Defensive Driving Course - FULL DAY P-PLATE & L-PLATE SCHOOL HOLIDAY SPECIAL, Sandown Raceway, Melbourne
Category: Driving Lessons
Region: Greater Dandenong
State: VIC
Duration:
7h
Australia’s Most Popular Defensive Driving Course.
Operated By:
Presented in a relaxed, friendly and supportive environment by qualified, experienced instructors, with a balanced mixture of theory and practical driving exercises
We guarantee that regardless of your driving experience you’ll be amazed at what you’ll learn and you’ll have a great time learning it with us.
The practical driving component of our Defensive Driving Program is conducted on WET ROADS at suburban speeds.
It includes a variety of on road exercises including emergency braking, swerving and multiple direction changes.
The aim of the practical exercises is to educate drivers in:
- Basic vehicle dynamics
- The correct systems of car control : seating, vision, and steering
- Correct braking techniques for both ABS and non-ABS vehicles
- Skid causation, basic skid control, and skid prevention
- Raising the drivers level of awareness in relation to speed, reaction times and stopping distances
- Learn how your vehicle reacts in emergency situations
The classroom component covers basic road safety concepts and the key principals of defensive driving including:
- Understanding of how a drivers attitudes, motivations, and risk taking behaviour can affect that drivers safety and the safety of other road users
- The Golden Rules of Defensive Driving and how to apply them to everyday driving
- The importance of correctly inflated tyres and the condition and type of tyres
- Road laws and the introduction of any new laws
Please watch this video it includes everything you need to know before you arrive on the day:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_uDcXc6ua4&fbclid=IwAR1XrMTVCV6dAWV1aohgU2m8yncGxIAjmLAsrde5odmfsEQ79U5u5bEEI6A
PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY SPECTATORS WITH YOU, THEY WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE.
Sandown is located at 591-659 Princes Hwy (Dandenong Rd) Springvale. Please enter via the main overpass gates. Once inside, look for the Driver Dynamics signs, they will direct you to the course.
Please note, the entrance on Sandown Rd has been closed since May 2008. You must enter Sandown via Princes Highway (Dandenong Rd).
Course: Defensive Driving
Please arrive by: 8:15am
Course concludes: 4:00pm
Please inflate your cars tyres to 40 psi BEFORE you arrive, as there is no facility for inflating tyres at the venue. The importance of these tyre pressures will be explained to you during the course. If you use more than 40psi in your tyres there is no need to deflate your tyres prior to attending.
Please ensure the interior of your car is cleared of any loose or unrestrained items.
Lunch is not provided – while there may be food outlets close to the venue, we recommend that you bring your own lunch as we don’t have a very long break.
A great deal of the course content is conducted outdoors, so it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast prior to attending and dress accordingly. Don’t forget sunscreen and hat!
This course is not affected by rain. PLEASE DO NOT BRING ANY SPECTATORS WITH YOU, THEY WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE. We look forward to meeting you on the day.Share:
Completed my defensive driving course (L2) today at Sandown. It was great fun and very informative. The relaxed style the instructors used to deliver information made the day totally enjoyable. You certainly learn the limits of your car and gain skills to avoid dangerous situations on the road. My mx5 nb had a ball. I will definitely be back for another course.
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wayne
05 Aug 2025
Purchased the Stunt Driving School Wild Ride Experience for my 17 year old son. He loved the experience and the team were so welcoming and made the day amazing. Highly recommend this is a gift for the young and old, and will be rebooking other programs in the future. Well done team, can see why you’re the best in the business
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Zoe
05 Apr 2025
My 17yr old son completed the Defensive Driving course in Jan 2025, this was a natural progression from the Level 1 and 2 Junior Driver Experience that he had completed. He loved it and the instructor gave him more and more driving exercises to complete.
Well worth the money to assist the drivers of the future.
Well worth the money to assist the drivers of the future.
