The Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) in partnership with Highway Safety Services and with sponsorship from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), conducted a comprehensive literature review to assess and enhance the Novice Teen Driver Education and Training Administrative Standards (NTDETAS). These standards, which guide driver education programs across the U.S., are grounded in expert opinion, experience, and available scientific evidence. The review aimed to identify existing information gaps and formulate key research questions that could inform future updates to the NTDETAS, ensuring they remain relevant and effective in the ever-evolving landscape of driver education.
The literature review focused on three primary research areas: the value of blended learning, the role of deliberate practice, and the integration of technological approaches in driver education. These topics are particularly relevant as we transition from Generation Z to Generation Alpha, who are increasingly accustomed to digital learning and technology. The literature review systematically explored both driver education-specific studies and broader educational research to address these topics, offering insights into how current and future standards can be adapted to meet the needs of new generations of novice drivers.
The ongoing debate regarding the effectiveness of driver education in reducing crashes and fatalities highlights the importance of developing and adhering to robust, evidence-based standards like the NTDETAS. By continuously reviewing and updating these standards, the aim is to ensure that driver education programs are not only consistent and of high quality but also aligned with the latest research and best practices. The findings from this literature review are a key step in refining the NTDETAS, with the ultimate goal of improving road safety outcomes for novice drivers.
This technical report, Driver Education and Training Promising Practices: A Systemic Literature Review, is available to download from the NHTSA website: https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/75938
