PRESENTER: Dr, Daniël D. Heikoop, Strategic Advisor at the Research & Development Department of the CBR (The Netherlands).
This webinar will present the findings of a master’s thesis exploring whether driving simulators could add value to traditional on-road car-driving tests for assessing human driving performance. While simulators are widely used for training and research in road safety, their potential role in official driving tests remains largely unexplored.
The research uses the Dutch car-driving test as a case study and applies a staged methodology. It begins with a semi-systematic literature review focusing on the transferability, reliability, and validity of simulator-based results. This is complemented by a questionnaire distributed to 36 international CIECA members, achieving a 50% response rate, and in-depth interviews with Finland, Estonia, and Sweden to gather practical insights. Seven core components of the driving test were analyzed, including starting the vehicle, navigating straight and curved roads, intersections, highway merging and exiting, overtaking and side-way movements, special road sections, and special maneuvers.
Key findings reveal promising applications for simulators, particularly in hazard perception assessment, where risky scenarios can be tested repeatedly in a safe, controlled environment. Overtaking and side-way movements also demonstrated strong potential for transferability and reliability. Sweden is actively exploring simulator pre-tests for hazard perception screening prior to on-road testing. However, the study emphasizes that simulators should complement, not replace, traditional tests. Effectiveness depends on the specific driving task and the fidelity of the simulator used.
The research concludes that integrating simulators into driving tests could create a more comprehensive assessment framework, especially for hazard perception and complex maneuvers. This approach addresses critical road safety concerns, notably the high crash rates among novice drivers after licensing and highlights how emerging technologies can strengthen driver evaluation programs.
FURTHER DETAILS OF INTEREST FOR PARTICIPANTS:
- Time: 16 April 2026, 11 am CET
- Fee: This members-only event is free-of-charge
- Location: online
- Working language: English
- Registration: The deadline for registrations is 214 April 2026