ABSTRACT

Much of what is normally considered ‘learning to drive’ proceeds from the point at which drivers begin to undergo formal training. What the driver is taught at this early stage of his or her career will be understood in terms of any relevant skills (e.g. cycling) or knowledge (e.g. travel as a passenger) the learner driver already possesses. Similarly, the learning which drivers are required to do later, when vehicles, traffic regulations or performance capabilities change, depends greatly on earlier experience as a driver. What and how drivers learn is therefore an important consideration, not only for those seeking to minimize the difficulties inexperienced drivers have, but also in understanding the problems faced by more experienced motorists in adapting to new-found circumstances.