The Driving Skills Syllabus is a series of 30 lessons that are designed to help a driving coach (such as a parent) help you learn the basics of driving a car. They are things that a trained, approved driving instructor will take you through, but you can get a head start by learning about them here beforehand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This syllabus is available on NZTA\u2019s website in brief form. We have expanded on some of the topics with extra information, images and videos to help you understand what\u2019s required in more detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The syllabus allows you to learn the correct way of driving and recognise if your driving coach is inadvertently teaching you bad habits. Examiners recognise bad habits easily and may fail you because of them, and this is why it\u2019s important to also have at least a few lessons with a qualified driving instructor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The syllabus is designed to be worked through one-by-one. Later lessons build on skills and knowledge learned in earlier lessons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your driving is progressing well then you can practice individual items in the syllabus with your coach using the checklists in each lesson, then have an instructor check and help you with tweaking your skills so they\u2019re perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a good idea to start your driving practice on quiet streets and build your confidence up. However, when you first start driving, taking some lessons with an instructor with a car with dual controls gives you more safety as they will be able to take control of the car if you are struggling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aim to get at least 120 hours of supervised driving before you take your test. The more experience you get, the less likely you are to have an accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lesson 1: Vehicle controls<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 2: Starting and stopping the engine<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 3: Moving off and stopping<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 4: Steering control<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 5: Changing gears<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 6: Reversing in a straight line<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 7: Moving off from the kerb<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 8: Driving straight<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 9: Stopping at the kerb<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 10: Turning left off a road<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 11: Driving straight ahead at a roundabout<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 12: Turning left at a Give Way sign<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 13: Turning left at a Stop sign<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 14: Turning left at traffic signals (traffic lights)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 15: Turning right off a road<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 16: Turning right at a Give Way sign<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 17: Turning right at traffic signals (traffic lights)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 18: Three-point turn<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 19: Reversing into a driveway<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 20: Reverse parallel park<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 21: Higher speed areas – single lane each way<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 22: Higher speed areas – multi-lane<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 23: Higher speed areas – driving a curve<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 24: Higher speed areas – merge onto a motorway or highway<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 25: Incline start<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 26: Angle parking<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 27: Driving across a pedestrian crossing<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lesson 28: Driving across railway level crossings<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n