120 hours : is the message getting through? : learner drivers and driving practice.

Probationary drivers are over-represented in crashes, particularly in their first year of solo driving. Studies have shown that a minimum of 120 hours supervised driving practice as a learner is associated with reduced risk of crashing in the first year of solo driving. VicRoads, TAC and other bodies have implemented programs to encourage and facilitate the accumulation of 120 hours of supervised driving practice. Beginning in 1999, VicRoads and TAC commissioned a series of surveys to evaluate the success of these programs. Each survey samples a cross-section of learner and newly licensed drivers at different stages of the learner permit period. Responses are used to estimate learner drivers' hours of supervised driving practice and professional lessons. The results of the 2004 survey stated that estimated total of hours of supervised driving has risen substantially since the first survey, and this paper demonstrates where the increases have occurred as well as charting the variety of driving experience accumulated. Respondents' exposure to and perceived helpfulness of the programs is assessed. Hindrances to practice, attitudes towards supervised practice, and respondents' thoughts on what would encourage more practice are also reported. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E214930.