Ever since city dwellers decided it was fashionable to own a 4WD, the debate on whether they should be taught how to drive these quite different vehicles has raged. But this argument could apply to all of us: during our driving lifetime, the roads change, the rules change, the vehicles we share the road with change and, most noticeably, the cars we drive change – radically. And yet our skills don’t. Some argue post-licence driver training courses are the answer but, as we reveal, there’s a big difference between the good, the bad and the ugly.

What are post-licence driver training courses?

There are generally two types of courses:

• ‘Advanced’ driver training courses which teach car control skills; and
• ‘Defensive’ driver training courses which teach car control skills with an emphasis on the underlying values, attitudes and thought processes that contribute to safer driving.

The cost is usually around $200–$300 for a one-day course.

How do I tell if a course is any good?

“A good [driver training] course will concentrate heavily on driver awareness, attitude and motivation, whereas a poor course will place undue emphasis on vehicle handling skills,” says Alan Finlay, NRMA Motoring & Services Safer Driving Programs Manager. “The latter soon fade away if not practised regularly, and can lead to some drivers becoming over confident and taking greater risks.”

Who should do a course?

If you’re an experienced driver, i.e. you drive for a living or need specific skills (such as off-road 4WD experience) then these courses may be of benefit. Similarly, if you want to update your skills, think you’ve developed some bad habits or want to adapt to new car technology, these courses can help. But it’s important to look closely at what is to be achieved in the course.

“Young people in particular should not do a course that concentrates on vehicle handling skills alone, as this can lead to over confidence and the possibility of experimenting with new found techniques on public roads,” says Alan.

John Brown, NRMA’s Policy Advisor also notes: “We don’t encourage courses with high-speed skid experiences. Often the best lessons to be learnt at these courses are in the classroom and through group discussion. Advanced courses are not for the typical driver, they’re for professional drivers.”

Alan recommends courses that concentrate heavily on driver awareness, attitude and motivation, but also thinks some hands-on experience of simulated emergencies is a valuable eye-opener

Will they make me a safer driver?

There is actually very little evidence to date that proves post-driver training courses help make safer drivers. So while skills-based driver training and education continues to be recommended, especially by the media, as a potential road safety measure, international and Australian research has consistently shown that attending a short course by itself does not result in road safety gains.

Even if you are taught defensive driving techniques (in addition to vehicle handling skills), there is still the question of your age, gender and attitude, and whether you will appropriately translate what you’ve learned into practice.

Important lessons to learn

NRMA Motoring & Services has recently begun offering its own post-licence driver training courses. These offer skills and tips that we believe are essential in any credible driving course.

“In a typical NRMA Safer Driving course (for post-licence drivers) there will be a mix of classroom discussion - especially about the drivers’ attitude, knowledge and beliefs) - and hands-on experience of emergency braking, as well as braking and swerving,” says Alan.

Given that so many things change during a driver’s lifetime, this course is also designed to update drivers’ knowledge of poorly understood road rules and of newer car technology.

“An example is ABS brakes, where the correct emergency technique is different to that of older cars without ABS brakes,” says Alan.

“Similarly, airbag equipped cars require a minimum distance from the driver’s chest to the steering wheel and a steering technique that minimises the chance of your arms being in the path of the exploding airbag.”

Other simple but important points include correct seating position for the driver, which is vital for good vision and safe, efficient control of the car.

“If you’re not well located in the seat, you may not be able to reach the controls, or you may be supporting yourself with your arms, leading to early onset of fatigue. If your mirrors are not correctly adjusted, there are larger than necessary blind spots around the car. If the pressure in your tyres is too low, the car’s handling will be less than optimal and tyres can wear prematurely,” says Alan.

You’ve done a course. What next?

It is vital to remember that simply acquiring extra knowledge and skill doesn’t automatically lead to a change in behaviour. To see the benefits you need to be motivated to become a safer driver. No driving course can ever be a substitute for an intelligent, responsible and careful approach to driving.

NRMA Motoring & Services’ courses are held in Canberra and Sydney. For more details call 6284 2533 (Canberra); or 1300 696 762 (all other areas and for information about our Safer Driving products and services), or check online http://www.mynrma.com.au/saferdriving.asp.

Choosing a course

If you decide you’d like to do further driver training, do your research first. Once you’ve picked a course ask to observe part of it before you book. Check for:

• Instructors who communicate well – they mustn’t only be good drivers, they should be good talkers and listeners as well;
• Instructors who don’t emphasise speed and performance, but rather what can go wrong in an emergency – the aim should be to show you the limits of your car and your driving abilities in a safe environment;
• Instructors who emphasise the risks inherent in driving, and the importance of being able to identify and react appropriately to hazardous situations;
• A long history of involvement in driving courses – beware of fly-by-night organisations
• Whether there is an emphasis on classroom-based discussion about low risk driving behaviours and attitudes, with less behind-the-wheel control skills.