PROSPECTS OF IMPROVING DRIVER TRAINING IN EUROPE

An overview of the current philosphies and practice of car driver training in European countries is given, with specific reference to the training and licensing systems in France, Germany and Britain. Evidence of the advantages of including compulsory training, extended accompanied driving, and practice without formal instruction is examined. The potential for improvement through greater emphasis on hazard perception and risk assessment, self-assessment of skills during training, and modification of attitudes to risk is discussed. An integrated process involving extended contact with novices through pre-driver education, theory and practical training, testing and post-test sanctions is considered to have the best chance of achieving a substantial improvement in the accident liability of novice drivers.