the other car
• if the other driver is tailgating you, maintain a steady speed or enable him or her to pass
• avoid verbal or direct eye contact
• ensure all your windows and doors are locked
• make a note of the registration details and report the matter to police
• if you are very worried, drive to a police station.

Manage your own frustration and anger

• Accept that anger will do nothing to get you out of irritating traffic situations.
• Recognise when you are becoming angry.
• Take deep breaths and try to regain calm.
• Avoid the kind of traffic you know is likely to make you angry or apprehensive.

Good drivers know that they can’t control traffic delays or aggressive drivers. What they can control is their reactions to these situations. Good drivers keep their cool. 

Get a driving assessment

You can take a driving assessment as part of a medical review, and a refresher course on driving safely.  

If you are an older driver, ask if your selected driving instructor has a Level IV Certificate in older driver assessment.