Fit To Drive School

07/02/2026

I like to have a bit of fun from time to time and do these quizzes,just to test myself.

Nobody knows everything and increasingly more rules,more fines so it pays to keep informed!

Enjoy your Saturday folks and drive to the conditions :-)

https://samove.raa.com.au/the-u-turn-rule-you-need-to-know/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPzZ85leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBvcmtDNmpWczlwakowRTRac3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkHzdOyEOjfbZTSvwM3I38Im3owQflTYWENKf6PmPAoiPD5csKlXH2xbJGb1_aem_448sNE4qWDGPKomncAtzKA

SA Move Magazine Online

25/01/2026

Have a wonderful and safe Australia day folks.Keep safe and cool.45 degrees in Adelaide tomorrow!

How do you know if you're approaching a speed camera?

06/12/2025

https://www.dit.sa.gov.au/infrastructure/projects/40-km-h-school-speed-limits"

For those that live in SA it pays to be informed!

As a school bus driver presently it's astounding how many people I see hurtling through school zones at school times at well above the speed limit.

The penalties are huge and the potential repercussions of hitting someone...

Please be mindful when going through school school zones on school days and be aware that some zones are posted 25KPH when children present.
This means any day any time NOT just school times/days.

05/08/2025

Teaching my wonderful daughter to drive.
I went to Melbourne to get a brake pedal fitted to my car on the passenger side,unfortunately getting a pedal fitted in SA means that you must be a driving instructor that is registered to teach in SA Yep another government BRULE( bu****it rule ;-)

Its fantastic being able to teach even she she doesn't pay me..LOL
Still not registered as a DI in the state of SA but wont say I've given up on the idea.
Drive safely

26/06/2025

Eight and a half years! after I left Sydney this morning I received a lovely phone call from Frieda.

I had given lessons to her sister and her niece.

She still had my number in her phone and and asked if I was still able to do lessons for another family member.

I said no and explained my situation to her>

It was really heartening to receive a call like the one I took this morning!

Over the last eight years since leaving Sydney and Victoria it's not the first. that I have received from some of my wonderful ex students and their family members.

I keep thinking do I go back for another try at the test?, knowing what I know about the department of transport and it's assessors in SA ?

I'm thinking about it,I loved teaching and still believe I can offer lots.

Anyway I'm busy with my book so we'll see.

08/06/2025

An almost instant technique to stop anxiety and panic attacks.
It's not a new technique and I cannot claim I invented it. I have over the years used breathwork and meditation to manage my stress levels and I'm always looking for new ideas that I can use in everyday life to improve myself both physically and mentally.

It can be used prior to you taking your P plate test or almost any situation when whatever your facing will cause you anxiety.
It works for anyone, is free(until the government works out a way to tax the air you breath and don't worry that'll happen soon enough...LOL)

It will be included in a book I'm writing about mental health for teens. What's in the book will be lots of simple no BS techniques and tools that you can use to stay sane in an increasingly insane world.

As the father of a 16 year beautiful daughter, soon to be learner driver and doing year 11 I can see the issues that she is facing so that's one of the reasons I'm writing the book it's not just for her but I have over the years had lots of students, both young and not so young with anxiety related issues of varying severity so this is for you too and also for Mum, Dad or anyone that you want to share it with.

The book will be free if your reading this post!

Most of the material I'll write about will be free to access and to use-the idea being that it'll help you to deal with whatever physical and emotional issues that you feel you may need help with.

If you've read my book on "Healing SIBO" the debilitating gut disorder I faced 5 years ago when coming to SA you'll understand the toll that this or any gut related disorder such as IBS, Crohns, ulcerative colitis or in fact any auto immune disease can take on a person.

I have a growing collection of "biohacking" tools including PEMF mat, portable steam and infrared saunas, icebath, hydrogen water filter etc etc that I've used with varying degrees of success to help with my issues however a lot of what I do is a lot simpler and easier than using technology.

Ready?

This is called the "Physiologic breath" I think I got this one form the Andrew Huberman podcast,(which by the way is brilliant and well worth listening to.)

Okay the way it works is like this.

