Factors contributing to the high accident liability of novice drivers and the role of driver training

The nature of accidents involving novice drivers is continually debated. No single answer has yet been found to the question of what causes these high accident figures. This presentation aims to review the literature on research into novice driver behaviour, to describe the known contributing factors, and to discuss the results with particular reference how driver training may contribute to greater safety. A more detailed description can be found in Lynam and Twisk (1995). The paper is structured as follows. Starting of with the magnitude and nature of driving accidents, it then discusses how well novice drivers actually drive. Secondly, the question is addressed what factors might contribute to their poor 'performance'. Finally the role of driver training and how inherent limitations of driver training can be overcome, is discusse