Review of Learning to drive safely

Abstract

Reviews the book entitled "Learning to drive safely" by A. R. Lauer. This manual conveniently and precisely presents a well-conceived driver training course for the course administrator, the driving instructor, and the student. Duties and responsibilities of all connected with the course from administrator to student are specifically prescribed, including such details as solicitation and payment of fees and principles and procedures to protect students and equipment. The course material itself consists of ten basic units of instruction, which may be covered in ten or more lessons. Each unit contains an introduction directed to the student, an outline of skills to be mastered, a few reference readings, a list of questions, and a student's report form. A valuable appendix contains specific suggestions for handling classes, suggested administrative forms, psychophysical and psychological tests, a list of equipment needed, and a list of films and visual training aids. While the manual is directed to a nonprofessional audience, there are two items of particular interest to psychologists. First, the author considers the development of proper attitudes toward driving as a most important part of the course. Secondly, the appendix does contain a short section on the interpretation and use of psychophysical and psychological tests. In, summation, the manual should be a tremendous aid to the school administrator planning to establish a driver training course or seeking to improve an existing course. Its primary value to psychologists, as well as to all citizens, will not come from reading the manual, but will accrue from the lowering of the accident rate as more and better formal training courses are established. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)