On 1 August 1987, a graduated driver licensing scheme (GDLS) was introduced in New Zealand. It was designed to give young drivers, aged 15-24, driving experience, while being excluded from high-risk driving situations. This paper reports a study which examined the attitudes of teenagers in the city of Dunedin, New Zealand, towards the GDLS, and how far it affected them. The teenagers were interviewed at age 15, when the GDLS was first introduced and before they were licensed, and again at age 18, after they had had experience with this licensing system. At both ages, over 70% of those questioned agreed with the driving restrictions imposed by the GDLS. After they had gained experience of the restrictions, significantly more of them reported that they had actually been greatly affected by them, than had expected to be greatly affected at age 15. Many were affected by the restrictions on carrying passengers and on the ban on driving between 10pm and 5am, but few reported being affected by the alcohol restriction. 68% of those with a graduated licence reported breaking at least one of its conditions, but few received penalties frm the police for this. Although most of the young drivers favoured the restrictions, non-compliance was frequent. The authors recommend a full evaluation of all aspects of the GDLS.
Abstract