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What Is the Safer Drivers Course? How to Get 20 Bonus Logbook Hours in NSW

The Safer Drivers Course is one of the smartest shortcuts in the NSW licensing system. Five hours of training gets you 20 bonus logbook hours — here is everything you need to know.

Professional driving lesson — Safer Drivers Course in NSW

What Is the Safer Drivers Course?

The Safer Drivers Course is a Transport for NSW approved program designed to help learner drivers develop safer driving habits and better hazard perception skills. It consists of two modules totalling five hours and is available to NSW learner licence holders under the age of 25.

The biggest incentive for completing the course is the 20 bonus logbook hours you receive upon completion. These hours count toward the 120-hour supervised driving requirement for NSW learner drivers. When combined with the 3-for-1 professional lesson credit (up to 30 hours maximum), the Safer Drivers Course can significantly reduce the total number of actual hours you need to spend behind the wheel.

But the course is not just about the hours. The hazard perception and risk management skills you develop are genuinely valuable and can make you a safer, more confident driver. For more information on the full NSW licensing pathway, see our NSW learner driver guide.

How the Course Works — Module by Module

1

Module 1 — Group Session (3 Hours)

Classroom or online

The first module is a group session with up to 12 other learner drivers. Led by a trained facilitator, the session covers how crashes happen, the role of speed in crash severity, safe following distances, managing distractions, and how to identify hazards before they become emergencies.

The session is interactive, using video scenarios, group discussions, and practical exercises. It is not a lecture — you are expected to participate actively. Many learners say this module changes the way they think about road risk even before they get back in the car.

2

Module 2 — In-Car Coaching (2 Hours)

On-road driving with a facilitator

Module 2 takes place in a real car on real roads. You share the session with one other learner, taking turns driving while the facilitator coaches you on hazard perception and safe driving strategies. Each learner drives for approximately one hour.

The facilitator focuses on how you identify hazards, manage your speed in response to road conditions, and position your vehicle safely. You must complete Module 2 within three months of finishing Module 1.

Who Can Take the Safer Drivers Course?

check_circleYou must hold a current NSW learner driver licence
check_circleYou must be under 25 years of age
check_circleThere is no minimum logbook hours requirement, but 50+ hours is recommended
check_circleYou can complete the course at any time during your learner period
check_circleThe course can only be completed once — you cannot take it again for additional hours

The Numbers: Course Cost vs. Driving 20 Hours

When you compare the cost of the Safer Drivers Course against the cost of actually driving 20 additional hours, the value becomes clear. Check our full licence cost breakdown for more detail.

school

~$140

Safer Drivers Course

5 hours total = 20 bonus hours

schedule

~$1,400+

20 hours of professional lessons

At ~$70/hour average in Sydney

Even if you do those 20 hours with a parent or supervisor for free, the course still saves you roughly 15 hours of additional supervised driving (accounting for the time spent on the course itself). That is time, fuel, and wear on the family car.

Why the Safer Drivers Course Is Worth Doing

Beyond the logbook hours, the course provides genuine safety training that most learners never receive during normal supervised driving. Here is what you gain:

starStructured hazard perception training that directly helps with the driving test and real-world safety
starUnderstanding of crash dynamics — how speed, distraction, and following distance contribute to collisions
starPeer learning — hearing other learners describe their experiences and challenges normalises the learning process
starProfessional coaching in the in-car module that complements your regular driving lessons
starA 20-hour logbook credit that can shave weeks or months off your learner period

How to Find and Book an Approved Provider

The Safer Drivers Course must be completed through a Transport for NSW approved provider. You can find a list of approved providers on the Transport for NSW website. Providers operate in most major cities and many regional centres across NSW.

When choosing a provider, consider location, scheduling flexibility, and whether they offer Module 1 online. Read reviews from other learners if available. Your driving instructor may also be able to recommend a provider in your area.

After completing both modules, the provider reports your completion to Transport for NSW electronically. The 20 bonus hours are then credited to your licence record. You should also record these hours in your logbook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Safer Drivers Course in NSW?expand_more
The Safer Drivers Course is available to NSW learner licence holders who are under 25 years of age. You must hold a current NSW learner driver licence to enrol. There is no minimum number of logbook hours required before taking the course, but Transport for NSW recommends having at least 50 hours of driving experience so you can get the most out of the practical module.
How many bonus logbook hours do you get from the Safer Drivers Course?expand_more
Completing the Safer Drivers Course gives you a credit of 20 logbook hours toward your 120-hour requirement. These 20 hours are recorded in your logbook as Safer Drivers Course hours. Combined with the 3-for-1 professional lesson credit (up to 30 hours), this can reduce your total supervised driving from 120 hours to as few as 70 actual driving hours.
How much does the Safer Drivers Course cost in NSW?expand_more
The Safer Drivers Course typically costs around $140 in NSW, although prices may vary slightly between approved providers. When you consider that 20 hours of driving with a professional instructor would cost approximately $1,400 or more, the $140 course fee represents significant value. Some providers may offer concession pricing for eligible participants.
What happens in Module 1 of the Safer Drivers Course?expand_more
Module 1 is a three-hour group session held in a classroom or online setting. You will learn about safe driving strategies, risk perception, and how to manage hazards on the road. Topics include understanding speed, following distances, peer pressure, fatigue, and decision-making. The session uses videos, group discussions, and interactive activities rather than traditional lecturing.
What happens in Module 2 of the Safer Drivers Course?expand_more
Module 2 is a two-hour in-car coaching session with a qualified facilitator and one other learner driver. You will drive on real roads while the facilitator helps you practise identifying and responding to hazards. The focus is on applying what you learned in Module 1 to real driving situations. You must complete Module 2 within three months of finishing Module 1.
Can I do the Safer Drivers Course online?expand_more
Module 1 can be completed online with some approved providers, which makes it accessible if you live in a regional area or have scheduling constraints. However, Module 2 must always be completed in person as it involves actual on-road driving. Check with your chosen provider about their online options for Module 1.
Is the Safer Drivers Course worth doing?expand_more
Yes, it is widely considered one of the best investments a learner driver can make. For approximately $140, you receive 20 bonus logbook hours, real hazard perception training, and practical on-road coaching. The skills you learn — particularly around hazard identification and safe following distances — directly improve your driving safety and can help you perform better on the driving test.
How do I find an approved Safer Drivers Course provider near me?expand_more
You can find approved Safer Drivers Course providers through the Transport for NSW website or by searching for providers in your local area. Approved providers must be accredited by Transport for NSW. Popular providers operate in most major cities and regional centres across NSW. Your driving instructor may also be able to recommend a provider near you.

summarizeKey Facts — NSW Safer Drivers Course

  • • The Safer Drivers Course is available to NSW learner drivers under 25 years old.
  • • It consists of Module 1 (3-hour group session) and Module 2 (2-hour in-car coaching).
  • • Completing the course earns 20 bonus logbook hours toward the 120-hour requirement.
  • • The course costs approximately $140 from approved providers.
  • • Module 1 can be completed online; Module 2 must be done in person on real roads.
  • • Module 2 must be completed within 3 months of Module 1.
  • • Combined with the 3-for-1 lesson credit, the course can reduce actual driving to 70 hours.
  • • The course provides hazard perception training that benefits driving test performance.

Last updated: April 2026

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