Mismatches Between Trainee and Educator Perceptions Regarding the use and Value of Driving Simulators

Driving simulation has become increasingly sophisticated. However, perceptions regarding the use and acceptability of simulators for driver education have received little research attention. An online survey with inexperienced drivers and focus groups with driver educators explored perceptions regarding the inclusion of driving simulators within novice driver education. There was a difference in the level of acceptance of simulators between groups with young drivers being highly accepting and driver educators displaying a high degree of scepticism regarding their efficacy as training tools. Moreover, education regarding the effective evidence-based use of simulators in training is warranted.