Driving instructor comments from the ‘WAB courses for new drivers’ survey of 30 November 2012

The Swiss driving instructor comparison surveyed 247 driving instructors on the subject of ‘WAB courses’.

Information on the survey can be found here: Survey WAB courses for new drivers.

Driving instructor comments from the survey

FL training should be supported !!! Theory and practice

As all driving instructors who are not classified as high-risk drivers have to attend further training courses every year and pay for them themselves, I consider a one-off WAB course of 2 days for new drivers to be very sensible and, with course costs of around CHF 700, very favourable.

I think the WAP courses are very good because the test is always at the forefront of the learning process. In the WAP courses, new drivers are much more attentive to these important topics and many are grateful for the instruction. Ps. Cycling politicians should not think so much about power, but about road safety

The accident statistics show that in the 2nd year after the test there is an enormous increase and only normalises after 5-6 years. The probationary period should even be extended to 5 years! Only then does the young driver have the filter of vision that enables them to drive safely and with foresight!

For me, the 1st day is ok. The 2nd day should already be sufficiently integrated and trained in the first phase. What happens here with older drivers, for example? You could get a lot out of them, especially when it comes to environmentally friendly driving. But the cost of a day's training may not be reasonable!

As long as basic training with a driving instructor is not compulsory, the WAB is a patchwork. A compulsory course belongs at the beginning of training, not at the end!

The WAB courses must be abolished and replaced by a compulsory basic training course similar to the basic training for driving a motorbike.

The first day of the course is great. You can achieve a lot through insight without big words. The second day of the course should be revised in terms of the programme.

Insurance companies have to pay around CHF 7 billion for accidents. Around 5.4 billion alone because of new drivers. That says it all, doesn't it? The attitude of young people towards behaviour in road traffic has fallen to an absolute minimum. There is almost no knowledge of theory any more, as most of them learn the situations for the theory test by heart.

Hello, I read in 20min that the WAB moderators are trained in a quick 10-hour course. Such statements must be challenged.

As I said, course 2 yes, course 1 is already given to the students in the VKU (rip-off). I can't listen to all the discussions over and over again about the new drivers! In any case, young drivers still frequently cause accidents due to alcohol, overconfidence and lack of experience. But I can't understand how politicians react to this, more and more laws and regulations don't solve the problems, on the contrary they only encourage certain new drivers to think and act even more unscrupulously. If we didn't have such a despondent policy, those who speed and have been warned and do it again would have their driving licence revoked for life. Because those who speed and have to prove themselves on the road don't just try, and they certainly won't be deterred by a fine! Speeding is a matter of character and, in my opinion, a question of intelligence. Accidents, speeding etc. cannot be reduced to zero, certain men and women should realise this illusion and face reality. Ps. Abolish these damn leasing contracts, we would have solved a big problem, e.g. 50% fewer cars on the roads (environmental thought!!) or the new drivers could not lease a 300hp machine immediately after passing their test, which they cannot handle at all. In some cases, young drivers are, perhaps it sounds absurd, encouraged to feel like racing drivers. I would have 1000 suggestions to make, but nobody asks us driving instructors when it comes to such decisions, we are the ones who work on the young people for an average of 4 months and have a great influence on their further life as road users. Our thoughts so often go in the wrong direction. What a pity, really.

Not only young people but also all other motor vehicle drivers should be subject to regular testing.

I fully agree with the assessment of the BfU.

