Driver Licensing in Victoria

Monash University Accident Research Centre - Report #27 - 1992

Author: A. McKnight

Full report in .pdf format [380KB]

Abstract:

This report considers driver licensing problems and needs in the State of Victoria. Issues that are addressed include the effectiveness of probationary licences, the nature of the road test, the design of the overall driver and motorcycle rider training systems, and the potential for automated licensing. The study involved the author in observations of licence administration practices, and discussions with both practitioners and researchers.

Executive Summary

The following summary of Victoria's licensing problems and needs results from a month-long study of driver licence practices in Victoria, including observations for licence administration and discussions with both researchers and practitioners.

PROBATIONARY LICENCE

Problem:

  • The current Victorian probationary licence does not fully exploit the available potential for improving the performance of novices in their first three years of driving.

Needs:

  • Reduce accident exposure by licence restrictions that limit the most dangerous forms of driving, including operation at night or youthful passengers.
  • Motivate safe and lawful driving by making removal of licence restrictions conditional upon a specified period of violation-free driving.
  • Improve skill in the perception of hazards by implementing the proposed Hazard Perception Test, providing the means by which probationary licence holders can gain skill in hazard perception and by making issue of a full licence dependent upon completion of training and acceptable performance on the test.

ROAD TEST

Problem:

  • Many qualified applicants fail the road test because of non-uniform, invalid testing as well as ignorance of what is expected of them, resulting in unnecessary expense and inconvenience.

Needs:

  • Advise applicants of test performances and scoring criteria.
  • Improve test uniformity by use of predetermined test observations.
  • Audit examiner performance.
  • Conduct periodic examiner reviews.
  • Monitor and evaluate South Australia's provision for administration of road test by driving schools.

DRIVER TRAINING

Problem:

  • The potential impact of driver training upon road safety may be compromised by the preoccupation of initial instruction with preparation for road tests, the lack of advanced instruction after licensing and the absence of corrective training for traffic violators.

Needs:

  • Establish standards for instructional content, methods, and duration and give consideration to making elements of instruction compulsory.
  • Development in the promulgation of instruction in hazard perception.
  • Consider corrective training for traffic violators whose records do not warrant licence suspension.

MOTORCYCLE TRAINING

Problem:

  • Inclusion of basic instruction and provision for loan of motorcycles in motorcycle training sponsored by VIC ROADS may encourage riding, thereby increasing exposure to motorcycle accidents.

Needs:

  • Consider confining VIC ROADS instruction to the safety-related aspects of motorcycle operation.
  • Consider making satisfactory completion of safety training a requirement for the motorcycle endorsement.

AUTOMATED LICENSING

Problem:

  • The current and projected use of automated licence test equipment does not realise the full potential of automation.

Needs:

  • Make better use of the dynamic graphic capabilities of automation to improve knowledge testing.
  • Increase the range of automated functions to include vision testing and the entry of personal history information.
  • Develop an automated test appropriate for people with literacy difficulties in order to reduce the cost of oral testing and adapt the video version of the Victorian Traffic Handbook for use by people with literacy difficulties.

ELDERLY DRIVERS

Problem:

  • Many drivers with age-related deficiencies are neither identified and/or given appropriate driving restrictions.

Needs:

  • Develop screening methods capable of detecting sensory, perceptual, cognitive and motor impairments through periodic retesting.
  • Improve the referral process to encourage reporting of drivers with age-related deficiencies.
  • Design and evaluate programs to remedy deficiencies and apply appropriate licence restrictions.

Sponsor: VicRoads