Driver training and licensing - systems modifications for increased safety

This paper describes a total strategy of road user development, embracing pre licence traffic safety education, licensing, and post licence driver improvement programmes. RACV programmes initiated to demonstrate the feasibility of components of the strategy, with a view to encouraging the Victorian government to adopt each programme, are described. These programmes have led to the conclusion that driving knowledge and positive attitudes are more critical to safe driving, rather than manipulative driving skills. Regarding future directions for driver training and licensing, the RACV believes that a total strategy of road user development is essential. The strategy aims to upgrade the standard of drivers generally, since the alternative of severe licence standards would be socially and politically unacceptable. The RACV believes many aspects of the licensing system in Victoria are in need of review and the paper makes explicit comments on policies regarding licensing age, theory tests and learning materials, skill testing, medical screening, graduated licensing, and probationary licences. The paper concludes by endorsing the current pilot programme for driver improvement, but recommends that the government establish a department of motor vehicles, modelled on American lines, and embracing licensing, traffic enforcement and driver improvement programmes. This would greatly facilitate the implementation of the proposed strategy for road user development.