The Effectiveness of Home-Study Driver Education Compared to Classroom Instruction: The Impact on Student Knowledge and Attitudes

Problem: Home-study driver education programs exist in several states, but none have been scientifically evaluated to determine if such courses are as effective as classroom courses for teaching driver education. Method: Over 1,300 students were randomly assigned to classroom instruction, or CD ROM, workbook, or Internet/workbook home-study courses and compared on proctored exit examination knowledge and attitude scores, and written knowledge test outcomes. Results: Few differences were found on exit examination knowledge and attitude scores, but they tended to favor the CD and Internet/workbook home-study courses over the classroom or workbook courses. Differences favoring the classroom on written knowledge test outcomes likely reflect a bias in classroom courses toward teaching test-specific material. Discussion: The findings present no compelling evidence that home-study courses are less effective than classroom courses for teaching driver education. Impact on Industry: The findings could result in more widespread use of home-study courses. Also, the use of low-cost home-study courses as the first course of a two-stage driver education and training system could make integrating such programs with graduated driver licensing more feasible and acceptable to the public.