Traffic safety-enhancing measures for novice drivers after obtaining a driving licence in the German system of novice driver preparation
The first years of the driving career of novice drivers are characterized by a high accident rate. On the initiative of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI), the Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) established a project group. The project group’s task was to propose measures for the time span after driver education and licensing tests. During this time span independent driving starts and novice drivers’ accident risk is highest (so-called “high risk phase”). For the measure development possibilities of gaining driving experience under low-risk circumstances, of amplifying protective regulations as well as of educational interventions (i.e. driver training) should be taken into account.
As a result the project group proposes an approach for the future orientation of the German system of novice driver preparation during the high risk phase of initial independent driving. Essentially the joint proposal includes 3 elements: an extension of the probationary period from the current 2 years to 3 years in the future, a possible reduction of the probationary period of up to 12 months as an incentive for the participation in qualified measures as well as accompanied driving and novice driver training as qualified measures.
The results of the project group’s work were presented to the relevant committees and to the Conference of Transport Ministers. The possibilities and conditions for legal implementation are now being examined and discussed.