Transports Québec: Research and Development Projects Directory

File: I112.1

Problem:
Road accidents involving young drivers constitute a serious public health problem. In Québec, even though the driving record of young drivers has improved, they are still too many of the, in accidents causing body injury. This is explained by two factors: inexperience and risk-taking. In 1997, an overhaul of the driver licencing system brought with it major changes in the procedure by which new drivers obtained their licences. Despite the positive results of this reform, there are still questions regarding the learning methods used by young drivers, the driving experience they acquire, the role of parents, etc.

Objectives:
The objectives of this research project were: 1) Document the learning methods of new drivers and the sources of learning. 2) Measure the driving experience they acquire during the period when they are accompanied by a qualified driver. 3) Explore the role of the accompanying persons and their influence on new drivers' learning.

Methodology:
The study included a quantitative component and a qualitative component for which various instruments were used: an oral questionnaire at service centres, a telephone survey, a mail-out questionnaire, and a structured interview. Learners were recruited at the service centres of the Société d'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). The total sample of subjects came to 1,344 drivers aged 16 to 24. Forty learner/accompanying parent pairs were also interviewed. The surveys were held in the summer and fall of 2002.

General information:

Modality:
Postsecondary

This amount includes the contribution from the ministère des Transports, from the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) and from the Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la nature et les technologies (FQRNT).

Research report: Profil d'apprentissage de la conduite automobile chez les jeunes du Québec

Results and recommandations:
The research carried out under this project brought several results. It showed, among other things, that the accompaniment rules are widely accepted and that they have helped learners to gain more experience before they drive alone. The gaps that were seen involve in particular the acquisition of safer driving habits. It was also seen that learners acquire little experience for certain actions such as passing other vehicles. Lastly, one of the major improvements that should be made is to improve the skills of accompanying persons.

Project title: Driver Learning Methods Used Today by New Drivers and the Role of Parents in their Learning