(I got my drivers licence 2005-02-28)

The most important thing when you want to learn to drive, and especially if you want to be a safe driver, is getting enough hours and kilometres behind the wheel. Experience is just about the only thing that can make you a better driver. (During the first few years after gaining the licence, your statistical risk of crashing drops dramatically.)

How to get enough experience?

Make learning to drive your new hobby for a while. Put it in your calender on a regular basis, and go practice-driving with an experienced companion for at least a few hours every week. Choose someone you’re comfortable spending time with (not necessarily your parents). It is really important that the situation/mood inside the car is positive and relaxed – learning to drive should be a fun experience.

Legislation/regulations on practice driving varies from country to country and state to state, so check with your local authority what’s the case where you live.

Formal driving lessons have close to no proven, positive effect (if your road safety is the objective)

Research done in many countries has shown that most types of formal driving lessons (“drivers ed”) have little proven effect on how safe you’ll be on the road once you get the permanent licence.

• FACT 1: Formally trained students do not have a lower frequency of crashes than those who do not receive such training.
• FACT 2: Students who reduce the length of their learner’s period by taking formal training, actually have a higher statistical crash rate than those who have a longer learning period and no formal drivers ed.

If you are particularly interested in research on driver’s education and accident prevention among young and novice drivers, check these links:

• Traffic Injury Research Foundation (Canada): Young and novice drivers (scroll to the bottom)

• Article on Drivers.com (summary of the report “Effectiveness and role of driver education and training in a graduated licensing system”)

Take care on the road! :)

Be careful when you’re practicing, but don’t be over-anxious. Yes, driving is one of the most risky activities we do as humans, but as long as you’re aware of your weaknesses, you’re likely to be much more careful than those regarding themselves “good drivers”. (Actually, when you start relaxing, getting the hang of things and begin thinking to yourself “Hey, I’m good at this!” – that’s when your big warning signal should start blinking.)

The following applies to both practice driving and driving once you get your permanent licence:

• always wear your seat belt while driving, on short or long trips, on the highway highway or in town
• don’t break the speed limit, it’s there for a reason
• don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• be aware of potential risk factors such as distractions from other people in your car, sleepyness, emotional distress, etc.

Good luck with your driving!