To question 11: Our image is suffering greatly, but such secondary training is more necessary than ever! As self-responsibility is becoming less and less, and the driving style is getting worse and worse (by the way, young people are blaming their parents for this!), a second course of training must be compulsory! This behaviour, this development is probably due to today's ‘lifestyle’, is therefore a ‘mirror of our society’ To question 9: The ‘driving lessons’ of a learner driver are the ‘initial training’ The ‘WAB courses’ are the ‘secondary training’ Since in the ‘initial training’ today not only the learner drivers put pressure on the driving instructor, which was the case 5-10 years ago, but also the parents exert pressure, the ‘secondary training’ can only be integrated into the initial training if a minimum number of driving lessons becomes compulsory. Imagine the outcry! ‘Rip-offs, etc.’ ( The learner drivers want to take the test as soon as they can operate the car to some extent! ) Then nobody talks about driving in traffic and the parents support this. It would make sense to introduce a compulsory further training course every 10 years to change the mindset of the ‘role models’! How many would be amazed at their driving style? How many would admit that they once learnt and did it better? My guess is VERY MANY. I teach and lead such courses at TCS. They are attended by senior citizens of their own free will and have been tested and approved by the VSR. The BFU is of the opinion that these courses contribute significantly to road safety and therefore even allows money to flow from the ‘Road Safety Fund’ and thus subsidises it! It is time to act, not to say ‘crack down’!

WAB courses in driver training: Absolutely impossible; the learner driver has enough material to work through in a ‘complete’ training course. How am I going to teach a learner driver to bring an out-of-control vehicle back under control if they haven't even learnt how to control the vehicle properly? The learner driver would be TOTALLY overwhelmed and the course would never even come close to where the candidate could learn anything. Additional comment to the above answers: Basically, I am convinced that in 2, 3, 5, 20 or more course days, it is not even possible to scratch at the mental attitude that leads to serious traffic offences being committed. Any person can behave themselves on a course day; this does not change the basic attitude of this person, it rather confirms it. The WAB courses are (in my opinion) mainly there to create more jobs. Course participants who benefit from the courses are those who are already careful and cautious in traffic anyway. So basically not those who should be reached. Perhaps an optional further training course for conspicuous new drivers would be the appropriate solution. The problem is that the traffic safety centres would no longer be profitable and the necessary attitude of the offenders could still not be changed. So it's no good either. Stupid :-( I stick to my guns: WAB courses only help the road safety centres and are not unnecessary from this point of view. They do not serve road safety. You could call them a rip-off. But this is not the fault of the driving instructors. The driving instructors did not issue the regulation. That was another authority. And the driving instructors would be stupid not to take advantage of this opportunity. It would be absurd.

Anyone who judges the WAB courses negatively has absolutely no idea or has never attended one. This obligation can be used to counteract a proliferation on our roads.

Training starts with theory. Some things should be changed. Compulsory theory courses integrated into the VKU.....obligatory driving lessons....siehe Deutschland / Oesterreich etc. etc. The first WAP day before the practical test.... There is still a lot to do!

The WAB days are useful and a valuable tool for improving the driving skills of new drivers. Rule violations and speeding cannot be prevented, people are too selfish and individualistic for that. It is important that drivers realise that they cannot shirk their responsibility. I think that the WAB days make sense.

Driver training must take place in the first phase at driving school

More should be invested in the first phase. It would make sense to introduce a compulsory driving school as already exists in the EU. Private driving would only be possible on private land. Pupils would get into the habit of making fewer mistakes. Further training for drivers should also be compulsory every 5 years or so. This is the case in all other areas. Even more important on the road. It's a matter of life and death here! Most people don't realise that. Regular repetition of the emergency aid course should also be compulsory. Or do you still know what the ABCD is and how often artificial respiration is administered etc.....

Before you start tinkering around in every nook and cranny, you should definitely continue to use these courses for longer. Such evaluations are only meaningful after 10 years.

The training of learner drivers must become stricter again, especially the examination requirements. I don't like the whole theory system with the issued questions, because the student learns questions and not theory and the context; the student doesn't realise what he is learning because he is only learning for the test.

The WAB courses have clearly missed their target. I am not surprised by the results of the bfu. In my opinion, the two WAB courses should be cancelled and replaced by an incentive system (via the insurance companies?) so that WB courses are taken voluntarily.

The 2 PA courses were created because of too many accidents involving new drivers. According to BFU statistics, accidents have fallen by 10%. What are we still discussing here? Just because a few politicians don't think they are needed? This is about road safety and if we can reduce accidents even more with these courses, it makes sense.

I keep missing the fact that people only talk about the second phase. It would be important for the first phase of driver training to also be addressed and for driving instructors to be made more aware that they must fulfil their responsibility (10 lessons up to the driving test????).

