RACQ research reveals parents unprepared to teach learner drivers

RACQ27/02/2026
News
RACQ is expanding its road safety education beyond students and into family cars, after new research revealed many parents feel stressed and unprepared to teach learner drivers.
"debris"
New RACQ research highlights the challenges parents face from the passenger seat, including the constant fear of being in a crash and finding it difficult to stay calm, confident and constructive during lessons.

RACQ Coaching and Development Specialist Tiffany Boyd said learning to drive is a major milestone for many young Queenslanders, but for parents it can be one of the most daunting stages of family life.
 
“Parents tell us they feel unprepared to take on the role of instructor, yet they play a critical role in teaching young Queenslanders how to drive,” Ms Boyd said.
 
“Young drivers aged 16 to 24 in Queensland are up to 60% more likely to be in a serious crash than older motorists, with about 100 fatalities each year linked to this age group.
 
“Parents are crying out for help and RACQ is listening. With the right support, guidance and advice, parents can help their children develop driving habits that save lives.”
 
In response to these concerns, RACQ is in the final stages of developing a new program designed to support parents and carers through the learner driver phase - helping them raise safer, more capable young drivers.
 
Ms Boyd said the program had been shaped by direct feedback from Queensland families and the real-world pressures they face.
 
“While teens are taught how to navigate the road, adults are often left to navigate supervision without support,” Ms Boyd said.
 
“Many parents told us that although they are safe, sensible drivers, turning everyday driving into clear, effective lessons is extremely challenging,” she said.
 
RACQ’s new research found confidence drops sharply in high-pressure situations, with 44% unsure how to respond in a crash scenario, 35% struggle to manage distracting passengers, and 34% find it difficult to stay calm when tensions rise. 
 
Parents said they wanted practical guidance on building confidence without encouraging over confidence, managing stress without conflict, and planning structured driving lessons.
 
Queensland’s peak motoring body is also focused on helping families have open, meaningful conversations about road safety and embed responsible driving behaviours that last well beyond the learner phase.
 
Parents and carers can register their interest in RACQ’s new program at racq.com/education-eoi.
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