Quality and standardization in the driver training process in the light of harmonization with the European Union.

The driver training system is undoubtedly one of the most important elements of the road traffic safety system. Particular elements of the safety system are subject to constant changes, such as vehicle structure, road planning and traffic organization; moreover, the public's views on the problems of traffic safety also change. Accordingly, it's necessary to continually perfect the driver training system. One of the most important criteria governing these changes should be quality. The contemporary driver must know how to properly assess risk on the road and his own capabilities and skills in dealing with difficult situations, as well as recognize and allow for the needs of other participants in traffic. In this context, it's not enough to be familiar with road traffic regulations and have the technical skills to drive a motor vehicle. A good thus safe driver should, in the course of his training, attain the basic skills connected with maneuvering a vehicle, moving in traffic, acquire experience, and while doing so have the appropriate personal attitudes concerning safety issues. All of these aspects contribute to his actual behavior behind the wheel. Teaching programs should take into account the everyday lives of young people and strongly concentrate on making them aware of the dangers that they may encounter while driving and of the fact that driving skills do not suffice to prevent accidents. All these requirements must be satisfied within the framework of the driver training process. In order to do so, however, the necessary conditions must be ensured in terms of personnel (qualified instructors and examiners) as well as driver training schools. All of this is a condition for the appropriate quality of the service that is preparing aspiring drivers to safely participate in road traffic. In the context of the integration of the many countries of the European Union, in which there exists the free flow of services and people, the issue of introducing qualitative norms governing the sphere of education, including driver training, becomes particularly important (A). For the covering abstract of the conference see E217780.