Identifying best practices in a process evaluation of a novice driver education program

Area of Science:

• Road safety
• Driver education research
• Pedagogy

Background:

• Best practice in driver education should be evidence-based.
• The Goals for Driver Education (GDE) matrix outlines essential driver skills.
• Adult learning principles and instructional research inform effective driver training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Keys2drive program against best practice criteria derived from the GDE matrix.
• To assess the alignment of a national driver education program with established pedagogical principles.
• To identify areas for improvement in novice driver education.

Main Methods:

• Development of an 18-practice evaluation checklist based on the GDE matrix and adult learning theory.
• Review of the Keys2drive program using the established checklist criteria.
• Analysis of program alignment with best practices in driver education.

Main Results:

• The Keys2drive program was reviewed against a comprehensive checklist of 18 best practice criteria.
• Key criteria included theoretical basis, GDE components, parental involvement, feedback, resilience, coaching, commentary driving, self-assessment, risk awareness, and support for safe vehicles/licensing.
• The review aimed to determine the program's adherence to these best practices.

Conclusions:

• Driver education program evaluations must consider novice drivers' interpretations of GDE goals, particularly risk factors.
• Instructors should employ 'How?' and 'Why?' questioning to explore novice drivers' understanding and values.
• Ensuring alignment with evidence-based practices and the GDE matrix is crucial for effective driver education.