It is frightening how many course participants do not make a proper emergency stop. We work with a chamber when driving backwards. If you can show the participants what they overlook and how the observation of mirrors and blind spots has changed since the test, many of them realise how careless they have become. If you can then use your own practical films to show how quickly something can happen if you don't turn your head, it gives you a reason to rethink your own driving style.

These courses will only get the black sheep under control to a limited extent. For everyone else who is motivated by the course organisers, it does provide some additional experience. The car test is comparable to completing a training programme. There are always new things that are passed on in courses. One idea would be to make further training compulsory in the same way as for professional drivers. 1 day per period of 3-5 years for everyone. In theory and / or practice. We as driving instructors must also complete one day per year. If we do not fulfil this ............ And here, too, it depends on the provider what he makes of these courses and also on the participants. we are no different from new drivers.

As long as private individuals can carry out learner driving courses in Switzerland, these Wab courses should exist. As at least 30-50 per cent of participants in Wab courses drive with one hand and 30-70 per cent no longer look over their shoulder, I can fully support these Wab courses.

Better rules, driver training, finally a compulsory number of lessons! No lessons without pedals, black driving instructors, etc.

More quality instead of quantity. Training level of moderators? Standardised courses? Motivation of moderators? Different facilities?

Teenage road deaths halved since 2006, I wonder why?

Hello Unfortunately, I can't take much positive from this survey. With two negative and one extremely positive answer, the outcome is already clear to me. What a pity. This shows me once again that the analyses of surveys must be handled very carefully. I also read the BFU report and was able to glean more positive information from it than is now being reported in the media. I teach these WAB courses myself and am convinced that abolishing them is certainly the wrong solution. You always have to be open to adjustments regarding the content. Basically, they are well organised for me.

The 1st course day makes sense. But it's far too expensive and the students aren't motivated. I have always organised skidding courses for my ex-students, with great success. At ASSR, for example, the students have a good place for CHF 100, they get a car and have more practice. Why Fr. 100.- (Fr.50.- voucher and Fr. 150.- for under 25 year olds from the Road Safety Fund) and they come voluntarily. It's up to the driving instructor to motivate people. Not really a problem.

The initial training should be given correctly and completely. Only the offending new drivers should be retrained, and in psychological terms.no clan liability.three years on probation is good. A points system should be introduced for all drivers. This would mean that not only the old and young would be checked and retrained.

In the Bernese Oberland we usually have motivated participants, and otherwise you can motivate them during the course. I don't know what it's like in other regions.

12. But the room for moderators should be bigger! What I hear again and again is that the practical part should be enlarged, bring things that the new drivers have not heard many times! News about drugs or alcohol! Why are the courses too cheap, the providers have to advertise (usually with the price) so that the courses fill up. This is unhealthy, why can't a course be run with fewer participants because the organiser would otherwise charge extra. Otherwise, it may not be possible to allow even more places, which only leads to more price problems. It's better to have a good price and a very good result than to always be under price pressure! (Faster, more, worse!)

The courses should be better coordinated with other organisations, e.g. the traffic department of the public prosecutor's office. The statements made by the KTN on the WAB1 and WAB2 questionnaires should also be made available to the authorities.

In principle, I think two days are appropriate. The majority of the feedback I received for the second day was not great - too lengthy and too much theory the whole day - perhaps it needs to be revised :-)

as with all courses, it's always about money, whether it's the wab.courses or driving instructor training!

the workload for new drivers is certainly getting bigger and bigger, but the traffic also needs more and more expertise to cope with it - new laws are not enough, the training also has to keep pace.

A 3-year probationary period is good. WAB courses are not efficient and too expensive. 1st phase should be expanded. 4 compulsory hours of right of way obligatory in the first phase. Pupils have no idea about right of way despite theory.

Jessica Pfister from 20 Minuten does not do proper research, false statements, poor knowledge and a hunt against WAB courses. The same goes for the statement by Mr Gietzendanner, who has probably never dealt with WAB courses. With Mr Wasserfallen I am pretty sure that it is just election propaganda for young people. There are newspapers and radio stations that report correctly from the Bfu report, e.g. WAB courses are effective! More than 10% fewer accidents among new drivers. These reports should be built on in favour of road safety.