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R
26 Feb 2025
I booked a Level 1 Defensive Driving Course for my Son, who's about to complete his 120 hours on his learners and test for his P's. The course was brilliant and I enjoyed shadowing him throughout the day. As a parent of a learner participant, you sit through the theory and also sit alongside the learner during the practical driving sessions. Each car receives a radio, so the driving instructors communicate from outside the car. The day is basically broken in to two 3hr blocks. 1.5hrs of theory and 1.5hrs of driving in the am and then the same after lunch. The theory was actually engaging and very informative. At 48 years old, I took a ton away from it and was reminded about many bad habits that I've got comfortable with over the past 30+ years of driving. I wish that I had booked my son in much earlier, as I believe that its crucial for learners, within their first few hours or days of driving. As it creates strong precedents and avoids bad habits from the outset. My daughter turns 16 in June and I'll be booking her in for this course. I may even book my son and myself in for the Level 2 course later in the year. Thank you DD Team.
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Brett
23 Jan 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed the day at Sandown - very informative and both Richard & Gavin were top of their game. The course caters to all drivers - beginners through to oldies ( like me age 73). . It’s true - you’re never too old to learn. Highly recommended
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Rosie
02 Nov 2024
We attended the Defensive Driving Course with Driver Dynamics in Sandown and it was absolutely fantastic!!!! Learning the basics of safety whilst giving drivers confidence and the skills if something goes wrong. What an investment, wish it was compulsory and government supported for all our drivers. The team were knowledgeable, fun, supportive and clearly very very experienced and made everyone feel comfortable.
- Definitely inflate the tyres as asked - it’s for safety and you’ll learn about it.
- Lunch is close enough however there is an inside area to sit and eat what you bring.
- absolutely arrive on time otherwise others have to wait
- L plates require a parent
- you need your own car
IT IS ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT!!!
Thank you! We’ll be back with the next L plater
- Definitely inflate the tyres as asked - it’s for safety and you’ll learn about it.
- Lunch is close enough however there is an inside area to sit and eat what you bring.
- absolutely arrive on time otherwise others have to wait
- L plates require a parent
- you need your own car
IT IS ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT!!!
Thank you! We’ll be back with the next L plater
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AC
12 Jul 2024
Our car club had a track day at Sanddown and it was run by Driver Dynamics, who are a great team of enthusiastic guys. You can start with an optional quick track introduction (they drive you around in their own car) to explain the best lines, positioning on the track and potential dangers. This occurs before any of the track sessions begin. You can select a group that suits your preferred pace (Slow, Intermediate, Fast). The morning pre-drive briefing was both entertaining and informative. They promote safe practices (ie. no overtaking in corners) and place cones on each corner to mark the recommended entry and apex points. There were clear announcements for each group/session and we enjoyed multiple 20 minute sessions throughout the day. Would definitely go again.
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Troy
06 May 2024
Such an incredible crew! Kev, Rich and Gav are absolute superstars!
These guys provide so much information and insight for road users it is insane. The teaching styles of these three guys is extremely thorough, easy to understand, provide supportive guidance and knows their audience.
A must for every single person wanting to learn how to:
A) properly drive your car
B) stop and brake when required
C) conduct track training at Sandown
D) increase knowledge and confidence
Just do yourself a massive favour and do this course.
These guys provide so much information and insight for road users it is insane. The teaching styles of these three guys is extremely thorough, easy to understand, provide supportive guidance and knows their audience.
A must for every single person wanting to learn how to:
A) properly drive your car
B) stop and brake when required
C) conduct track training at Sandown
D) increase knowledge and confidence
Just do yourself a massive favour and do this course.
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Helen
23 Apr 2024
I had an exceptional experience during the junior driving experience level one here. I had Ben the instructor and he is very knowledgeable, helpful and funny. I learnt so much from him and am very grateful for it. I highly recommend the junior driving experience
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Harry
10 Apr 2024
Doing this course is a must, even if you think you have good control of a vehicle, you get some good practice and doing it in a manual is even better for learners with some good stopping and starting practice. The theoretical side of it was informative, funny and engaging, well worth the time!
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Loui
25 Jan 2024
Did a track day at sandown for $395. Safety briefing was informative and thorough. Drivers were split into groups (green, yellow, red) and would take turns on track. Instructors miscounted this simple cycle and the “green” group was shafted one session. How hard is it to count green, yellow, red repeat?
