9 Tips for Supervising a Learner Driver in WA (and Helping Them Pass Their PDA First Time)

Cameron Haughey
Aug 15
3 min read

Supervising a learner driver in Western Australia is about more than logging hours — it’s about building safe habits for life. At GOAT Driving, we’ve helped countless WA learners and their supervisors feel confident on the road and pass the PDA on the first go. If you’re new here, you can find out more about who we are on our About Us page.

Here are 9 tips to guide your learner calmly, effectively, and safely.

1. Start Out Slow

At GOAT Driving, we always say the first step is to master the basics — and that starts in an empty carpark. Let your learner get comfortable with the controls without traffic pressure. Once they’re confident, move them to very quiet streets to practise simple left and right turns. Just mastering control of the car is the first focus before tackling traffic.

2. Patience

These days, learners often haven’t spent years as active passengers — thanks to devices, they might not know the road “common sense” you take for granted. You may have to explain basics you learned just by watching. Stay patient. Even if progress feels slow, your calm consistency will pay off.

3. Pull Over to Talk About New Things or Mistakes

Trying to explain complex concepts while moving is a recipe for confusion. Pull over in a safe spot so they can focus fully. If a mistake happens, stop while it’s fresh, keep emotions low, and make it a learning moment.

4. Keep Distraction to a Minimum

Skip the radio, navigation apps, and excess chatting — especially early on. New learners can feel overloaded by everything they need to remember. A distraction-free environment lets them build confidence faster.

GOAT Driving neon-style promotional banner reading ‘Pass Your PDA First Try’ with step-by-step DIY driving lesson plans for WA learners, available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

5. Give Yourself Extra Time on the Trip

Lessons will take longer than your usual drive. Extra time allows for practice, pulling over, and avoiding the stress of rushing. We aim for “Sunday drive” pace — smooth, unhurried, and safe. When it’s PDA time, this style of driving makes all the difference.

6. Focus Points for Each Lesson

Don’t overload your learner. Choose one or two key skills for each drive (like roundabouts or lane changes) and master them before moving on. Our Lesson Example shows exactly how to structure these sessions.

7. Demonstrate New Things Before Letting Them Try

Show them first — whether it’s a hill start, merging into traffic, or parallel parking. Watching you model the skill builds their confidence and gives them a clear example to follow.

8. Trust Your Gut

If you feel they’re not ready for something — even if they’re keen — listen to that instinct. Safety comes before enthusiasm. Waiting until they’re truly ready can prevent risky situations.

9. Pay Attention Even When You Trust Them

Even experienced learners make mistakes — and other drivers can surprise you too. Stay alert, scan the road, and be ready to step in. Over the years, I’ve had to grab the wheel more than once to avoid an accident. Quick reactions save lives.

Final Thoughts

Being a great supervisor means more than watching — it’s about guiding, encouraging, and staying engaged. By following these tips, you’ll help your learner become a safe, confident driver ready for their PDA.

💡 Want to make supervising easier?

Our DIY Driving Lesson Plans give you step-by-step guidance for every stage, making it simple to structure lessons, track progress, and save on instructor fees.