Review of Evidence Base on Pre/Post Test Driver Interventions

The Department for Transport has overall responsibility for road safety within the British Government. Newly qualified drivers of all ages experience an elevated risk of crashing their car in the first two years of passing their test (although the risk is even higher for those under the age of 25). Existing research indicates that approximately 20% of new drivers have a crash within the first six months of passing their test and 10% are caught committing a driving offence in their first two years.

The proportionately higher accident rates of young and novice drivers when compared to other groups of drivers can be attributed to two primary factors: a lack of experience behind the wheel, and the common behaviours associated with young and novice drivers. The behaviours associated with the elevated crash risk include: risk perception and handling, hazard perception, drink driving perceptions, multiple young passengers in the car, failure to wear a seatbelt, and perceptions of speeding, amongst others.

Interventions (whether delivered by public, private and charitable organisations) can be categorised as attempting to impart knowledge, change attitudes, or improve skills (or combinations of the three). Interventions can be delivered pre- or post-test and can include (but are not limited to): Simulations, Games, Electronic Feedback (e.g. Telematics feedback), E-learning, Classroom-based learning, In-car lessons, Occupational learning, Insurance-related restrictions, and guidance surrounding eco-driving and lower fuel costs. Interventions could also take the form of 'softer' initiatives, such as – but not limited to – communications campaigns which aim to change young and novice drivers' perceptions and behaviours. The evidence currently held by the Department for Transport on the effectiveness of these pre- and post-test interventions is limited or – given the pace of technological change in this area – is relatively out-dated.