As a Driving Instructor I know from personal experience that education about driving theory, road safety, and the risks and responsibilities that come with being in the driving seat - often doesn’t start until the very first driving lesson.
Driving lessons are when our learners should be putting theory into practice.
They should be seeing how driving theory translates into practical ‘real life’ experiences on our roads, and getting ready for a lifetime of independent driving after their driving test - but unfortunately for many that theoretical knowledge and understanding just isn’t there.
Recent figures show young drivers aged 17-24 are responsible for approx. 5% of miles driven, but approx. 20% of car collisions that result in Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI) casualties.
As the DVLA, DVSA and driving instructors, as schools and other professionals, and as parents and carers - are we doing enough to prepare our young people for a lifetime of safer driving, or could we (should we) be doing more?
The Rules of the Road
The Official Highway Code book isn’t the most engaging or user-friendly resource - but along with the other DVSA books that the driving tests are based on: Know Your Traffic Signs, and Driving the Essential Skills, it is packed with essential information for all road users, and especially future drivers.
Free versions of:
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The Official Highway Code - in English and in Welsh, and
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Know Your Traffic Signs - the full book and in sections, are available online.
As passengers, pedestrians, and perhaps as cyclists, young people benefit from the Hierarchy of Road Users in The Official Highway Code - the rules and guidance that give greater responsibility to those who have the potential to do the most harm in a collision.
As our young people get ready to move to a different tier on the Hierarchy - they need support to make that transition with knowledge, understanding and attitudes that will help keep them, and everyone else, safer on our roads.
Other Driving Theory Resources
A growing list of resources for anyone who wants to learn about, or to engage with our future drivers about, driving theory - including: animations, information, posters, guides, school sessions, a podcast, videos, webinars, statistics, campaigns and a VR experience.
Tyre Safe
Information, guides and campaigns - everything you could ever need to know about tyres and tyre safety, and including: the Tyre Safety Month campaign.
The British Horse Society - Dead Slow campaign
Guidance and awareness raising videos - a campaign to make all road users aware of what to do when seeing a horse being ridden on or near a road.
Blue Light Aware
Short videos and animations - created to help drivers understand how to safely support emergency vehicle drivers when the blue lights and / or sirens are on, available in English and in Welsh.
IAM RoadSmart - road safety resources
Posters and videos - free downloadable road safety posters, videos with tips and guidance, plus road safety statistics.
Leicestershire* Fire and Rescue Service - The Hazard Express Van
A VR experience - 'occupants will experience the horrors of a road traffic collision in a controlled environment and the consequences of driving too fast and irresponsibly.'
*Other fire and rescue services may offer similar sessions.
DIA - Impairment Goggles
Drunk Busters Impairment Googles - 'offer realistic simulations of impaired driving effects: reduced alertness, slowed reaction time, visual distortion, poor judgment, and more.'
Warwickshire* County Council - The Journey
School sessions - 'for pupils aged 11 – 18 years, focusing on pedestrian and cycle safety, pre- and young drivers, and pre- and young riders.'
*Other councils may offer similar sessions.
The Honest Truth - My Car My Rules cards
Resources aimed at Driving Instructors - 'no-nonsense, straight-talking, road safety education', including: the inspiration behind the My Car My Rules cards.
Summary
If you know about another organisation offering relevant information or resources - let us know, it could be just what the next visitor here needs.
Don't miss our other lists of useful links:
- Links re: Additional Support Resources
- Links re: Road Safety Resources
- Links re: Road Safety Facts and Figures