I’m so glad that i passed my actual drive test last November 10, 2008… really went through a lot before i got it and the good thing about it that it all went smoothly.. only took me once to take the test because others have a hard time passing it.. some took it 2-3 times or more to pass it which driving instructors and friends hearsays.

A brief story background, I recently migrated here in Melbourne, Australia last August 2008… so was wondering if it’s legal for me to drive with my overseas license or my license from my native country and confirmed that it is legal for me to drive with my overseas license but could use it only within 3 months( for more details check the page Driving in Melbourne, Australia) so within that time period i tookroad law knowledge test(learner permit test),hazard perception test( HPT ) and the driving assessment(actual drive test)

TAKE NOTE: I made an appointment for the actual drive test for next week but only available slot/schedule is 30 days onwards which is next month… that means many people are booking for the actual drive test so must plan ahead of schedule… but the other 2 test.. the learner test and HPT can be scheduled within a week.. all depends on your suburbs testing centers busy schedule.

Before I took the learner test and HPT.. read and reviewed the “Road to solo driving” handbook which really helped because it teach and guides us the proper way to drive safely and the road rules which is very important.

REMINDER:

Keeping left
Overseas visitors are reminded that (like in all other states in Australia) vehicles are driven on the left side of the road in Victoria… cars here are RIGHT HAND DRIVE unlike other countries which is left hand drive and always keep right… which i need to adapt, improve and practice my driving skills since i’m used to driving on the right lane and left hand driver seat.

ADVICE:

*Obey traffice rules.. specially speed limit which will really cost you if caught plus demerit points too.

*Understand how to proceed in a “round about” which is a big circle in the middle of the road that we go in to go to the other side… always give way to the right and inside the circle/roundabout is clear or no visible car.. just proceed when safe..

*READ the “ROAD TO SOLO DRIVING”handbook or try to understand the road rules here in Australia to be on the safe side.

*Drive safe and always be on alert.

* PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT.. more driving hours of practice and feeling the car.. drive smoothly then it will be a piece of cake on the day of the actual driving test.

HAPPY DRIVING!!!!!

(Please leave a comment or additional info on ways to improve.. thanx)

This year Rudd’s government will give one time payment of au$1000 per kid eligible from their care that receives family tax benefit A( Low income and middle income earner who takes care of a child)

This is given to support the families in our present global financial crisis… so if you have 3 kids below 18 years of age you get au$3000 … 5 kids= au$5000 and so forth… so starting on December 8 will be receiving au$1000 per kid eligible from their care.. let us spend it wisely. cheers!

Below is the media release on October 14, 2008 for better info

Joint Media Release with the Treasurer
Minister for Families
Australian Families to receive $3.9 Billion in Rudd Government Support

14 October 2008

The Rudd Government will invest $3.9 billion to provide immediate financial support to help around two million Australian families.

This decisive action is part of the Rudd Government’s $10.4 billion Economic Security Strategy to strengthen the Australian economy and support families during the global financial crisis.

The support will be delivered to families through a one-off payment of $1,000 for each eligible child in their care.

Those who will receive the support include:

• 1.9 million families who receive Family Tax Benefit (A); and
• Families of another 220,000 dependent children who receive Youth Allowance, Abstudy or a benefit from the Veterans Children’s Education Scheme payment.

In all, around 3.9 million children will benefit from the $1,000 one off payment.

The global financial crisis is placing increasing pressure on family budgets already stretched by the rising cost of living.

The Rudd Government is taking decisive action to strengthen the Australian economy.

Lower and middle income working families are the driving force of the Australian economy.

It is vital that in times of global financial crisis these Australians have our support.

Most families will receive their full payment automatically in the fortnight beginning 8 December 2008 on each family’s regular family tax benefit payment day. These payments will be completed by 19 December.

Families who receive their family payments as a lump sum at the end of the financial year will receive their additional payment when they make their claim.

Payments will be tax exempt and not included for income-testing purposes.