CarAdvice Driver Training Program #1
November 6, 2008 by Matt Brogan
Back in June this year, the CarAdvice team sought to undertake a program whereby we’d have a suitable applicant undertake a Driver Education program on several different levels.
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.
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Great to see some positive action for road safety. Training is so important and it must be good training by professionals as seen here. The other must have for road safety is attitude. It should be ‘cool’ to drive well. Although the taining programs can be part of this, it is fot the community at large to adopt this attitude. One of the limitations on the advanced driving courses is that only those who want to improve their skills go. These people are already better drivers because they want to be.
Once again, a great initiative. Well done.
that would have been a great thing to attend, good stuff.
I did feel like I went back in time watching that video however lol, felt like something you’d see from the 90s
brilliant. good on the parents who send their kids to one of these. Even better those who attend themselves.
How could anyone think any sort of driver training is not beneficial.
I am sure the kids who attend these are not tempted to go out an hoon and try out their new skills either as has been suggested by some self righteous drop-kicks in our communities.
We are a Driving School in Newcastle and run a course very similar to the METEC course. Every new P plate driver should be encouraged to do a Low Risk Driving Course. The biggest problem,we find,is that when they get their P’s they think they can drive.
I have seen the work these METEC instructors put into this course, with positive results continuously. I recommend their courses to drivers young & old. METEC is a not for profit organisation, and unfortunatly is not government funded. These guys know their stuff, spread the word.
Every young driver should consider going to a driver training safety course. The BMW Driver Training course I attended taught me useful skills, was run by professionals of the highest caliber and was quite enjoyable. Young drivers need driver training and not ridiculous good-for-nothing politician-feel-good draconian restrictions for P platers.
Well done CarAdvice. Nice to see you creating your own content.
Hi,
At beginning stage every one should take Driver training classes for safety purpose. There are many advantages to taking an online course for drivers training. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks
Sofia.
California Drivers Ed online course satisfies all DMV requirements for getting California learners permit. Enroll CA DMV authorized course for just $69.95.
Just what Australians really need, to learn how to drive in America
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