The ‘Wiser Driver’ program

The ‘Wiser Driver’ program is sponsored by the Nillumbik Shire Council.

It will be held on Wednesdays May 8, 15, 22, 29 from 12.30pm to 2.30pm
• 8 & 15 May will be held at Hurstbridge Community Hub; Frank Nankervis Room, 50 Graysharps Road, Hurstbridge.
• 22 & 29 May will be held at Nillumbik Council Office, Civic Drive, Greensborough.

Meet at the Customer Service Desk.

Each 2 hour session will break after an hour for a quick drink/toilet break. Council will provide some biscuits & tea/coffee. There is a maximum of 24 participants.

This is a refresher course for responsible older drivers. Join them for an informative, informal and friendly refresher course, to upgrade your knowledge and build on your experience to keep you driving safely.

There are 4 sessions of two hours each run over 4 consecutive weeks. Participants must commit to the 4 week course as required by VicRoads and the purchase of resources.

All sessions are run in an informal ‘tutorial’ type setting to encourage active participation in discussions and sharing of driving experiences.

Participants will receive a free copy of the latest edition of ‘The Road To Solo Driving Handbook’, which is the current book of Victorian Road Rules, plus a copy of the VicRoads Publication ‘Aging and safe driving – Am I still fit to drive?’

As part of the course a Local VICPOL Traffic senior officer will visit and provide a brief presentation and do Q&A.

Course objective – to provide participants with:
• up-to-date information on current Victorian Road Rules;
• openly address any questions or concerns participants have about driving;
• encourage participants to think about changes in their fitness or health that may impact their driving; and
• an awareness of safer driving habits over the 4 week course.

The topics for each session are:
• Session 1 – Times are a’changing: Challenges for today’s drivers.
• Session 2 – Using the rules of the road and staying roadworthy.
• Session 3 – My roadworthy self.
• Session 4 – Retaining our licences & planning for the future.

Driving today:
• How driving has changed over the years.
• Our strengths as older drivers.
• Overcoming the risks.

Safety tips for wiser driving:
• Keeping your car in good condition.
• Night time driving.
• Planning ahead.
• Medicines and driving.

Safety rules:
• Changes to the Victorian road rules.
• What to do in a crash.
• Fun quizzes to check your knowledge of the road rules.

Car safety features:
• How safe is your car?
• New mandatory requirements.
• Tips for buying a safer car.
• Used Car Safety Ratings.

Being roadworthy:
• Assessing your own driving skills.
• How ageing can affect your driving.
• Staying safe – helpful hints.

Planning for the future:
• Retaining our licences.
• Occupational therapy driver assessments.
• Using Public Transport to supplement driving.

If you want more info on the course content/delivery, contact Heather Macmillan, Positive Ageing Officer, Heather.Macmillan@nillumbik.vic.gov.au, 03 9433 3345 or 0437 676 617

Nillumbik U3A contact: Pam Griffith, mobile 0407 825 119