In this study, novice drivers' safe driving performance was investigated in a prospective design. Driving performance during a 1 and a half h driving session was rated both by the drivers and their instructors. The results indicated that a model based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour predicted both self-reported performance (50% of variance in general assessments and 33% of variance in estimates of driving errors/violations explained) and instructors' general assessments (17% variance explained). Instructors' assessments of driving errors and violations committed during the session was the only outcome not successfully explained by the model (0% variance explained). The results indicate that self-reports on behavioural criteria are not without merit in tests concerning the contribution of social-cognitive determinants to safe driving. Self-efficacy emerged as the main predictor of performance. Interventions targeting novice drivers, could therefore emphasize mastery experiences in order to facilitate safe driving behaviour. (A) "Reprinted with permission from Elsevier".
Abstract