Electric vs Petrol: Best Car to Learn to Drive?

Is the Future of Driver Education Electric? Navigating the Shift to EV Learning

Australia’s roads are changing, and fast. While the debate once centered on manual versus automatic transmissions, a new question is gaining traction: is it better to learn to drive in an electric vehicle (EV)? With EV sales climbing – reaching 12% of new car sales in the first half of 2024 – and over 350,000 EVs now on Australian roads, the answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for learner drivers, driving schools, and policymakers alike.

The Rise of the Electric Learner

The logic behind learning in an EV is compelling. As Julie Delvecchio, CEO of the Electric Vehicle Council, points out, “Given that the future of driving is electric, it just makes sense that we’d be teaching our kids on the cars that they’ll be actually using in the years ahead.” But is this simply a matter of future-proofing skills, or are there tangible benefits to starting with an EV?

Currently, most Australian states allow learners to drive any light vehicle under supervision. However, probationary licenses often come with restrictions on “high-powered” vehicles, defined by a power-to-weight ratio. This is where things get tricky. According to EV Central, some popular EV models, like the Tesla Model Y, can exceed this threshold, potentially limiting learner access to certain vehicles.

“The learning process with an EV is a fantastic opportunity to educate new drivers about charging etiquette, maximizing range, and the unique aspects of electric driving. It’s about more than just steering and braking.” – Dr. Chris Jones, President of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association

What’s Different About Learning in an EV?

While the fundamental principles of driving remain the same, EVs introduce nuances. Kathryn Collier of METEC Driver Training highlights two key differences: “Electric cars often have better torque and can be quicker off the mark. Also, be aware that your car may well be silent. So be extra vigilant in looking out for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists because they won’t hear you.”

This last point is crucial. The near-silent operation of EVs demands heightened awareness of surroundings. Learners need to actively compensate for the lack of engine noise, developing a more proactive approach to pedestrian and cyclist safety.

Electric vehicles offer a unique driving experience, but require increased awareness of surroundings due to their quiet operation.

Motorcycles: A Petrol-Powered Holdout

The transition isn’t uniform across all vehicle types. For motorcycles, many states still require learners to begin with a petrol-powered bike. Dr. Chris Jones explains, “If you’re going to learn how to ride a motorcycle and want to get your open bike license… you do need to do that on a petrol bike with gears and a clutch. You can’t do that on an EV motorcycle.” This is due to the current lack of readily available EV motorcycles that meet licensing requirements.

Testing Times: EVs and Driver Support Systems

Can you take your driving test in an EV? The answer is generally yes, but with caveats. State and territory transport departments allow EV tests, but rules regarding driver support systems vary. In New South Wales, features like self-parking and cruise control must be disabled during the test, while Queensland permits their use. Some jurisdictions also require a centrally-mounted park brake for accessibility.

Before booking your driving test, always check the specific regulations for your state or territory regarding the use of driver support systems in EVs. Failing to do so could result in an automatic fail.

The Safety Factor: Prioritizing Learner Protection

Parents understandably want their children to learn in the safest possible vehicle. Kathryn Collier advocates for prioritizing safety ratings: “We would argue that the most vulnerable driver should really be in the safest car possible.” While older petrol cars might be readily available, a newer EV with a five-star ANCAP safety rating could offer superior protection.

However, the power-to-weight ratio restrictions on probationary licenses remain a concern. This means some of the safest, high-performance EVs might be off-limits to new drivers, potentially pushing them towards less safe older vehicles.

Beyond the Basics: The EV Ecosystem

Learning to drive an EV isn’t just about mastering the controls; it’s about understanding a new ecosystem. As Dr. Jones notes, it’s an opportunity to teach learners about public charging, charging etiquette, and optimizing home charging for cost savings. This broader understanding prepares them for the realities of EV ownership.

The Adaptability of New Drivers

Driving schools report that learners generally adapt quickly to EVs. Tarik Menzies from No Yelling Driving School observes, “Often, once they get in an EV… they never want to go back to petrol and diesel, because it’s so smooth, so quiet and easy to drive.” This suggests that the transition to electric driving is less daunting than some might expect.

Future Trends and Implications

The shift towards electric driver education is likely to accelerate. As EV prices continue to fall and charging infrastructure expands, EVs will become increasingly accessible to learners. We can anticipate:

• Curriculum Updates: Driving schools will need to incorporate EV-specific training into their curricula, covering topics like regenerative braking, range anxiety, and charging procedures.
• Policy Adjustments: Governments may need to review and adjust probationary license restrictions to accommodate the power-to-weight characteristics of EVs.
• EV-Specific Driving Tests: The development of standardized EV driving tests could ensure consistent assessment of skills and knowledge.
• Increased Demand for EV Driving Instructors: A growing number of driving instructors will need to be trained to deliver high-quality EV lessons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is learning in an EV more expensive?

Potentially. EV driving lessons may be slightly more expensive due to the higher cost of the vehicles and specialized instructor training. However, the long-term benefits of learning on the technology you’ll likely be driving outweigh the initial cost.

Will learning in an EV make it harder to drive a petrol car later?

No. The fundamental principles of driving are the same regardless of the vehicle’s powertrain. Learners will easily adapt to driving a petrol car if needed.

Are there any incentives for learning to drive in an EV?

Currently, there are limited direct incentives. However, some states offer rebates or subsidies for EV purchases, which could indirectly benefit learners whose families are considering buying an EV.

What if I want to learn manual transmission?

Finding a driving school with a manual EV will be challenging, as they are rare. You may need to learn in a petrol-powered manual vehicle if this is a priority.

The future of driving is undeniably electric. Embracing this shift in driver education isn’t just about preparing the next generation for the roads ahead; it’s about fostering a more sustainable and informed driving culture. What are your thoughts on the best way to prepare new drivers for an electric future? Share your perspective in the comments below!