Teaching New Zealanders to drive more safely is a serious undertaking. But that doesn't mean it can't be enjoyable. (In fact, research shows that learning is more effective when it's fun.)

Your driving, like any skill, is either improving or declining. Learn how you can continuously improve your driving by focusing on key skills: risk awareness, hazard perception, anticipation, alertness, vehicle control and scanning.

The correct driving position improves driver control, reduces inattention and fatigue, prevents back pain and RSI and lowers the risk of injury in a crash. Learn position pointers and the simple steps to adjust a vehicle to suit your frame.

What reaches speeds up to 320kph and saves thousands of lives? What’s a “grabber” and why might it literally become your life line? Find out about these explosive safety devices, and some techniques to further minimize injuries should a crash occur.

A handbag or briefcase might one day threaten your life. People get killed or seriously injured in otherwise survivable crashes by objects inside their vehicles. Discover the checklist you should go through to ensure your car doesn’t turn into a lethal weapons arsenal in a crash.

To stay fully aware of everything going on around you while you’re driving, you need to scan in a systematic cycle. Learn the #1 expert driving secret, known to all professionals from truck drivers to racing drivers.

A major factor in an estimated 25% of all crashes, distractions come in many forms, sometimes occurring suddenly, sometimes slowly taking over your attention. Learn practical ways you can avoid contributing to this statistic.

Mobile phones and cars don’t mix — no, not even hands-free. Discover why these ubiquitous tools are so dangerous, and the best tips to sharply reduce risk without completely cutting yourself off from the modern world.

Who’s right and who’s wrong don’t come into the equation when tempers flare on the road. Learn the constructive steps you can take to ensure that violence doesn’t follow.

Driver fatigue is one of the hidden killers on our roads. Learn how to recognize the signs of fatigue and the onset of its result, drowsiness, how to avoid it from occurring, and what to do if you do experience it while driving.

Can your trip really get more dangerous as you get closer to home or work?
Sometimes a driver simply stops noticing new or changed hazards. Suddenly something happens — resulting in a near miss or even a crash. The driver’s usual explanation: “I just didn’t see it”. Discover techniques that will prevent this bad habit forming.

The law is one thing. Safety is another - the law does not tell you whether you’re fit to drive, only whether it is legal for you to drive. Learn the pitfalls of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol - even legal prescription drugs - and the best strategy for staying safe.

The footprint of an average car tyre is no bigger than the sole of a man’s sport shoe. Those 4 footprints are the only thing keeping your car from hurtling off the road. Suspension, too, plays a major role in road safety. Learn how to recognize what’s unsafe, and what to do about it.

The electronic driving era is here! Your car is likely to contain some amazing electronic interventions to help keep you on the road, no matter what. But what does it mean if you keep triggering them? Learn the systems that affect road handling and safety, and how to make the most of the advantages they offer.

Does driving faster really get you there any sooner? The truth might surprise you. A speed is safe when you allow for the driving conditions and can stop in the visible distance ahead. Discover the factors that affect these two crucial safety measures, and the influence they have - separately, and in combination - on your safety and your fuel consumption.

An emergency stop should never be necessary. But if it is, it needs to be a good one — which is more difficult than you think. Find out how to do this safely, check out some of the facts and myths around ABS and, most importantly, learn the best ways to avoid ever needing to use this advice.

There is no such thing as “skid control”. If you’re in a skid, you are out of control. Learn the two golden rules of cornering that will ensure that you stay in control of the car at all times - and find out what common mistakes you should avoid.

We all want to save money, and you’ll be amazed to find out just how much you can save if you approach your driving from an economy perspective. Learn how to save on fuel and wear-and-tear costs - and how to reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.

Low speed manoeuvring crashes are the most common cause of vehicle damage. The consequences vary from annoying and expensive to absolutely tragic, but they are nearly all preventable. Learn prevention strategies to ensure you don’t contribute to the statistics.

Intersection crashes are the third most common cause of road deaths and serious injuries. Find out the leading causes of intersection crashes, and learn the skills that will keep you and other road users safe.

Now that you’ve successfully completed the SharpDrive First Principles driver training course, take a moment to reinforce the awareness and attitudes you’ve gained from the different topics we’ve covered.