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Driver training

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MAC and Driver Training

Definition

MAC defines advanced driver training as skills-based, post-licence instruction involving the teaching of techniques to achieve a certain level for specific competencies. Techniques could include, but are not limited to, emergency braking, cornering, brake and evade, or skid control.

There is also reasonable argument in the field of road safety research that skills-based, post-licence instruction is applied to defensive driving techniques.

MAC’s position

MAC maintains a clear position that its sponsorship funding will not be provided for projects related to advanced driver training courses.

MAC has long noted the criticism by road safety researchers of driver training schemes and their effectiveness to improve driver behaviour and reduce crash risk. Numerous research reports are available noting the issues and detailing the criticisms (see further information for an example, with references to other reports).

The major issues are that the training schemes had tended to encourage early driver licensing and concentrated on skills training. There is substantial evidence to show that:

  • Safety improves where licences are obtained at older rather than younger ages; and
  • Skill training, particularly for young males, promotes over-confidence and this leads to road crashes.

MACs 2007/08 Sponsorship Call

MAC’s position is that a proposal for driver training cannot be adequately assessed. Even clear statements that certain activities will be followed and certain attitudes and behaviours promoted, does not mean that these will be followed in practice. Also, it is likely that such training schemes will encourage early licensing.

MAC had a record response to its 2007/08 Sponsorship Call and there are numerous road safety initiatives that MAC can legitimately support. A decision has therefore been made to not support any practical driver training sessions. 

Alternatives

The research reports have given rise to recommendations on sensible ways for driver training to proceed, notably concentrating on attitude and behaviour, with no emphasis on skills training. Skill training does come slowly naturally, and argument is presented in these reports that skill training should come slowly and naturally.

MAC’s belief is that emphasis should be placed on guided development and shaping appropriate driver behaviour rather than driver skill training.

Young drivers are often targets for driver training courses. As an alternative to further skill training for young drivers (beyond pre licence training), MAC encourages novice drivers to:

  • gain more experience through supervised, on-road driving; and
  • improve road safety knowledge to understand the issues that influence behaviour. For example, increasing knowledge of crash risk and learning more about peer pressure and risk taking, which can influence driving goals, self-evaluation and motivation.

 

Further information: The Effectiveness of driver training as a road safety measure: a review of the literature, Dr Ron Christie, RCSC Services Pty Ltd, November 2001.