The driving instructors who are moderators, who have done this additional training and have also been tested, have incurred costs, as have the organisers. Therefore, these course costs are fully justified. The politicians who have something to complain about are ill-informed and have no idea what it takes to be reasonably safe on the roads these days. A compulsory driving school would be very suitable for this. A politician could make a name for himself.

Positive feedback stands or falls with the moderator(s), and the moderator who can get his or her courses across to the man or woman gets consistently good reviews of the courses. Very often I experience a bad atmosphere at the beginning of the course. At the end of the course, however, the majority of participants are pleasantly surprised at what they have experienced and can take home with them. The course content should now be revised after the initial phase. However, it is important that precise guidelines are set as to what is taught, otherwise the quality of the courses would suffer.

Please do not talk about a spin course, because the legal requirements certainly have nothing to do with a spin course!!! Courses should be better and reviewed by experts.1st phase varies greatly from canton to canton.

It would make sense to limit it to one day.two days for offenders and delinquents.

It makes sense if the first phase of driver training is better coordinated with the second phase and if lessons are learnt from mistakes made in the previous training and further developments are made.

Somehow some people have misunderstood something, 10% fewer serious accidents among new drivers compared to others is a good start.

A stricter test requirement would be necessary! Likewise, driving instructors who teach old-fashioned methods or only train for the test should be put out of business.

Driver training must be improved. Shortcomings are repeatedly identified in the WAB courses. Right of way is one such issue.

The bfu report proves that the WAB is making a difference to road safety. Please read the entire bfu report carefully; please also read the press release! Or even better, attend two courses in full from different course providers.

When I train learner drivers, the WAB course2 is integrated into the lessons. My students don't even realise that you can also drive in an environmentally harmful way, because I only teach them how to drive in an environmentally friendly way. If I don't succeed in moulding the student in the basic training so that he still drives correctly after 2 years, 1 course day (WAB2) will certainly not change his driving style. The course will simply become a dismount. It will hardly change the attitude of the course participants. This is also shown by the BFU study. That's why I think the 2nd course could be cancelled! I think a skidding course like the one offered by the TCS for everyone (WAB1) makes a lot of sense! Even old hands can still learn something and it's fun! These courses were also created to solve the speeding problem. For me, there is only one solution to get speeders off the road: If you catch them, you simply don't let them back on the road for 10! years on the road. The car is scrapped and the fine must be at least 10,000. In the event of an accident, the speeding offender must go to prison. I'm all in favour of deterrence. But unfortunately our judges and politicians don't see it that way and prefer to cuddle up and talk. But these guys don't want to talk or understand. They want to speed! Even when it comes to alcohol, a course will certainly not achieve the desired result. Every child over the age of 12 knows that you don't drive drunk. Here too, the penalties simply have to be much higher and harsher in order to create a certain degree of deterrence. Road traffic laws are rarely obeyed out of understanding. In most cases, it is the fear of consequences (fines) that makes us drive as the law prescribes.

There is a lack of basic theory training. New drivers lack primitive basic knowledge. Exams without the driving instructor are pointless !!! The stress factor is too high and the suspicion of corruption is far too great.

• The subject of alcohol is extremely unpopular, as the subject has been discussed since school (is available in the VKU) - the participants can't/won't give proper feedback. Idea: drive on 3 topics, e.g. motorway, city, etc. The participants should prepare and drive the lesson... the role play offers more moderation possibilities and objectively records experiences.

There are many new drivers who find these courses useful and benefit accordingly. There is often a contradiction among the new drivers; if the ‘old’ drivers also had to do this, it would be ok.

For the new drivers who need it, 2 days is far too little. For the sensible (cautious) learner drivers, the courses are not necessary.

Concerning the price of the courses, the insurers should participate

The evaluation of the bfu is that serious accidents caused by new drivers have decreased! So your survey is fuelling something that is not based on facts. Why don't you get in touch with the FL associations and talk to experts, that would be more beneficial to road safety.

Every two WAB courses are necessary, a third of the candidates drive very badly and are not responsible if you have to fit double pedals to the WAB cars.

The initial training should definitely be improved. The theory test is currently too simple; either the test must be made much more difficult, or a traffic awareness course + compulsory theory should be introduced. Probationary period ok. WAB courses could probably be abolished if the above-mentioned complications were introduced.

to 6: if I have read correctly, the conclusion of the bfu is not that the courses are ineffective...

Unfortunately, the content of the WAB courses is good, but people tend not to put it into practice - see distancing behaviour on motorways. In principle, every responsible driver should attend further training courses voluntarily, but who does?

In my opinion, the initial training phase should be much more thorough. Better theory lessons, more stringent theory tests and much stricter monitoring and testing of practical driving. For many of my learner drivers, the WAB courses are simply a repetition.

I would be in favour: Compulsory minimum driving lessons as in other countries and making the VKU and WAB 2 courses more interesting and efficient, addressing new drivers in a more personal and practical way!!!

This is a drop in the ocean. In order to achieve acceptable results, the leverage must be applied on a much broader scale. What's more, society is not at all interested in achieving improvements in this area!

Driving instructors do not provide enough training, otherwise these courses would not be needed. Where the instructor teaches nothing, the instructor is worth nothing.

The problem is not so much the courses that make the whole thing bad, but rather the course providers. If a large provider thinks it has to sell the standard spin course as a WAB course, then that is certainly not right. It would be better to start here and check. Then I am also of the opinion that more such courses are needed, from the time you get your driving licence until you hand it in, usually at an advanced age. Even experienced drivers need to continue their education.

Please refer to the media release issued by the bfu on 27 November and interpret it with journalistic objectivity. From this press release you can see that: -the bfu study demonstrates a benefit of the two-phase training system. -OECD studies have shown (quote) ‘that recent studies on brain development indicate that young people do not yet have the physiological maturity to cope with complex and dangerous tasks such as driving’ (end of quote). Therefore, in my opinion, young people should not be asked such complex questions as the sense or nonsense of two-phase training.

ecodrive driving should be integrated into driver training in all cantons (and tested in the exam) - then you could do more 2nd day WAB and practical driving training

Everyone should do further driving training after a certain period of time. Since only a few people do this on a voluntary basis, it should be required by law.

I find environmentally friendly driving unnecessary in these compulsory courses! Some of it is exaggerated !!! 5th gear at 50 and so on. It would be better to use this time for elements relevant to road safety. In addition, it is already taught to a reasonable extent in the 1st phase and that is completely sufficient!

I would welcome changes in the first phase that would make it easier to be a driving instructor.

If only one accident can be avoided through the courses, the CHF 700 will have more than paid for itself. This should also be clear to the National Councillor, Junior Wasserfallen.

We driving instructors train our customers right up to the test. From 0 to 100, so to speak. And now there are actually people who doubt that the subsequent 16 hours of further training is of no benefit? Even though the same driving instructors take care of the new learners for 16 hours.... Where does this lead when even the instructors doubt the learning success?

Further training (WAB) should be further training, not a repetition of driving training (VKU and practice)! Question 5 above includes (with the exception of anti-skid training) serious driver training. WAB in its current form makes little sense; either abolish it or reorganise it. Any driving licence can be revoked at any time. The probationary driving licence is a psychological means of exerting pressure and therefore has a certain effect, so it can be retained in this form.

Mr Wasserfallen and all opponents should attend a WAB 1 and 2 as observers at least once. It is frightening how badly most participants drive and how many serious accidents new drivers have already had. Theoretical knowledge about driving is also inadequate and there is a lot of ‘false knowledge’. In my opinion, ecological driving is overrated in course 2. Today's cars are so sophisticated that it is difficult to drive noticeably better and more ecologically when comparing them. In addition, technology is advancing rapidly and has overtaken the current environmental block in WAB 2 in about 2 years. Regarding the feedback ride: I experience time and again that most participants are not able to make an objective, honest judgement. ‘Yes, it was good, I felt fine’ is simply not enough, especially not if the driver being assessed was driving too fast everywhere, didn't see any right turns and I, as the moderator, wonder how the test could be passed with such a driving style. We certainly don't reach all people with these courses, it's a matter of attitude for each individual. If it doesn't ‘click’ in the back of your mind, you can attend 100 courses and it won't help.

