Five years of data (1998-2002) were used to examine whether there was a relationship between the method of driver licensing - Competency Based Training (CBTA) or Vehicle On-Road Test (VORT) - and the subsequent crash experience of young drivers, using logistic regression analysis. The main findings of this study were: statewide, choosing the VORT was associated with a 6 per cent increase in the odds of having at least one crash in the first 180 days. In one year, if those who chose VORT had an equivalent crash risk to those who chose CBT, there might have been 20 fewer non-casualty and 10 fewer casualty crashes in South Australia in new drivers’ first six months of driving. The choice of licensing method was less important than the variables: area of residence, sex, age and the period spent on a learner’s licence. However, choosing VORT rather than CBT could easily be due to factors (amount of travel, personality, social habits) that are also associated with a greater likelihood of crashing. We therefore found no clear evidence that any differences between the VORT and CBT methods of licensing are related to subsequent crash experience. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E214057. Printed volume contains peer-reviewed papers. CD-ROM contains submitted papers.
Abstract