Take a very deep slow breath in just when you feel you cannot take any more air in take another short breath in through the nose-hold it for a second or two then let it out slowwwwlly through the mouth like a big sigh.

It may take one or two or three breaths or you may need to do it for 5 minutes or so.

Treat it as an "experiment" This is the underlying philosophy I have used when trying new supplements to help my gut related issues.
Some things including these techniques may work instantly and some will require a little more time and perseverance they will give you results!

Here are two other types of breath work techniques I have used for up to 15 minutes each to alleviate anxiety and some of the panic attacks I've had when dealing with some extremely stressful situations.

The "Box breath"
Inhale for the count of four.
Hold for the count of four
Exhale for the count of four
Hold for the count of four.
Repeat as often as you feel is necessary try for 3 minutes or so at first.

The "Four-Seven-Eight" breath
Inhale for the count of four
Hold for the count of seven
Exhale for the count of eight.
Repeat as often as you feel is necessary try for 3 minutes or so at first.

That's It!

Enjoy your holiday if it's a holiday in your state, drive safely and be nice to each other.
Paxc Vobiscum
Kim

10/05/2025

Read,learn and share. Enjoy your weekend!

Sadly more and more peeps getting caught with using mobile phones,you'd think by now the lesson would be learnt. Even touching your phone if it's not in a cradle and you're sprung will get you fined heavily along with loss of points( know the rules in your state if you're a P plater-nearly all states prohibit the use of P platers using a MP in any form-Green Ps may be exempted in some states)

I heard that in SA one person got caught 32 yes THIRTY TWO times using a mobile phone going through a mobile phone detection camera.
This was I believe just before the fines were going to be officially introduced and people were still be sent caution letters.

That chump takes the Darwin award winner of the year you'd think.

19/04/2025

I hope you're all staying safe,Please none of us,especially your friends and family want to read about you in the papers,or God forbid get a knock on the door and find that your parents are looking at a couple of cops with sombre expressions on their faces!

https://fit2driveschool.com/safe-driving-articles/

Now while still not a driving instructor in SA I have not discounted that I may one day teach hopefully when common sense prevails-sadly not much of that happening at the department of transport that controls the DI testing procedures in this state.

Nuff said as I've said it all before!

Anyhow some safe driving articles for you WITH a disclaimer!

These directions in these articles were good enough, if followed to have my students in Victoria and NSW pass their tests generally first time. ( my test rate was over 90% for students passing their P plate test first time)

HOWEVER in the state of SA don't take these articles a gospel,common sense yes but there are a few differences in testing procedures and conditions,( No the test procedures in this state compared to NSW or VIc will not make you a better safer driver they are simply revenue raisers.)

Anyhow have a safe enjoyable weekend.

20/03/2025

Can You Use Your Mobile Phone at a Drive Through?
(From The RAA Website)

Yes, you can use your mobile phone to pay at a drive-through. Under the Road Traffic (Road Rules – Ancillary and Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2014 under Rule 43C, there is an exemption for the use of mobile phones for access, identification, or payment purposes.

You are permitted to use your mobile phone in a road-related area (like a drive-through) if your vehicle is stationary and your phone is being used to:
- pay for goods and services, or,
- display required electronic identification, or
- present a voucher, coupon, card or similar to a person in a road-related area, or
- enable the driver to enter another area (like an access pass).

This exemption also applies to learner or P1 drivers in the above circumstances.

13/03/2025

Yep U turns can be a real hazard!

If in SA you are asked to do a "U turn in Traffic" where you are parked in a "store" lane and there is a vehicle directly behind you also waiting to turn Right/do a U turn-IF you do a U turn in those circumstances..
Test Over! Fail.

I'll be posting more positive information and "How to Videos" soon
Meanwhile test your skills.

SA Move Magazine Online

02/03/2025

The mobile detection cameras are making an absolute motza for the gov.

Irrespective of that, distraction is the Number One! cause of accidents. Not just mobile phones but ANYTHING that takes your focus from in front of you,behind you andto the sides of your vehicle while your driving.
that could be:

Leaning back to yell at the kids or dig into a bag etc
Eating/drinking/smoking
Being on "autopilot" or a "fugue" state where you get to where you're going but cannot remember how you got there
Playing or touching control or nav screens in the car
Getting caught up and being angry with what your hearing on the radio
Following another driver too closely
and a whole host of others.