The courses stand and fall with the trainers (moderators). Their demeanour and example must be right. The instructors must ‘live’ the course content themselves. Perhaps less blaf and less ‘horny sledges’. Beso: Question 5; skidding courses, there are no skidding courses, but there are anti-skidding courses

Strengthen first phase and higher requirements for theory test, then the 2PH training can be shortened to 2 years. Complete the first day of the course on a good piste (e.g. Hinwil) so that it is a proper skidding course. Further training is compulsory every 10 years after passing the test. (skidding courses, theory and accident prevention)

In the courses, the moderator should be allowed to intervene in a corrective and ‘instructive’ manner. This is also the case in professional life.

The feedback is not implemented.Bern sets the tone and moulds us.Oko can almost only be achieved through technology.Foreigners, depending on the region, think everything sucks, although they need it most.The theory is missing, from the past. There is also no testing, sometimes frightening practice and theory, and every death is one too many.

The goal of all of us is road safety! So why can't we stand united behind an instrument that allows us to exert influence even after the test?

If the BFU says that serious accidents among young drivers have fallen by up to 15 %, why is training useless? Further training at work is a must, but it seems that everyone can drive and everyone can do it properly! However, the courses should be financially supported by the VSR.

You should also think about how it looks with compulsory further training for everyone! Training in Switzerland is very one-sided! The second day would be very suitable for drivers who have been on the road for a long time!!! We have a role model problem in Switzerland! Young people are very well trained. And what do they see on the road? Not a lot of exemplary behaviour from experienced drivers! For example, correct signalling, lane-keeping, distance, etc.!

Keep the WAB1 course, but more driving and less theory. Approx. 70 % to 30 %. Distance, braking/full braking and cornering should take centre stage. Feedback driving can be done with the licensed FL/Modeators 2-phase training, should be the last test before the test. Eco-Drive must be integrated into driving lessons/driving school.

Driver profile is superfluous!!!!

We driving instructors are actually ourselves to blame for this development, as training is no longer provided in the 1st phase. (Effectively according to guideline 7) Because how is it possible that in certain cantons the driving test can be passed with 3 to 10 lessons. This gives the impression that anyone can now drive, which is a complete misjudgement on the part of new drivers. In any case, I see enough new drivers on the courses that I myself would never get into a car without a double pedal. This is actually a tragic development!!! If the 1st phase were made more consistent, the discussion about the 2nd phase would be superfluous, as it would then become obsolete.

Abolish the private learner drives, integrate the WAB courses into the driver training; check learning success with test questions and cancel the learner's licence if they fail. This would give us a useful means of increasing road safety

We now have a lot of experience and need to analyse everything; there is certainly enough potential for improvement!

As soon as it was announced thatWAB courses could be given, driving instructors were often asked: how much can we earn? Rarely was the question asked, what do we give our learner drivers, what is the purpose? They even had the feeling that they could demand at least CHF 700 - 800 per COURSE DAY! And now we moan when price/performance is questioned.

the same prices should be agreed throughout switzerland!!!!

The WAB courses must be revised, e.g. on the piste the moderators must have more room for manoeuvre!

For initial training, a 40-hour obligation should ultimately be sought; every apprenticeship, every course of study takes time. On the 2nd WAB day, I could imagine a longer, further feedback trip, possibly with lunch somewhere away from home.

In the courses, more attention should be paid to the behaviour of the vehicle in borderline situations (more geared towards anti-skidding courses similar to TCS courses), i.e. also higher speeds to better show the course participants the consequences of driving too fast (driving on a skid surface in bends at 20-30 km/h is unrealistic...).

