A major cohort study was set up in 1988 to explore the relationship between the experience gained while learning to drive and the subsequent accident rates of recently qualified drivers. The study has the objective of gathering detailed information concerning the methods used by learner drivers in Great Britain, and of identifying any aspect of the learning experience which is particularly associated with better or poorer subsequent accident rates. Factors associated with better or poorer performance in the driving test, driver attitudes and development of driving skills once the test has been passed are also examined. This report is the first in a series of 4 which will be published under the collective heading of "Cohort study of learner and novice drivers". It outlines the methodology of the study and presents the findings from the component surveys of driving test performance and of methods used while learning to drive. Test performance is considered in relation to learning methods in general, but with particular attention to the effects of professional instruction and practice with friends or relations and the differences between male and female candidates in their adopted learning strategy and test performance. The implications of the findings for driving instructors and learner drivers are discussed. (A)
Abstract