Since 1 March 1999, youngsters in Austria have, according to law § 19 FSG, the possibility to apply for a category B driving licence at the age of 17 and thereafter to drive solo. Training can already begin from 16 onwards, accompanied by a lay instructor (father, mother…). A theory and practice based driving school training has to be taken first, and then the learner has to drive at least 3000kms during which 3 on-road & discussion sessions are held in a driving school. The 3000kms covered should be recorded in a logbook and should take at least 2 weeks to complete. The total package provides for a minimum 6-week training timeframe before, from 17 years old onwards, taking the driving test. On successful completion of the test, the driver can drive solo. This distinguishes the Austrian model from that of Sweden, where solo driving can only take place at 18. Originally, a lower speed limit was in place for 17 year old licence holders until their 18th birthday (motorways: 100kmh instead of 130kmh, rural roads: 80kmh instead of 100kmh). This rule was abolished in October 2002 and replaced by the obligation for L17 drivers to have an L17 sign clearly displayed on their car until their 18th birthday. These L17 plates are also necessary for the pre-test accompanied practice period. Regrettably, these plates block out a not inconsiderable portion of the front and rear windscreens. No experienced, safety-conscious driver would drive in this way. The time between the driving test and the driver’s 18th birthday counts as an additional probationary period. So L17 drivers generally have a probationary period of about 3 years, instead of 2. L17 trainees are not required to undertake the first of 2 post-test feedback drives which are part of the 2nd phase training (§ 4a) introduced in Austria in January 2003. The objective of this study, which is part of the VISA project (vertical integration of road traffic users of all ages), is to evaluate the accident involvement of L17 drivers in comparison to drivers who have followed the standard driving school training, referred to hereafter as “L18“. (The model with on-road practice drives is included here). (Author/publisher)
Abstract