An account is given of the Driver Therapy programme exercised in Germany in the case of drivers who are judged unfit to drive following disqualification. The treatment consists of 4 parts a) an examination to analyse the client's problem, b) behaviour therapy and client-centred psychotherapy, c) a final examination to assess the effects of the treatment and d) a detailed questionnaire after 6 months and interviews after 1, 2 and 3 years. Experience of the system over 9 years is described including statistics concerning the types of offence, sex and age of driver and whether the treatment was completed. Ways in which to estimate the reduction in recidivism achieved are discussed. Figures from the Driver Therapy programme suggest a recidivism rate of 6.3%.
Abstract