Year 12 students are being encouraged to take a few simple steps to ensure a safe journey to Schoolies and Leavers celebrations. 

To help young drivers on their way, NRMA Insurance has developed a checklist of important actions for students to add to their to-do lists before departing on their trips.

The checklist outlines the key steps to prepare yourself and your vehicle for the trip and the top safety tips when behind the wheel.

With many students eager to wrap up their schooling years and embark on a rite of passage with their friends, the insurer is urging young people to prioritise safety.

High on the checklist is ensuring your car has been serviced recently and that basic mechanical components such as oil and tyre pressure are checked.

NRMA Insurance Executive Manager Motor Assessing David Wilkes said the drive to popular Schoolies and Leavers destinations such as the Gold Coast, Byron Bay and Dunsborough may be the longest road trip many of the probationary drivers have ever made.

“With summer holidays around the corner, there are more people travelling on our roads in addition to the influx of students heading to Schoolies and Leavers. It is critical that young people are prepared for any situation that could occur while in the driver’s seat.”

"Being free of distractions is essential, as is leaving enough braking distance between the vehicle in front and using high beams on poorly lit roads at night.

“NRMA Insurance has been protecting Australians and the things they care about for more than 95 years. We have seen the impacts of travelling long hours on the roads and want to make sure our young drivers are protected and keeping safety front-of-mind while they mark this exciting milestone in their lives,” Mr Wilkes said.

With confidence being key, it’s also recommended that school leavers do a practice run in the vehicle they will be driving especially if they are planning to borrow a parent or friend’s car. 

“I would also remind drivers of the most important thing – don’t forget to let your parents or guardian know you have arrived safely at your destination.”

Schoolies and Leavers Road Trip Check List

Getting prepared

• Have your car serviced.
• Learn how to check the oil and water and fill up your windscreen wiper fluid. Ensure you have top up supplies in case it is needed.
• Know how to check your tyre pressure. You can find the recommended tyre pressure for your car on the sticker on your driver’s door frame, or in the car’s handbook.
• Make sure you have a spare tyre and emergency kit and learn how to change a tyre.
• Be familiar with the car you are driving.

On the road 

• If driving a new vehicle, or borrowing your parents or friend’s car, take it for a test run a few days prior so you can get used to the nuances and features between different cars.
• Always drive to the conditions – for example in rainy weather or low visibility reduce your speed by 10km/h.
• Don’t worry about arriving by a certain time – take your time, respond to the conditions, take breaks.
• Ensure your friends do not distract you while you are driving.
• Be aware that in country areas’ wildlife could stray onto roads.
• Never drive tired.