The comparison of driver training curriculum and driver licensing systems of EU member states and Turkey

Various training models on theoretical and driving training are applied at driving schools in EC member states and Turkey. The basic aim of these models, apart from rendering theoretical knowledge, is to improve drivers? driving abilities in dynamic traffic environment and to create a basis for traffic safety. In this study, the driving training curriculum and licensing system in Turkey were scrutinized in comparison with those of EU member states. It was meant to find out alternatives and possible courses of action in order to develop an ideal driver training model, content and testing suitable for both national necessities and EC regulations. Although driver training includes the training of three types of driver groups which are student drivers to be licensed for the first time, recently licensed novice drivers and experienced drivers, training and licensing of the latter has been excluded in this study. Since cars and pick-ups form the majority of motor vehicles in Turkey as it is the case all over the world, driver training and licensing for category B was only studied. The data regarding the driver training of EU member states were obtained from the EC project TRAINER which is the most recent and up-to-date resource on the issue. Significant differences such as Goals for Driver Education, probationary license and supervised training were listed and some modifications which are believed to be of vital importance for Turkey were suggested.