NOVICE DRIVER TRAINING: EXPLODING THE MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS

This paper will be based on the 7 years of research and driver training experience amassed by Safe Drive Training in the delivery of novice driver training throughout Australian high schools. Based on this research, it is the objective of this paper to inform driver education providers of the many myths and misconceptions adopted by novice drivers. Key to this topic will be the introduction of the new fatal 'four factors' in novice driver crashes: overconfidence, inexperience, risk taking and peer influence. The position will also be adopted (and elaborated on) that until now, research into driver education programs has been based on the crash-reduction benefit the program may or may not demonstrate. It is the position of this paper, that the wrong yard-stick has been used and that driver education programs should be evaluated on their ability to impart knowledge gain to those undertaking the program. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E208180.