Driver Education for Schools
Practical Driver Education for Melbourne Schools
METEC provides school driver education for Year 9–11 students, combining classroom road-safety learning with supervised practical driving at our closed-road facility in Bayswater North. Students learn about road law, appropriate driver behaviour, driver distraction and safer decision-making, then apply those lessons in dual-control vehicles with qualified driving instructors.
Our Schools Driver Program has been delivered for more than 40 years to schools across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Programs run from 5.5 to 20 hours, and students do not need a learner permit to participate on our closed-road facility.
At a glance:
- For: Year 9–11 school groups
- Location: 112 Colchester Rd, Bayswater North VIC 3153
- Format: classroom education + supervised practical driving
- Facility: 5 km of closed, sealed roads
- Vehicles: dual-control cars
- Duration: 5.5 to 20 hours
- Learner permit: not required for closed-road participation
AT METEC Driver Training, we have been successfully conducting our Schools Driver Program, for Year 9 to 11 students, for over 40 years.
We currently provide our School Driver Program to more than 80 schools across Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria. We also provide Low Risk & Defensive Driving Courses.
Our program provides both theory and practical driving experience on 5 km of closed, sealed roads, with features including traffic lights, roundabouts, rail crossings and intersections.
All driving is undertaken in dual control cars with qualified driving instructors who provide students with the best opportunity to develop safe driving techniques and skills.
At METEC we offer a variety of School Driver Programs ranging from 5.5 hours to 20 hours in duration.
** A Learner permit is not required to use our closed road facility.
When a practical school driver program is the right fit
Schools use road-safety education in different ways. Some programs focus on information, discussion and awareness; METEC is designed for schools that also want students to experience supervised driving practice in a controlled environment.
METEC may suit your school when you want students to:
- learn road law, driver behaviour, distraction and hazard awareness in a classroom session;
- practise vehicle controls, observation, braking, steering, manoeuvring and road-rule application with an instructor;
- drive on closed, sealed roads with intersections, traffic lights, roundabouts and rail crossings; and
- build confidence before later on-road practice with a driving instructor or supervising driver.
Our program is not dependent on students already holding a learner permit, because practical driving takes place at our closed-road facility in dual-control vehicles. Schools can discuss course length, year levels and scheduling with our School Course Coordinator.
Why schools choose METEC
METEC is a not-for-profit road-safety organisation that has provided driver education and training for more than 40 years. Our Schools Driver Program is currently delivered to more than 80 schools across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
What students experience at METEC is more than a classroom presentation. Our 5 km closed, sealed road network includes traffic lights, roundabouts, rail crossings and intersections, giving inexperienced drivers a realistic setting in which to practise under supervision. Driving is undertaken in dual-control cars with qualified driving instructors.
“It was the best day ever … I learnt so much, I’m ready to continue learning more about safe driving.” Peter Torey, Head of Health, Outdoor Education and Physical Education, Eltham High School
The instruction and lectures were described as “well-paced, engaging and pertinent,” with students involved in decision-making and road-rule scenarios.
From road-safety learning to supervised driving practice
METEC’s School Driver Program combines education with practical experience, so students can discuss safer choices and then practise core driving skills in a controlled environment.
In the classroom
Students explore road law, appropriate driver behaviour, driver distraction, decision-making and the attitudes that support safer driving and consideration for other road users.
On the closed-road facility
With an accredited and highly experienced instructor in a dual-control vehicle, students may practise:
- driver set-up and vehicle controls;
- moving off, braking, steering and stopping safely;
- changing gears and clutch control in manual vehicles;
- observation and hazard perception;
- road rules and vehicle manoeuvring; and
- driving through intersections, traffic lights, roundabouts and rail crossings.
After the program
The program is intended to help students feel better prepared for later on-road practice with a driving instructor or supervising driver.
SEND A SCHOOLS ENQUIRY
What will the students learn?
Courses are aimed to provide Year 9-11 students with in class driver education sessions on road law, appropriate driver behaviour and the effects of driver distraction paired with a real driving experience.
After learning the road rules, students practice driving with an accredited and highly experienced driving instructor in dual controlled vehicles at our closed road facility. The facility provides a realistic and safe environment for inexperienced drivers.
Early road safety education produces positive driving attitudes and develops higher order skills in learner drivers. On completion of our driving course, most students find that they are better prepared for on-road practice with an instructor or supervising driver.
A recent testimonial from one of our schools
“It was the best day ever … I learnt so much, I’m ready to continue learning more about safe driving” … were the unsolicited comments made by Year 10 students after we finished a full day program at the METEC centre. As a teacher, I found the instruction and lectures well-paced, engaging and pertinent. Instructors involved the students in decision making, answering road rule scenarios and sharing relevant stories. I would whole heartedly recommend this program for any school or educational organisation as it meets the Victorian Curriculum Standards and meets “skills for life”!
