Development of a Supplementary Education and Training Program for Novice Drivers in China

Abstract

The driver population is rapidly increasing in China and crash rates are expected to rise dramatically without effective preventative measures. The objective of this research was to develop a driver education and training program for China adapted from best practice. Based on review of the current system and stakeholder interviews, a program was developed to provide driving lessons in real-world traffic for newly-licensed drivers with a supporting educational manual. The present study aim was to evaluate whether the program could be successfully implemented with 64 pilot study participants. Post-training interviews and spot checks found the majority of participants received the program as intended, with early discrepancies readily overcome. Seventy-nine per cent completed additional recommended but not mandatory components and 100% reported benefiting from participation. It was concluded that the program was appropriate and acceptable. Further research will determine whether the program can help reduce novice driver road trauma in China.