Here's a reminder for my SA friends what you can and cannot do with regard to a mobile phone in your car.

Be safe folks and remember that no amount of so called "safety tech" in a car will save you in the advent of a serious accident.

01/02/2025

Something on a more positive note.

I used Chat GPT for the following :
I could have added a few other questions but it's not a bad assessment.

I live in south australia and have a young daughter who will soon be in a position to learn to drive.

I would then buy her a car.

Name second hand cars in the $5000 to $7000 range that would be suitable for this purpose.

List the pros and cons of each car including safety features,cost of maintenance per year average and average cost to run per year.

Also list most to least reliable of these vehicles and select the best choice form these vehicles.

ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT

Selecting a reliable and safe second-hand car for your daughter is a thoughtful decision. Below are some suitable options within your budget of $5,000 to $7,000, along with their pros, cons, safety features, estimated maintenance costs, and fuel efficiency. The vehicles are listed from most to least reliable based on available data.

1. Toyota Corolla (2004–2008)

Pros:

Renowned for exceptional reliability and longevity.
Affordable maintenance with widely available parts.
Good fuel efficiency.
Cons:

Basic interior features compared to newer models.
Conservative styling may not appeal to all.
Safety Features:

Dual front airbags.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Some models equipped with side airbags.
Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost:

Approximately $362.
MADMANMOTORS.COM.AU
Fuel Efficiency:

Around 7.4–8.0 L/100 km.

2. Mazda 3 (2004–2009)

Pros:

Sporty design with responsive handling.
High build quality and reliability.
Comfortable interior with quality materials.
Cons:

Road noise can be more pronounced.
Higher demand may lead to slightly elevated prices.
Safety Features:

Dual front airbags.
ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
Some models offer side and curtain airbags.
Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost:

Approximately $433.
MADMANMOTORS.COM.AU
Fuel Efficiency:

Approximately 8.0–8.5 L/100 km.

3. Honda Civic (2006–2011)

Pros:

Reputation for durability and longevity.
Fuel-efficient engines.
Spacious interior with comfortable seating.
Cons:

Limited rear visibility in some models.
Higher maintenance costs for certain parts.
Safety Features:

Dual front airbags.
ABS with EBD.
Available side and curtain airbags in higher trims.
Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost:

Approximately $400–$500.
Fuel Efficiency:

Around 7.0–7.5 L/100 km.

4. Hyundai i30 (2007–2012)

Pros:

Comprehensive safety features.
Modern design with comfortable interior.
Good fuel efficiency.
Cons:

Resale value may be lower.
Some models may exhibit interior wear.
Safety Features:

Dual front airbags.
ABS with EBD.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost:

Approximately $450–$500.
Fuel Efficiency:

Approximately 7.0–7.5 L/100 km.

5. Subaru Impreza (2005–2010)

Pros:

Standard all-wheel drive enhances safety.
Solid build quality with durable components.
Good handling and performance.
Cons:

Higher fuel consumption due to AWD system.
Maintenance can be more costly.
Safety Features:

Dual front airbags.
ABS with EBD.
Available side and curtain airbags in higher trims.
Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost:

Approximately $500–$600.
Fuel Efficiency:

Around 8.5–9.0 L/100 km.
Reliability Ranking (Most to Least):

Toyota Corolla
Mazda 3
Honda Civic
Hyundai i30
Subaru Impreza

Best Choice: Considering reliability, maintenance costs, safety features, and fuel efficiency, the Toyota Corolla stands out as the optimal choice for your daughter. Its proven track record for dependability and low ownership costs make it an excellent option for a new driver.

Additional Recommendations:

Vehicle History: Always request a comprehensive service history to ensure the car has been well-maintained.

Pre-Purchase Inspection: Have a trusted mechanic conduct a thorough inspection to identify any potential issues.
Safety Ratings: Consult ANCAP safety ratings for detailed information on crash performance.

By following these guidelines, you can make an informed decision that prioritizes your daughter's safety and your financial considerations.

Enjoy your Sunday :-)