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David
16 Nov 2023
Went through the course today. I am 39yo and I learnt so much. I've raced in Simulators, I think I'm a hotshot driving a fast car, but I can tell you that when it comes to real life situations, I sucked at them and made lots of mistakes. These guys are an absolute wealth of knowledge and experience. The things they teach you, could save your life and others. They cover a lot of the things we see daily and put it into real world practice where you have to avoid obstacles and "Kenny the Cone". I had a blast, and I was super stoked to see lots of P platers and a couple of L platers doing the course, it will make them better drivers going forward. I recommend this course to anyone, no matter your age.
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Duke
04 Nov 2023
It's clear the team has been doing this for a while, as the day ran like a well-oiled machine, which was definitely appreciated, given the large number of participants.
The classroom component was super informative and engaging, thanks in no small part to the polished, enthusiastic delivery by Dave. He's clearly passionate about driver training and the fact that it can, and does, save lives, and that really shone through during the presentation. Just the right blend of PowerPoint stats and video content, and managed to tailor the content to ensure relevance to the mix of L & P Platers, Male and Female, old and young, very very well. Thank you, Dave!
The practical exercises were also phenomenal. Brett and the team were super clear in setting up the scenarios that we'd be practicing, and the feedback provided after each run was invaluable, as I managed to reduce my stopping distance significantly over the course of the day, and took away that as our lives get busier and busier and we're more and more distracted while driving, the importance of giving yourself and others physical space on the road, that, in turn, gives you the mental space you need to think clearly in the event of an emergency situation. Thank you Brett for an amazing day!
A massive thanks to the entire team at Driver Dynamics for an extremely well-organised, informative, and phenomenal learning experience. Since getting my license 25-odd years ago, it has been on the list of things to do, but life got in the way and I just never got around to it. Better late than never, but if you're thinking of doing this course, don't put it off. The content and exercises allow you to learn the techniques that could keep you and your loved ones alive, in a safe, non-judgmental environment, where you're encouraged to see mistakes as a learning opportunity. This should be a compulsory learning requirement for all learner and P plate drivers, and at every licence renewal for fully licensed drivers, and a course that I will absolutely recommend to all my family and friends.
The classroom component was super informative and engaging, thanks in no small part to the polished, enthusiastic delivery by Dave. He's clearly passionate about driver training and the fact that it can, and does, save lives, and that really shone through during the presentation. Just the right blend of PowerPoint stats and video content, and managed to tailor the content to ensure relevance to the mix of L & P Platers, Male and Female, old and young, very very well. Thank you, Dave!
The practical exercises were also phenomenal. Brett and the team were super clear in setting up the scenarios that we'd be practicing, and the feedback provided after each run was invaluable, as I managed to reduce my stopping distance significantly over the course of the day, and took away that as our lives get busier and busier and we're more and more distracted while driving, the importance of giving yourself and others physical space on the road, that, in turn, gives you the mental space you need to think clearly in the event of an emergency situation. Thank you Brett for an amazing day!
A massive thanks to the entire team at Driver Dynamics for an extremely well-organised, informative, and phenomenal learning experience. Since getting my license 25-odd years ago, it has been on the list of things to do, but life got in the way and I just never got around to it. Better late than never, but if you're thinking of doing this course, don't put it off. The content and exercises allow you to learn the techniques that could keep you and your loved ones alive, in a safe, non-judgmental environment, where you're encouraged to see mistakes as a learning opportunity. This should be a compulsory learning requirement for all learner and P plate drivers, and at every licence renewal for fully licensed drivers, and a course that I will absolutely recommend to all my family and friends.
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Degan
24 Sep 2023
All I can say is what an amazing experience. Both my kids 12 and 16 years olds have walked away with so much confidence. I recommend this course to all kids and think that these courses should be compulsory.
Thank you so much to everyone at Junior Driving Experience. Amazing!!!
Thank you so much to everyone at Junior Driving Experience. Amazing!!!
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Jodie
28 Aug 2023
Absolutely fantastic Defensive Driving Level 1 Course! Thanks Gavin for a funny, engaging and informative day. I got it as a birthday present, and it was incredibly useful! I'm now a lot more confident about handling emergency situations in my car.
I personally would recommend this course for anyone and everyone, although I'd say not for brand new Learners - you'll get more out of the course if you have some driving experience already. I'm definitely no expert but I'd say 40-60 hours driving at least, because by then the learner would be able to handle the car movements and would have a gauge of other drivers on the road, but would also be early enough in driving experience to change some behaviours for the better as a result of this course.
