CarAdvice Driver Training Program #1

Our aim was to determine if any noticeable result in the skills and attitude of the attendee would improve in any way through having undertaken the course. The courses were to range from those first obtaining their license at 18-years-old (Victoria), through to adult and finally professional drivers in a bid to better understand the influence driver training has on a subject.

The first such exercise was to investigate the driving habits of those new to the road – “P” plate drivers – and put one student through the Level Two Defensive Driving Course at the METEC Driver Training Centre in Kilsyth, Victoria to determine what, if any, outcome could be measured from fulfilling the requirements of the course.

To moderate the training, we had a panel of several representatives from CarAdvice, Franchise Driving Schools and an ex-racing identity watch over the day’s progress to see if the class, and in particular our guinea pig Luke Twomey, would benefit at all from the professionally instructed course.

From observing the course start to finish day, our small panel of experts agreed unanimously that the program was of strong positive benefit to the majority of the class for not only improving their car control, vehicle positioning and motor skills ability, but for imparting an understanding of vehicular physics, road safety and even basic maintenance – especially tyre upkeep – to the young group.

Perhaps most surprisingly just as many female attendees were present at the day’s course and managed to equal their male counterparts in developing an understanding of basic manoeuvrability, braking distances (wet and dry), drug and alcohol effect simulation and knowing their own limitations.

The group appeared to leave the day having gained a better understanding of reaction time, speed and avoidance manoeuvres which seemed to show in their attitude of a serious understanding of how small incremental changes (be they speed, conditions, fatigue, etc) can have dramatic consequences under the wrong situation.

Let’s hope they are never faced with any thing of the sort, but that what they’ve learnt today may assist should the time ever come.

For further course information and discount to CarAdvice readers please contact the METEC Traffic Education Centre.

METEC is a not for profit organisation.