Competing or Complementing: Driver Education and Graduated Driver Licensing

Driver education and graduated driver licensing are two countermeasures designed to help reduce the crash risk of young novice drivers. However, while driver education enjoys popular support there is a lack of evidence confirming that it reduces crash risk. In contrast, research has suggested a strong link between the introduction of stronger graduated licensing schemes, which include restrictions such as limits on late night driving or peer passengers, and crash reductions. This paper will present preliminary findings from a survey of novice driver experiences in Queensland. Implications for the better integration of licensing requirements and driving training are discussed.