Advanced Driver Training Courses

Advanced driver training courses have been growing rapidly in the United States. These courses combine classroom instruction with behind-the-wheel practice in a parking lot or driving range. The objective is to teach young drivers skid control and other maneuvers that are believed to be important in handling emergency situations. Few of these courses have been evaluated, but the available research suggests they are not beneficial. In fact, some studies show that participants may be more likely to crash—or crash sooner—than teens who do not participate in such programs (Wang, Foss, O’Brien, et al., 2020). Although more research is needed, it appears that advanced driver training programs may increase teens’ confidence more than it increases their driving abilities (Gregersen, 1996; Katila et al., 1996).