Peter Torey
Head of Health, Outdoor Education and Physical Education
Eltham High School
Practical Driving
Tuition may include the following:
- Graduated Licensing Program
- Driver Set-up
- Operation of Vehicle Controls
- Moving off
- Changing Gears and Clutch Control (manual vehicles)
- Stopping Safely – Brake Control
- Steering Techniques
- Observation and Hazard Perception
- Application of Road Rules
- Vehicle Manoeuvring
- Encouraging a positive and safe attitude to driving and other road users.
- Hazard perception
- Driver Distraction
METEC is a VicRoads Learner Permit Testing Centre
Students are also able to sit their Learner Driver test at our METEC facility whilst participating in a School Driver Program
(Please Note: Bookings are essential and normal VicRoads terms and conditions apply)
Looking for a current practical option for Year 9–11 students?
METEC offers a range of school driver education programs that combine classroom learning with supervised practical driving in a closed-road environment. Our programs are available in formats from 5.5 to 20 hours and can be discussed around your school’s year level, timetable, transport and supervision needs.
Students learn about road law, driver behaviour, distraction, observation, hazard perception and safe vehicle operation, then practise with qualified instructors in dual-control vehicles. A learner permit is not required for students using our closed-road facility.
For advice on a suitable program format and current availability, contact our School Course Coordinator on (03) 9725 4758 or email schools@metec.com.au.
Plan a program around your school timetable
A School Driver Program does not have to run on the same schedule each year. METEC can discuss consecutive or separate attendance days, varied start and finish times, and options that work with your school timetable.
For schools managing travel and supervision, planning discussions can include:
- staging groups at different times;
- combining course types for different year levels where suitable;
- parent drop-off and pick-up for local schools;
- transport ideas for groups attending at different times; and
- the option to discuss a Parent/Supervising Driver Session with an afternoon-evening course.
Contact the School Course Coordinator on (03) 9725 4758 or schools@metec.com.au to discuss dates, program format and availability.
FAQ's
Scheduling Issues?
The course does not have to be at the same time as in previous years. Days of attendance can be consecutive or separate.
Sometimes a day per week for 3 weeks is easier to slot into your school’s curriculum. Start and finish times can be varied and don’t need to be the same on each day.
Courses can be outside of school hours, weekends or even during school holidays - and at times to suit. If booking an afternoon-evening session, a Parent/Supervising Driver Session can also be included in the course. Parents can then finish at the same time as the students, so that return transport isn’t an issue.
Timing Issues?
If distance from the METEC facility doesn’t work with school start and finish times, consider an early departure from school and/or independent transport (public/parent) home, or both ways.
Cost Issues?
As METEC is a Not for Profit Community Organisation, we understand the financial pressures that schools and families can be challenged with and we do our best to keep prices affordable.
Transport Options
- Parents can drop-off and pick-up students if attending from a local school
- If 2 groups of students are attending at different times, consider using the bus to drop students for the second course to return with students from the first course.
- Consider including a public transport component for added student benefit.
Combining Course Costs Options
Combine course types so that different year levels (students with or without a Learner Permit) can attend on the same day to minimise transport costs and teacher supervision.
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School Driver Program FAQs
Which year levels can attend METEC’s School Driver Program?
METEC’s school driver education programs are aimed at Year 9–11 students.
Do students need a learner permit?
No. A learner permit is not required to use METEC’s closed-road facility.
Where does the practical driving take place?
Practical driving takes place at METEC’s closed, sealed road facility at 112 Colchester Rd, Bayswater North VIC 3153.
What do students learn in the classroom?
Sessions cover road law, appropriate driver behaviour, the effects of driver distraction and safe decision-making.
What practical skills can students practise?
Depending on the program, practical tuition may include vehicle controls, moving off, stopping safely, steering, observation, hazard perception, manoeuvring and road-rule application.
How long is a school program?
METEC offers program options ranging from 5.5 to 20 hours.
Can a program fit around our school timetable?
Yes. Attendance days can be consecutive or separate, and start and finish times can be varied. Discuss your school’s requirements with the School Course Coordinator.
Can students sit their learner driver test at METEC?
Students participating in a School Driver Program may also sit their learner driver test at METEC, subject to essential bookings and normal VicRoads terms and conditions.
We are located at
112 Colchester Rd Bayswater North
Vic 3153
We're at the gateway to the Yarra Valley, within easy reach of schools in the Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne. Just under 15 minutes from Canterbury Rd exit, Eastlink.