DRIVER LICENSE AND DRIVER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS--A NATIONAL REVIEW

This report culminates a twelve month effort to review driver license and driver improvement practices throughout Australia. A survey was conducted in each of the six Australian States and two Territories to gather data on existing programs. The report points out the limitations of the driver license selection process as it is presently operated. The present process attempts to keep poor drivers off the road by denial of license. The present process also operates a points demerit system which, in most instances, automatically suspends or cancels licenses. The report suggests that this approach to driver license administration is no longer feasible in recognition of the fact that licensing is part of the larger social/legal/political system. Effectiveness of driver licensing and driver improvement programs is difficult to ascertain since crashes are rare events and most drivers would not be predicted to experience a crash within any given year. A model system is proposed which allows entry into the initial license process at an early age, then determines increasing proficiency in the early months of driving. This process would employ a classification system to establish sub-groups of drivers in need of further education and training. A series of driver improvement techniques for use with poor drivers is recommended. The implementation of these programs would, however, be dependent upon demonstrated effectiveness. Points demerits schemes would form the basis of identification of target populations replacing their present use as automatic sanctioning devices.

• Corporate Authors:

  Department of Transport, Australia

  Canberra, A.C.T,   Australia 
• Authors:
  • COPPIN, R S
• Publication Date: 1977-9

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 222 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Age; Classification; Driver licenses; Driver licensing; Driver training; Drivers; Driving tests; Highway safety; Improvements
• Uncontrolled Terms: Driver age
• Old TRIS Terms: Driver restriction
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00173226
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 26 1978 12:00AM