Question 1

Is it easier to get an automatic licence first and then upgrade to manual?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your needs, time you can allocate for learning to drive and the budget. It takes less time to learn driving an automatic than manual. It also varies from person to person. Coordinative ability and predispositions, such as any previous experience or motivation can play a big role.

Question 2

I have an overseas driver’s licence, should I learn how to drive in Western Australia, are the road rules different? "

Accepted Answer

We can find out your individual position depending on your driver’s licence country of origin. There is usually a verification process carried out by your Embassy. The next step is conditional upon their findings. That can include legitimacy of your international licence, expiry date or any special conditions affecting your status.

Question 3

Do I need a learner’s permit to upgrade my auto licence to manual?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You will have to go to any Department of Transport office to obtain a learners permit for an upgrade to C class. This cannot be done online or over the phone as the system is not that sophisticated. Your relevant documents need to be sighted by the staff at the licensing centre.

Question 4

How many driving lessons do I need?

Accepted Answer

We don’t know! We encourage our prospective students to book an appointment with us, so we can make an assessment of your level. We are accurate at estimating a number of driving lessons needed. People who take our advice usually pass their PDA without major problems on the first attempt with us.

Question 5

Is it easy to pass driving test in Joondalup?

Accepted Answer

You will have to meet standard in order to pass driving test. Assessors in Joondalup are very friendly and they treat candidates with utmost respect regardless of the outcome. We encourage our students to have plenty of practice, especially days and weeks leading to the driving test date. Best advice, focus on what you are doing during the PDA and plan your moves well in advance.

Question 6

Which car am I going to drive in the test, do they have cars at the test centre?"

Accepted Answer

You are going to use the same car you practice in. If you are using our service on the day, you have a lesson beforehand. The only difference is, someone else is sitting next to you and they are not in the position to help. The assessors tell you what to do but not how and why. Department of Transport doesn’t own any vehicles allocated for driving assessments.

Question 7

Are they going to take me on Freeway in the test?

Accepted Answer

No. It would be good if they do that, simply because some young drivers are hesitant driving at high speeds due to lack of experience on freeways and highways. We take all of our students on a freeway at some stage. There are important aspects that need to be addressed when traveling at high speed.

Question 8

Should I practice the “Exercise left something behind” with my parents?

Accepted Answer

It can be counter-effective because they might not be aware of the requirements. We strongly recommend driving with family as much as possible but limiting practice to general driving including parking. If you do, refer to the steps and routines we teach you. It’s good to take written notes. It’s best to combine professional driving lessons with a lot of driving at home.

Question 9

Where do I start and finish my driving lesson?

Accepted Answer

Abstar Driving School provides door to door service. We are flexible with pick up and drop off point. If you want to start at your house and finish at school or work, that’s fine if the two locations are within a reasonable distance. Let us know in advance so we can plan our next driving lesson. Our driving courses are stress-free, structured to suit your needs.

Question 10

Is my first driving test free?

Accepted Answer

We charge for our services on the day of the driving assessment. When you first get your learner’s permit, if the staff member at a licensing centre advised you that the first driving test is free, it means that you don’t make additional payments to the Department of Transport unless you fail and need to book again. Driving School WA and Department of Transport have separate fees.

Question 11

In the test, can I ask what’s the speed limit if I am unsure?"

Accepted Answer

No. Or you can ask, but the assessor will not tell you as that would be considered as assistance. Every section in the practical driving assessments will have to be executed independently by the candidate without any assistance.

Frequently asked questions