Recent developments in young driver education, training and licensing in Australia.
Australian young driver education and training approaches have differed from the mandatory school-based programs found internationally; generally comprising voluntary programs conducted outside of licensing. This paper reports on recent developments pertaining to the pre-learner, learner, and provisional license stages. Given its important context, state-based graduated driver licensing systems are also reviewed. There has been a shift toward starting driver education younger (pre-learner), greater involvement of parents, and more school-based programs; many now conducted by licensing authorities. The majority of initiatives are yet to be evaluated, particularly relative to crash outcomes; however, some studies suggest other positive outcomes, including increased supervised practice and delayed licensure. Furthermore, the federal government is proceeding with plans for a national license-based program. Several jurisdictions have also announced the introduction of passenger and nighttime restrictions on provisional licenses. Together these initiatives offer promise of reductions in young driver-related fatalities and injuries in the very near future.
Senserrick
Teresa M
TM
Center for Injury Research and Prevention (formerly TraumaLink), The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th St. and Civic Center Blvd., 3535 Market Street, Suite 1024, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. senserrick@email.chop.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000367:Age Factors; D001315:Australia; D001333:Automobile Driver Examination; D001334:Automobile Driving / Q000193:education* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D008004:Licensure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000639:trends; D011640:Public Policy; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012449:Safety / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D013997:Time Factors