The Swedish driving license syllabus is based on the Goals for Driver Education (GDE) matrix, which outlines the skills and knowledge required to become a safe driver. While the GDE matrix is essential to ensure high-quality training nationwide, traffic instructors often find it complex and difficult to explain. This conflict may be attributed to the fact that the GDE matrix was not originally designed as a practical tool for driving instruction, but rather as a tool for analysis. However, with revision and refinement, it has the potential to serve as a valuable resource for both instructors and learners.
The purpose of the study is to explore driving instructors' experiences of the GDE matrix and to examine why it may be difficult to understand and apply. The study also aims to improve its potential usability. The study is conducted in several steps.
Initially, driving instructors were invited to participate in a questionnaire, which was completed by 68 participants. The questions assessed knowledge and perceived usefulness of the GDE matrix. Further interviews are now planned, in which driving instructors are asked to describe the GDE matrix. These interviews will be recorded and analyzed to identify connections between the theoretical model and its application in driver education. Alternative explanatory texts will then be developed and compared to the original texts in tests involving a new group of participants. This final step aims to evaluate whether the findings may help make the GDE matrix more useful and effective.
Results from the questionnaire study revealed that respondents were generally familiar with the content and concept of the GDE matrix but were not confident in explaining it to others. Moreover, the perceived usefulness of the matrix was rated as moderate. Results from the latter stages of the study will also be presented at the conference.