Learner drivers may not be getting enough experience in a wide range of conditions, with research by NRMA Insurance showing some parents are reluctant to teach their children to drive.

Over 40 per cent of parents revealed they had relied on others to supervise their children learning to drive*. However, research has also shown that learner drivers who increase their supervised on-road experience can reduce their crash risk by up to 40 per cent in the first two years of driving.

NRMA Insurance Road Safety Manager, Pam Leicester, said a critical part of learning to drive safely is on-road experience but almost 40 per cent of parents who don't play a role in teaching their children to drive think leaving itsolely to professionals is better for their children.

“Learners need much more experience than most people would be able to accumulate with a driving instructor so parents really have a role to play in supervising their children’s on-road driving experience.

“We encourage learner drivers to aim for 120 hours of supervised experience and a combination of supervision from parents, professional instructors, other family members or friends is the best way to achieve this,” she said.

The research also indicates that those taught to drive by their parents were more likely to experience a broader range of driving conditions including dusk, night time, highways, and dirt roads as there is greater opportunity for practicesessions in varying conditions.

To encourage parents to spend more time on the road with their learner drivers, NRMA Insurance waives the young driver age excess for learner drivers if involved in a collision, providing they are accompanied by a full licenseddriver aged 25 or older.

“Parents are in the fortunate position of having greater flexibility in providing supervised practice in conditions such as wet weather and after dark,” Ms Leicester said.

“You don’t want your children experiencing new conditions for the first time when they are on their Ps and driving alone. Get your children out on the road as much as possible and make sure they have experienced driving in all sorts of conditions.”

Additionally, the research showed fathers were almost 20 per cent more likely than mothers to supervise theirchildren’s learning on the road.

“It’s great to see fathers taking the lead in this area but we encourage all parents, where possible, to share thisresponsibility and help their children gain as much practical experience as possible.

The research also confirmed that being a supervising driver for a young person can be stressful for parents andlearners, with 45 per cent of learner drivers admitting to arguing with a parent while being taught to drive.

“It’s not unusual for emotions to run high during an on-road session so if either of you are tired, upset or stressed, reschedule the practice session for another time,” added Ms Leicester.

November is NRMA Insurance Road Safety Month - a road safety initiative aimed at educating motorists aboutthe dangers on NSW roads and how to avoid them.

From an NRMA media release on 22/11/2006.  For more information, please visit www.nrma.com.au/roadsafety

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