New research from Ford's Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program reveals that nearly 75% of Queenslanders do not believe their fellow road users are good drivers. The main issues identified by Queensland drivers include not indicating (80%), tailgating (79%), and running red lights (63%).

In response to these findings, the car manufacturer's 2024 DSFL program will tour Queensland, partnering with regional high schools in Charleville, Barcaldine, Hughenden, and Charters Towers. A public session in Brisbane is open for expressions of interest.

"Driving is a lifelong skill, and every day, we are all still learning," said Ford Driving Skills for Life Program Director in Australia, James Stewart. "If a teacher has a bad driving habit, that will be passed onto the student, so it's important to break that cycle with professional training. The lessons taught in the Driving Skills for Life program will arm the next generation of drivers with skills that will help them when they need it most on the road."

The research also found that 26% of Queenslanders believe they're better drivers than those in other states, and 71% of Queensland respondents agreed they passed their learners permit with the necessary driving skills needed for life.

"The biggest thing I could say to parents when they're teaching their kids to drive is to be very patient and remain calm. And if you don't think you're a good driver - get someone else to do it, otherwise you'll just make them as bad as you are," said Dick Johnson.

The DSFL program provides hands-on experience in a controlled setting, replicating everyday driving obstacles such as hazard recognition, vehicle handling, speed management, space management, and distracted and impaired driving.

"A lot of driving schools teach you how to pass your test, but at the end of the day, the biggest thing is getting your hours up and getting experience. Every day you'll get on the road, and nothing is the same, everything is always different, so there's no substitute for experience," Jett Johnson said.

Ford's DSFL program is part of Ford Philanthropy and has provided free, advanced driver education to more than one million people worldwide since 2003.