Driver training testing delays (as at 28 October 2024):
As a result of Adept Driver Training requesting a Ministerial enquiry into the lack of testing dates at the Service NSW Maclean office (in Sept one of my students found they were not able to book in until 2025), assessors have been brought in from Grafton, Ballina, Lismore and Nambucca to fill the shortfall. This has allowed many more students than would otherwise have had to wait to be able to undertake a P plate test being able to do so.
For full details of what occurred please read the post on the ADT Facebook page (28 Sept).
I recommend at the time you complete the Hazard Perception Test at Service NSW, upon passing, book a driving test date and time whilst you're at the Service Centre. The time and date can be cancelled/amended before 48 hours prior to your test date/time without penalty. Changes made within 48 hours means you will lose the fee you paid for the P plate test.
If you require an earlier test date (after booking), log into your Service NSW account and check to see if someone else has cancelled or changed their booking date/time as it's a common practice and you may be able to change the test to an earlier date and time.
Service NSW driver testing:
If you are looking to complete your P plate test, be aware that Service NSW assessors are "very" regularly failing everyone that do not undertake the required headchecks (this is the first thing I teach when instructing any new student). If you failed a test you are able to rebook in seven days, however the chances of actually getting a testing slot in that time frame in Maclean isn't high at present. Please make sure you are ready to complete the test before you undertake it and pass the first time.
19 November 2024 - update to available P plate testing dates.
I was informed that as at 19 November - the next available booking date is 19 December (at Maclean).
Remember if you don't look or know your road rules, you will eventually have an accident. That's actually a guarantee.
Current high demand for driving lessons:
As from September 2024 Adept Driver Training is experiencing a very high demand for lessons and is (at end of Oct) currently nearly fully booked until the end of 2024.
Changes to bookings procedures will change as per the following:
1. Only five lessons at a time can be booked.
2. Students are only able to book one lesson in a single week.
If you are seeking a specific time and date for a lesson and it's currently unavailable please SMS me your preferred date, time and pickup location and i'll get back to you if that time slot and date become available due to a cancellation.
Speed cameras - Yamba area
Whist not attempting to open a "spirited debate" on the merits or not of speed cameras, I have been approached by many of my former students of late who are understandably rather aggrieved at losing their licence for three months after what they say is being "speed detected" for as little as 2kms above the signposted speed limit.
Living especially in Gulmarrad, Woombah and Iluka without a car for a young person can be challenging at best.
You can't beat them (in Court) and you can't argue with a speed camera.
"Point to Point" speed cameras
On 8 September 2024 the NSW Government announced a trial of expanding the "Point to Point" speed camera system to include the collection of information and fining vehicles to soon include regular car drivers. A copy of the media release can be located below:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/safety-focus-trial-of-average-speed-cameras