Driver competency and knowledge over time

Recent research by ViaStrada and Mackie Research investigated how driver knowledge changes over time and how it could be reinforced as drivers move beyond initial licensing and adapt to evolving road environments and newer road rules, signs and markings.

The work involved scanning relevant literature, reviewing key changes to New Zealand (NZ) road rules and traffic control devices (TCDs) over recent decades, a driver knowledge survey about rules, TCDs, and traffic scenarios, and two online workshops with subject matter experts and general road users. 

There was slight evidence that drivers lose comprehension over time, but very limited evidence on how well drivers adapt to new rules/TCDs. From the survey, the number of years holding a licence was not a strong determinant of knowledge about rules and TCDs, although older rules/TCDs had more correct answers than newer ones. 

Several potential future intervention options were examined including targeted educational programmes, communication campaigns, sign/marking design, and driver testing.

Glen Koorey co-presented these findings at the ACRS Conference in Sydney with Sam Wrightson from Mackie Research; you can find the presentation here.