For those trying to decide which course to do for your needs, keep in mind that level 1 defensive driving does not include dirt manoeuvres (I think it is covered in level 2 advanced driving), but focuses on wet road emergency braking and swerving as well as exercises to practice control of the car (pairing your vision with steering and car movement, noticing your reaction time, proper driver position in the car etc). Both the theory and practical sections of the course are jam-packed with useful and applicable information and are for both ABS and non-ABS fitted cars.
I personally would recommend this course for anyone and everyone, although I'd say not for brand new Learners - you'll get more out of the course if you have some driving experience already. I'm definitely no expert but I'd say 40-60 hours driving at least, because by then the learner would be able to handle the car movements and would have a gauge of other drivers on the road, but would also be early enough in driving experience to change some behaviours for the better as a result of this course.
For those trying to decide which course to do for your needs, keep in mind that level 1 defensive driving does not include dirt manoeuvres (I think it is covered in level 2 advanced driving), but focuses on wet road emergency braking and swerving as well as exercises to practice control of the car (pairing your vision with steering and car movement, noticing your reaction time, proper driver position in the car etc). Both the theory and practical sections of the course are jam-packed with useful and applicable information and are for both ABS and non-ABS fitted cars.
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Thea
17 Aug 2023
Level 1 at Sandown was an excellent experience. I feel a lot more confident behind the wheel.
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Emma
11 Jul 2023
Informative and fast paced. Loved the theory and practical applications. Wished I had done it BEFORE teaching our kids to drive.
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Diane
29 Jun 2023
YOU GOTTA DO THIS!! Worth your money, awesome experience! I completed Level 1 Defensive driving course on my red Ps and I learnt so much about handling my car in emergency situations. The instructors were super friendly and enthusiastic which made the day lots of fun. You’re put to the test with braking, skidding and swerving on a wet surface as well as classroom theory. If you’re thinking of doing it, highly recommend! I’m considering going back and doing Level 2 after todays experience.
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Jazz
27 Jun 2023
Best experience at level 1 defensive driving. Instructors so knowledgeable and I can’t believe how much fun learning driving safety was.
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Jasmine
16 Jan 2023
Always a great track day out with Kev and the team, really enjoy your days and I learn a lot each time.
Thanks and I’ll see you at the next one.
Thanks and I’ll see you at the next one.
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Phil
21 Nov 2022
Level 1 defence driver course is a must do for all L platers!! Why its not not compulsory for all Learner's is beyond me! Dave and the team were fantastic. My daughter learnt so much (and me) we will be back next year for my son to do ????
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Vanessa
04 Oct 2022
What an amazing experience and fantastic value for money. We had smiles on our faces from the moment we met Leanne who checked us in. Our group of 6 girls on an adventure weekend could not have asked for a better start to our weekend. Thank you to all involved - we had a ball
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Michelle
12 Sep 2022
What an amazing experience and fantastic value for money. We had smiles on our faces from the moment we met Leanne who checked us in. Our group of 6 girls on an adventure weekend could not have asked for a better start to our weekend. Thank you to all involved - we had a ball
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Michelle
12 Sep 2022
What a great day for myself and my 17 year old daughter (driving). The defensive course and Dave are FANTASTIC!!!! Full of great information, instruction and safety advice. Recommended for everyone to use!!!!! This course should be mandatory for all drivers!!!
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Boris
13 Nov 2021
Fab day at Sandown with this crew. Very good, practical approach to safety, streaming groups by experience. I thoroughly enjoyed my first track day. Wide variety of cars and punters. Newbie Tip: It's worth tapping an instructor on the shoulder and asking them to go around with you for a few laps. I got 3-4 great tips that I built on over the next few rounds on the track. Looking at their other courses for kids and keen to come back for myself.
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Ali
15 Nov 2019
Fab day at Sandown with this crew. Very good, practical approach to safety, streaming groups by experience. I thoroughly enjoyed my first track day. Wide variety of cars and punters. Newbie Tip: It's worth tapping an instructor on the shoulder and asking them to go around with you for a few laps. I got 3-4 great tips that I built on over the next few rounds on the track. Looking at their other courses for kids and keen to come back for myself.
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Alister
15 Nov 2019