§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated relating to the relative effectiveness of a learner driver learning to drive with a professional instructor or a member of the learner driver's family; [16333]
(2) if he will make a statement on the research his Department proposes to commission from Surrey university into teaching methods for learner drivers, indicating the (a) cost and (b) duration of contracts and the objectives of the research. [16344]
§ Mr. BowisWe have commissioned the university of Surrey to compare the effects of formal and informal training of learner drivers. The contract was awarded in August 1995 and is due for completion by August 1998. The estimated cost is £269,000.
The objectives of the research are: (a) to compare the experience gained and instruction given in the course of (i) professional driving lessons and (ii) practice with friends and relations; (b) to monitor the progress of drivers engaged in learning to drive using each method in isolation and a mix of the two methods; (c) to identify 567W differences in the level of skill, performance and situational awareness of the different groups and how this changes over time; and (d) to develop recommendations for driver training and practice.