NCJ Number
103979
Date Published
1986
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper describes and evaluates Britain's Driver Retraining Scheme (DRS), which is used as a probation condition for juveniles convicted of 'taking and driving away' (TDA) and related offenses.
Abstract
TDA offenders are typically juveniles interested in cars but do not have drivers' licenses. Prior to the institution of the DRS, TDA repeat offenders were given custodial sentences. The DRS is designed to help such offenders remain in the community by giving them probation that requires they apply for a provisional driving license and for a driving test, take sufficient driving lessons to have a reasonable chance of passing the test, complete the driving test, and fulfill normal probation conditions. Of the 66 clients who have started the program thus far (until 1984), 59 effectively participated; 27 percent reoffended after 9 months and two-thirds of these continued on probation despite the reconviction. Two years after completing the course, 53 percent of the clients had committed another offense, but less than 10 percent were convicted of another TDA offense. Two-year recidivism rates were expected to be over 60 percent. The majority of the 59 clients applied for and obtained provisional driving licenses. Over 30 applied for the driving test; only 21 took it, and 12 passed. The DRS has had encouraging results in managing TDA offenders in the community.