NCT06413927 · Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Driver Education Research Study
(DRIVER)
What this study is about
This study will test the effectiveness of different types of driver training interventions for reducing young new driver crash risk early after licensure.
View original scientific description
This study will test the effectiveness of different types of driver training interventions for reducing young new driver crash risk early after licensure.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Online Vehicle and Driver Safety Education
This online video education program provides education in vehicle and driver safety (e.g. vehicle maintenance, adjusting car seats and seatbelts). This online training will take up to 2 hours to complete and will have a short quiz at the end to determine compliance with this online training.
BEHAVIORAL
Online Driver Skills Training
The online driver training is the Accelerated Curriculum to Create Effective Learning (ACCEL) is designed to enhance the ability to anticipate, recognize and respond to hazards and to maintain attention to the road. The training is delivered online via a computer and can be done from home or at a school or other site that has a computer with internet access. It requires up to two hours to complete, and will be hosted on a platform that will track progress and completion through the training (such as accuracy, duration in modules, time to complete) and a short quiz will be provided at the end to assess learning.
BEHAVIORAL
Behind-the-Wheel Driver Training
The professional behind-the-wheel training course will be conducted in-person, delivered by local driving school partner Coastline Academy or licensed driver training schools subcontracted by Coastline Academy. The curriculum consists of 6 hours of training with assigned practice between lessons, and meets Pennsylvania and national standards. Post-lesson forms completed by the instructors will record adherence and consistency (intervention fidelity).
Primary outcome measures
Hard Braking Events
Time frame: Measured over the 6 months post-licensure at the end of the study (about month 18-24), assessed at 2 and 6 months post-licensure, with primary outcome at 2 months post-licensure.
For Aim 1 and 3, the primary outcome is the number of hard braking events per 100 miles driven during the first 2 months post-licensure, as measured via the Way-to-Drive App.
Pass rate on the licensure exam
Time frame: Measured at the time of the license examination, post-intervention (in about month 8-18).
The primary outcome in Aim 2 and 3 will be the pass rate on the first licensure exam attempt.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adolescents ages 16-17 years old who reside in Pennsylvania
- Have an active Pennsylvania learner's permit
- Have \<30 hours of driving practice during permit phase
- Have never taken an on-road licensing exam, in any state
- Plan to get a license within the next 12 months in Pennsylvania
- Plan to have access to a vehicle to drive after licensure
- Have a personal cell phone and access to a smartphone/tablet/computer with internet access
- Download and use the RoadReady app (only required for participants randomized to the behind-the-wheel training arm; optional for participants randomized to the online vehicle and driver safety and online driver skills training arms)
- Are able to read/write in English
- Provide informed consent/assent
- Are not also taking part in another learner driver study
Exclusion criteria
- Non-Pennsylvania resident
- Participants who do not pass the license exam will not be able to complete the post-license monitoring until the license is obtained
- Enrolled in another learner driver study
Where
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Collaborators
National Institutes of Health (NIH), University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 6, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations