March April News Letter

🚗 Drive Smart Newsletter: April, May 2026 Edition

(Visit drivesmart.net.au for more info)

⛽ Beat the Pump: Fuel Savings Hacks!

Let’s face it—petrol prices are making us all a bit dizzy. Since we’re on the road more than most, we’ve found a few ways to keep the tank full without breaking the bank.

Here are our top picks for cheaper fuel right now:

The AFL App: Footy is back, and so are the savings! Grab the AFL Live Official App—they are currently offering 10 cents off per litre at participating Shell sites. It’s a massive win for your wallet.
The Origin App: If you’re an Origin customer, check your app for their rewards. You can typically snag 4 cents off per litre at Ampol/EG sites.

Pro Tip: Combine these with your local supermarket rewards (like 4c off from Woolworths) to really see the price drop!

🌧️ Don't Let a Little Rain Dampen Your Drive!

As the weather starts to shift, those crisp sunny days are being replaced by some classic Melbourne drizzle. While it’s tempting to stay inside with a cocoa, this is actually the best time to get your learner out on the road.

Why drive in the wet?

Vehicle Control: Learners get to feel how the car handles differently on slippery surfaces.
Visibility Management: It’s the perfect time to master the wipers and demisters!

Confidence: If they can drive safely in a downpour, they’ll feel invincible on a sunny day.

🎁 HUGE SAVINGS: The "Friends & Family" Sale!

We want to see more confident drivers on the road, so we’re running a massive special through the end of autumn.

Get 15% OFF our most popular driving packages:

5 Lesson Package
10 Lesson Package
12 Lesson "Check-In" Package

Simply head to our website and enter the code:

FRIENDS15%

(Valid until May 31st, 2026)

🌟 Giving Back: "In The Driver’s Seat"

Drive Smart is super proud to once again be involved with the "In The Driver's Seat" program at Sandown Raceway!

For those who haven't heard of it, this incredible event is organized by the Lions Club. It gives people who are blind or vision-impaired the rare opportunity to get behind the wheel of a car and experience the thrill of driving in a safe, controlled environment.

It is one of the highlights of our year. Seeing the joy and independence that comes from that hour on the track is exactly why we do what we do.

Road Rule of the Month: The "Zip Merge" Mystery

In Victoria, few things cause more "spirited" debate than merging. For April 2026, let’s clear up the confusion between a Zip Merge and a Lane Change. Knowing the difference isn’t just about being polite—it’s about avoiding a fine and keeping your car (and your learners) scrape-free.

1. The Zip Merge (No Lines = First Come, First Served)

A zip merge occurs when two rows of traffic merge into one and there are no dashed lines marked on the road. This is common on country roads or freeway on-ramps where the divider simply disappears.

The Rule: The vehicle that is ahead has the right of way.
The "Smart" Tip: Even if you are only a nose-length ahead, you have the right to merge. However, "zipping" works best when drivers behave like a literal zipper—one from the left, one from the right.

2. The Lane Change (Dashed Lines = Give Way)

This is where most people get caught out. If your lane is ending and you have to cross a dashed white line to enter the next lane, you are officially "changing lanes."

The Rule: You must give way to any vehicle already in the lane you are entering. It doesn't matter if you’re ahead; if you’re crossing that line, you wait for a safe gap.
The "Smart" Tip: Don't wait until the very last second. Signal early and look for a gap so you aren't forced to stop at the end of the lane.