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Paper Title:
The Experience of Learning
to Drive in New Zealand: a Survey of Novice Drivers and their Parents
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Authors:
Susan Cambridge
Abstract:
The NZ Roadshow Trust
carried out a survey of young drivers and their parents to gather
information about their experience when learning to drive.
A sample of 324 young
drivers and 146 of their parents/caregivers from six secondary schools
in Canterbury were surveyed. Written questionnaires were distributed
through the schools with parents having the option of returning
completed questionnaires by mail.
The survey collected
information about the ages of the novice drivers at the different
stages of getting a licence. Questions were asked about who gave
them most of their instruction and the type and frequency of their
driving practice. Both parents and students were asked about their
attitudes during lessons and practice and whether they regarded
the experience as positive.
The results show that
the majority of young drivers get most of their lessons from parents/caregivers.
Most get far fewer hours of practice during the learner phase than
the recommended minimum. Many parents/caregivers said they were
nervous about the lessons.
Information about the
crash record and infringement notices showed a third (29%) of these
young drivers reporting having had an accident.
The study concluded that
young drivers in New Zealand were receiving minimal amounts of driving
practice in the learner stage. Following recommendations from the
survey, the Roadshow Trust is developing a pilot programme to raise
awareness among novice drivers and their parents of the need for
more driving experience, an issue that has not been approached in
New Zealand before.
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