The nature of human learning is described in relation to how drivers are trained and the learning that takes place after a driving licence has been obtained. Intentional and incidental learning, practice and improvement, and the influence of different practice regimes are discussed. It is difficult to prove the benefits of training in the driving situation as it is not possible to have an experimental control group who have not been taught. Radically different practices for driver training are used across the world but the data for accidents are too disparate for meaningful conclusions to be reached about driver training method. A study of learner drivers showed that the amount of driving they did was more important for making progress than the use of a professional instructor. Less able pupils made more progress with a professional instructor than more able pupils. The value of experience after obtaining a driving licence is shown by the reduction in the likelihood of an accident in the subsequent 16 months compared with experienced drivers.
Abstract