Evaluation of Driver Training Programmes and Their Contribution to Road Safety in the North Central Zone

Structured driver training programmes are widely regarded as an effective intervention for reducing road traffic accidents by improving driver competence, attitude, and hazard awareness. This study evaluates the design, delivery, and road safety contribution of driver training programmes in selected organisations and driving schools in the North Central geopolitical zone, covering Abuja, Niger, and Kogi states. A professional evaluation design was employed, with data collected from 80 trained drivers, 15 driving instructors, 10 transport company safety officers, and Federal Road Safety Corps officials through structured questionnaires and post-training performance assessments. The study evaluates curriculum content, training duration, instructor qualifications, post-training accident records, and employer assessments of trainee performance. Findings reveal inconsistencies in curriculum content across driving schools, with defensive driving modules and hazard perception training largely absent from most programmes. Driving schools affiliated with the Federal Road Safety Corps Driver's Licence Administration process show marginally better training quality. Employer surveys indicate that trained drivers record 28 percent fewer accident incidents in the first year post-training compared to self-taught counterparts. The study recommends the introduction of a standardised national driver training curriculum aligned with international benchmarks, mandatory accreditation of driving schools, and the integration of simulator-based training for commercial vehicle operators. These findings advance professional understanding of driver training effectiveness in Nigeria's middle belt. Keywords: driver training, road safety, North Central Nigeria, driving schools, accident prevention.