Is Logbook (CBT&A) right for you?

South Australian learner drivers get their P Plates by either the CBT&A (Logbook) or the VORT Test method.

What does all this mean and which method is right for you? That is the question

In this article we look at what most people call the Logbook method or CBT&A Course.

The CBT&A course is made up of thirty (30) separate tasks. These tasks are detailed in the yellow section of your Driver’s Companion. Starting with basic skills and working through to country road driving and advanced traffic management, it is designed to develop safe driving strategies and attitudes over a period of time.

CBT&A is designed to take time

CBT&A is not a quick licence solution. It is intended to be delivered over a period of six to twelve months. Safe driving skills, strategies and attitudes take time to develop. Delivering over a period of time also allows for skills to be practised and developed into good habits.

The course is designed to be started soon after you get your Learner permit. The first tasks are all about developing good driving habits from the very beginning. If you have been driving for a while, the first tasks take you “back to basics”.

If you start the course later, you may find it frustrating. The course requirements expect you do do everything the “best way”. You may find yourself needing to change some habits. Changing habits is hard and takes time.

How long does it take to complete the Logbook Course?

The course is made up of 30 tasks. You complete each task by showing you are competent at the task skills. If each task took 30 minutes to run through and demonstrate your skills to the instructor, you are looking at 15 hours to complete. Most tasks take way more that 30 minutes to complete.

Our clients generally take between fifteen and thirty hours to complete the course. Many take more time especially if they have anxiety about driving or learn in a different way. Up to 60 hours is not uncommon.

The VORT (Test) could be a better option

CBT&A is great for people who have time to complete the course, for new drivers and those who want to cover all aspects of driving with their instructor. Their is often a waiting list to start lessons with a CBT&A instructor so once again, you need time on your side for the CBT&A method to work for you.

If you are an experienced learner who has almost completed their hours and is hoping to get their P Plates in the next month or so then a course of lessons to prepare for the VORT (Test) may be a much better option for you.

We will cover the VORT (Test) licensing option in the next article.

Go to My Licence website for more information about choosing the CBT&A Course option