Learner and Novice Driver Focus Groups - Research Project

Novice drivers in the six months following passing the practical driving test, are involved in a disproportionately high number of accidents . However, evidence shows that the more practice learners do prior to taking a test, the safer they are post-test . In safety terms, there are good reasons for encouraging learner drivers to be better prepared both for their driving test and for driving independently once they have passed the test.

Whilst learner drivers are naturally keen to pass their test as quickly as possible, the Authority want to encourage a culture of taking the practical driving test when the candidate is judged ready, rather than simply as soon as possible. Currently fewer than half of candidates pass the practical driving test first time. The Authority would like to improve that figure, and will encourage learner drivers to apply for their test when they are truly ready for independent driving.

Current evidence suggests that the proportionally higher collision rates for young and novice drivers' when compared to other groups of drivers, can be attributed to two primary factors: inexperience and attitude. Current evidence also suggests that more supervised on-road practice is linked to fewer road traffic collisions amongst novice drivers.

The Authority are looking at ways to encourage learner drivers to broaden their pre-test driving experience, to include a wider variety of different roads and situations. The Authority also want to ensure that when learners book and take a practical test the system meets their needs, as customers.