How much training before testing.

By Malcolm Hornsby

How much training before testing Studies indicate that learner drivers that have had in excess of 200 hours of driving experience are safer solo drivers. That is, they represent a lesser accident risk as a licensed driver compared to drivers that have had less experience prior to licensing. Testing authorities generally recommend around 180 hours of driving experience is required before attempting license testing.

Study finds no substitute for experience. A study by Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) seems to indicate, that learner drivers are attempting licence testing with less than 20 hours prior practice behind the wheel. The study shows the only way to reduce the risk to inexperienced drivers of vehicular crash, to that of experienced drivers, is by experience itself. The study commissioned by VicRoads was designed to support the view of an overseas study that showed a reduction of casualty accidents where supervised tuition exceeded 200 hours. The finding is not surprising as most learners will develop driving skills to the level of naturalization by this time. Naturalization is a level of skill where upon a student completes a task with ease and becomes automatic with limited physical or mental exertion. In effect the development of a skill to the level of naturalization is the final stage of training and development. The study concludes that a short driver training course would not aid the development of higher-order driving skills and automaticity of the task.

It is unfortunately true that it can take some learners considerable time to develop their driving skills. Though for most part I have observed that around 50 hours of tutoring by a supervising driver combined with a suitably delivered professional training program can both reduce the cost of driver development in terms of time and money. Without professional tuition, parents can often waste a considerable amount of time allowing siblings to develop their driving skills through trial and error. The results can often render an alarming lack of recognized safe driving technique.