This is a One Day Training Course  
Next Courses are on:
​TBA.

Do you drive an SUV, can you survive driving in the wet? These SUV's can weigh more than 2 tonnes and their dynamics are a lot different to a car. Let us show you how to deal with adverse driving conditions on our next Panache Driver Training Defensive Driving Course.

Winner of the 7th Indigenous Australian Road Safety Award.

Finalist in the Australian Road Safety Awards. We were truly honored to have this recognition for our Defensive Driving Course!

 Defensive Driving Course – One Day Program (ACT)This one-day Defensive Driving Course is ideal for drivers who want to better understand their vehicle, improve safety skills, and learn how modern vehicle technology works in real-world driving situations.
Vehicle technology is evolving rapidly. Even if you have completed this course previously, we strongly recommend attending again if you have purchased a new vehicle, as different cars respond differently due to variations in safety systems, handling, and performance.
Bookings are available for individuals or groups, and all practical training is conducted in your own vehicle, ensuring maximum relevance and skill transfer.

Course Overview

• Duration: One full day
• Time: 9:00 am – approximately 4:00 pm
• Location: Sutton Road Driver Training Complex (ACT)
• Vehicle: Your own car

This course helps you understand how you and your car work together in different driving environments and adverse conditions.

Cost & PaymentCourse Fee:
💲 $390.00 (GST inclusive)
The fee includes:

• Morning tea
• Afternoon tea
• Fully catered lunch

Payment must be made before course commencement via:

• EFTPOS
• Money order
• Bank transfer (details provided upon booking)

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 0417 481 135

Insurance BenefitsMGA Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd, Canberra, has independently evaluated the Panache Defensive Driving Course as a recognised risk management program that may assist in achieving reduced motor vehicle insurance premiums.
For an insurance quote, contact:
Ben Hanson
MGA Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd, Canberra
📞 (02) 6132 4401
📧 [email protected]
Please provide your Panache Defensive Driving Certificate of Attendance when enquiring.

Course Location: Training is conducted at the Sutton Road Driver Training Complex, located approximately 1 kilometre from the intersection of Sutton Road and Pialligo Avenue, on Sutton Road. This purpose-built facility provides a safe and controlled environment for practical driver training.

Course Structure: Theory Component. The theory session introduces the principles of defensive driving and encourages participants to discuss real-world driving challenges they face.
Topics include:

• Common accident scenarios and their causes
• How crashes can be avoided
• Driver behaviour, awareness, and decision-making
• A structured system of vehicle control for safe driving
• Understanding modern vehicle technologies, including ABS and ESP

Participants are encouraged to share recent driving experiences to reinforce learning through real examples.

Practical Component (Conducted in Your Own Vehicle)The practical component is divided into three parts:
Part 1 – Skid Pan Training. Conducted in a safe, controlled environment, participants learn:

• How their vehicle behaves in low-grip conditions
• How modern safety systems respond
• What to do when a car enters a slide
• When and how to rely on vehicle technology correctly

Part 2 – Circuit ExercisesIncludes three key skill areas:

• Stopping distances from 60 km/h and 80 km/h
• Emergency braking is a critical skill often underestimated
• Cornering techniques, including:
  • Correct braking before corners
  • Appropriate gear selection
  • Reducing tyre wear and improving fuel efficiency

Part 3 – Skill ConsolidationParticipants practise and reinforce the skills learned throughout the day, building confidence and consistency.

Course Outcomes: By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Understand how vehicles behave on different road surfaces.
• Brake safely and effectively to avoid hazards
• Apply best-practice steering, cornering, and braking techniques.
• Improve understanding of road rules and driver responsibility
• Recognise how both driver and vehicle react in adverse conditions.
• Identify personal driving skill limits
• Drive within those limits with greater awareness and confidence

All participants receive a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations made more than two days before the course date will receive a credit for use on the next available Defensive Driving Course.
• Cancellations made within two days of the course will forfeit the full course fee.
• Medical exceptions may be considered with a doctor’s certificate.

How to Book: To reserve your place on the course:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 0417 481 135
You will receive pre-course information by email before the training day to confirm your booking.
🎁 Gift vouchers are also available, making this course an excellent gift option.