Many learner drivers drive better after passing their test than some other long-time drivers. What they don't have yet, what they can't have, is routine and experience. But not every new driver is bad. New drivers also don't understand that they are still regarded as ‘idiots’, as if they can't do anything, despite having passed their test. They have to complete the 2 WAB courses where they are treated like learner drivers again, and the learner drivers who are trained in the driving lessons and don't want a rush job are really not bad. You would have to integrate some basic physics into the training. Something similar to WAB 1. Where else do you have the opportunity to safely try out skidding, sliding etc.! By the time it happens on the road, it may already be too late! We don't have ‘driving centres’ like in Germany, for example. Driving instructors in Switzerland have a lot of responsibility but are not properly recognised. If you make an effort to train a learner driver as well as possible, you are labelled a rip-off. Why does anyone seriously believe that the WAB courses would do any better? The 2-phase training including WAB further training has been in force for 7 years. Where are the statistics on whether they have really made a difference ?!!! It's about time the facts were presented.

Optimise courses, more practice, more exercises on the course (skid plate, swerving, being able to give instructions, blind crest, etc.), leave out drugs/alcohol,

I think the first day of the course is absolutely necessary and justified. I don't really see the point of the second day. After all, the participants have passed the test, which means that they have mastered eco-driving and have an appropriate driving style. Otherwise they would not be in possession of a driving licence!

Perhaps some politicians should be tested on their character.

In question 6 you write ‘The study says that the WAB courses have no influence on road safety.’ When I read the report, I find it more positive. For example: 1. the final report shows that the reduction in serious accidents caused by young new drivers is greater than the average reduction in all age categories, which is more than 10%. 2. there are also encouraging effects in terms of environmentally friendly driving. Of course, there is also room for improvement, and we must now put this experience into practice. One example would be to integrate the first day into the first phase, or to make it compulsory in the first 3-6 months after the test.

The courses are wrongly designed. Two feedback drives, but with pressure to perform, would be better.

WAB 1 more driving exercises (experience)

You can only teach something to someone who also wants to learn something, unfortunately this is not the case to a large extent with new drivers.

The rules of the road are actually clear to everyone, which is proven by passing the theory test. The ability to apply and implement them is demonstrated by passing the driving test. You can only prove that you have learnt to comply with !!!! only through checks; anyone who fails to do so will be penalised = further training, whether new driver or not. This is the 3-pillar principle. Implementing this consistently would save the 50 million invested in the WAB every year. A better investment that would bring more to the ‘Vision Zero’ bottom line would be distance breaking, pedestrian detection, lane assist, etc

Possibly drop the Ecco part on the 2nd day, as new drivers already cover the subject intensively in driving school. (Depending on the driving instructor) Explicit hazard training would make more sense. (On the system)

Possibly drop the Ecco part on the 2nd day, as new drivers already deal with this topic intensively in driving school. (Depending on the driving instructor) Explicit hazard training would make more sense. (On the system)

It is of course important that the courses are designed to be interesting and not simply covered.

The problem starts with the qualifications of the driving instructors. In my opinion, the instructors of our future new drivers are not up to today's requirements. Thorough training by a qualified driving instructor would do more for our new drivers than these additional courses. If, however, we are still talking about test leavers taking 10 driving lessons before they are ready for the test, even a solid initial/further training course will not fulfil the objective, despite the WAB courses. So, driving instructors, finally train your learner drivers properly, argue in favour of follow-up training for all drivers and we won't run out of work. In addition, satisfied learner drivers who pass their driving test with flying colours the first time also whet their appetite for work and their own morale, the joy of working with young and hungry new drivers is intact. As a university professor said: ‘Learning can hurt from time to time, otherwise you won't succeed. But it takes a lot of skill and driving instructors who have the profile to fulfil the requirements!

There is no skid course. Safe driving in bends and the limits are demonstrated without the vehicle skidding. Many course participants are not able to make an emergency stop. The braking distances are usually estimated to be far too short.

As long as the learner driver only wants to pass the car test with the minimum requirements that are just enough for a driving test and there is no interest in learning to drive properly, I think these courses make sense. You could even make such courses compulsory for all drivers.

