Accident risk among novice drivers: An evaluation of changes in car driver training and licensing in Norway

In 1994-95 the rules for driver training and licensing were changed. Possibilities of private driver training were extended, mandatory training in traffic schools was reduced, and the licensing test became more extensive. A postal questionna-ire about accidents and exposure was adminis-tered to about 23 000 drivers aged 18 through 20 years, divided into two groups having obtained their licenses respectively before and after the change. The results showed a small increase in private training and a decrease in training at traffic schools, but no differences in accident risk. For both groups the risk was halved during the first 9 to 10 months of driving. The evaluation does not address possible effects of the reduced age limit for driver training (from 17 to 16 years) or the removal of the phase 2 driver training.