The "Goals for Driver Education" (GDE) matrix

The GDE matrix is a framework used in driver education to outline the skills, knowledge, and attitudes a driver needs to develop to drive safely and responsibly. It’s designed to go beyond just teaching basic vehicle control and traffic rules, aiming to prepare drivers for real-world challenges by addressing a broader range of competencies.

The matrix is structured around 4 levels of driving behaviour, from the most basic to the most complex, and 3 key areas of influence. The 4 levels are:

1.  CONTROL : The foundational skills (steering, braking, accelerating); how to physically operate a car;
2.  TRAFFIC : Navigating roads and interacting with others, such as understanding flow, signs, and rules;
3.  RISK : Recognising / handling potential hazards, like slowing in snow or anticipating actions of ORUs;
4.  SELF-REFLECTION : Understanding how personal traits (like impatience or risk-taking tendencies) and broader life factors (like stress or peer pressure) affect driving decisions.

The 3 columns of the matrix focus on:

**Knowledge and Skills** : What drivers need to know and be able to do;
**Risk Factors** : Specific risks associated with each level and how to mitigate them;
**Self-Assessment** : The ability to evaluate one’s own strengths, weaknesses, and behaviours as a driver.

This approach came out of research showing that traditional driver training (which often stops at the lower levels of vehicle control and traffic rules) doesn’t fully prepare people for the complexities of driving.

​By including higher levels like risk management and self-awareness, the GDE matrix pushes for a more holistic education, encouraging drivers to think critically about their actions and adapt to different situations. It’s widely used by experts in road safety to design training programs that reduce accidents, especially among new drivers.