This paper presents a description of the methods used in research into unlicensed drivers in the UK, and the assumptions necessary to reach conclusions. A national postal survey was carried out of potential unlicensed drivers, involving provisional licence holders, disqualified drivers and drivers whose licence had been revoked. Limitations of this survey were self-selection of responders, poor records used for addressing the questionnaires, and records not updated of provisional licence holders. The sample surveyed is not necessarily representative of the population. Analysis of prosecutions and accidents of unlicensed drivers was attempted but inconsistent data keeping, offence codes and police policy meant that only a small number of crashes could be linked to prosecution for unlicensed driving. Further analysis and additional research is planned. For the covering abstract see ITRD E116025.
Samenvatting