Why do drivers become safer over the first three months of driving? A longitudinal qualitative study.

•Newly qualified drivers’ crash risk declines over the first three months of independent driving.•The current study aimed to better understand the factors underpinning this safety improvement.•A longitudinal qualitative design identified possible contributing factors to this decline in crash risk.•Developments in skill, thrill-seeking and feelings of driving status were reported.•Implications for research and application are discussed.