2. EMBED THINKING SKILLS INTO DRIVER TRAINING & LICENSING
DVSA To Rethink Driver Training and Licensing

A common language and understanding of how to minimise crash risk should be part of a lifelong-learning approach which drivers refresh throughout their driving careers. The profoundly important book ‘Mind Driving – New Skills for Staying Alive on the Road’ satisfies this need through its ‘Speed-Surprise-Space’ Risk Model. Unlike ‘speed kills’, this actually defines safety but has so far been ignored by the DVSA. A form of Progressive Licensing Scheme, (e.g. Preliminary, Provisional and Full licences), should be considered in which every driver must be able to explain the Risk Model and demonstrate applying it in practice before they can progress to the next level of competence. Retaining that level can then become a badge of honour.

• To become a safe, fully competent driver requires specific training to keep speed, surprise and space in balance at all times whatever the road situation that unfolds. Then, and only then, will the risk of crashes be minimised.
  
  
• Appallingly, few drivers if asked could articulate this fundamental Risk Model. Achieving balance necessitates drivers to be trained to THINK in accordance with the model whereas current driver training still emphases “hands and feet” skills.
  
  
• Merely exceeding the speed limit is not in itself dangerous. The powerful Risk Model proves conclusively that emphasis on speed alone is reckless and misleading since speed cannot be viewed in isolation from the two other factors.
  
  
• Despite being published to great acclaim, the Risk Model was but not adopted by the establishment. Today it would make the single biggest contribution to road safety by finally making driver training relevant and effective. Again the Transport Secretary must override any lingering resistance from DVSA officials. The maxim “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” applies here. New drivers should first be taught the Risk Model in the classroom before going out behind the wheel. Then alongside mastering the car controls the thinking skills  can be DRILLED into them by instructors in each driving situation they encounter
  
   
• So far as licensing is concerned, the maxim “You only really learn to drive after you have passed your test” is also relevant here. Only as drivers acquire sufficient experience over time can they reach proficiency in applying the Risk Model as it finally becomes second nature. Our proposed Progressive Licensing Scheme therefore envisages a Preliminary Phase where the learner drives under instruction, a Provisional Phase where new drivers gain sufficient experience of independent driving without an instructor and before they can achieve a Full Licence when a final test demonstrates that they are fully proficient drivers