Learning to drive a car and ride a motorbike is an education for life! Parents and politicians invest a lot of money in their children, for example in education, health and, of course, leisure. There are unnecessary discussions like this for a vital training programme that you only have to complete once in your life. There are more important issues that should be tackled: - Theory test system? - Taking a private car to the practical test? Exam? - Strengthening the Swiss FL Association! So that we finally have some support at a political level... - Quality testing of experts and driving instructors

On point 5 Environmentally friendly driving: I would rename the 2nd day and instead of putting the environment in the foreground, declare safety as the main focus, thanks to PRECAUTION and PLANNING, the journey becomes SAFER, faster, quieter, more pleasant for passengers and as a positive side effect, fuel is saved! Thank you for your commitment.

Compulsories are generally not beneficial. If insurance companies, for example, were to control this through their premiums, the courses would become voluntary and participants would be more motivated. The costs could also be kept lower if they were subsidised by institutions such as the VSR, etc. The benefit of the courses for new drivers is always as great as the will to change something!

The framework conditions should be adapted, i.e. the first course day must take place within three months of passing the test and the second course day in the second year at the latest.

Incorporating the subject matter into the basic training would certainly be a better solution. However, the framework conditions for this would have to be created first. If the basic training were better, the first day of the course could certainly be dispensed with under the current system.

the driving instructors should provide better training. the so-called experts? Abolish WAB courses

I very often experience that many new drivers come to the courses with a negative attitude. But well over 80% of participants give us very positive feedback at the end of the course. So the question arises as to which new drivers are being targeted in the surveys. A new driver can only have a proper and practical discussion about the sense or value of these courses after completing them. Before that, the price and the compulsory nature of the course are the blockade for a sober assessment. In the interests of road safety, the courses must be retained.

Retain 1st course day. More driving experiences Change the 50 % : 50 % requirement to approx. 30 % theory and 70 % driving. Integrate feedback drive into driving school = test drive before registering for test, completion with a WAB moderator. Integrate eco-drive into driving school.

The licence as a moderator must also be subject to the BBG and old driving instructors must fulfil this within 4 years otherwise their licence will expire. The competence of many moderators is very poor!!!

I find the WAB courses useful and good It's sometimes TERRIBLE with what prior knowledge the participants come to these courses. Abolishing the two WAB courses would be a step backwards and a slap in the face for everyone involved in road safety I would also like to see the first phase optimised with similarly strict requirements as for the second phase

Environmentally conscious driving can/must be trained in the 1st phase and emergency braking is compulsory in the 1st test in the canton of Bern. Content must therefore be corrected, i.e. 1 maximum 1 1/2 day course.BFU study: Prevented accidents thanks to WAB courses cannot be recorded.

WAB-1 course should be completed before the practical driving test! Abolish WAB-2 day because it is unnecessary. Basic driving school training may only be learnt from a driving instructor/driving school, as in the EU! The profession of driving instructor would gain respect.

The WAB courses only exist because a lot is missed in the first phase. Driving instructors should think about their work. Furthermore, a list should be kept at the Road Traffic Office (accessible to all) with the success rates of the driving schools.

My experience shows that further training for new drivers not only makes sense but is absolutely necessary. If even a single life is saved in Switzerland thanks to the WAB courses, the effort will have been more than worthwhile for everyone involved!

The foreign-language participants should understand and speak our national language. Interpreters should have a driving licence. ( No children ). I think it's an affront to the other participants if they spend the day ripping them off. ( Ripping them off and the safety gain ?

I think it's a good thing, the important thing is what you make of it! Course organisers must be better controlled for quality! Or do we want to accept so many deaths and accidents?

The WAB courses lay the foundation for more young new drivers to develop a value system / attitude towards road safety than would be the case without these courses. However, young people in their developmental stage will understandably not admit it immediately.

If you consider how much money is spent on ‘lifestyle’, then learning to drive and the WAB courses are nothing in comparison. People are happy to spend money on everything, but learning to drive is always too expensive. By the way: driving is not compulsory. Greater road safety and fewer serious injuries or deaths on the roads can only be achieved with a high level of training. Fewer accidents - lower insurance premiums - ultimately more money in your wallet to afford more Lifsteyle.

© 2012 Swiss driving instructor comparison