Delegates Tom Rust and Joe May Test New Driving Simulators

Virginia Delegate Tom Rust (R-86th District) and Delegate Joe May (R-33rd District) recently visited a Department of Motor Vehicles customer service center to observe research on driving simulators conducted by researchers at the University of Virginia.

UVA is evaluating the use of driving simulators to determine whether the technology fairly and objectively assesses a person’s driving ability compared to an on-road driving exam, according to a press release sent by Del. Rust. 

Last year, the Virginia General Assembly approved $200,000 in funding for the DMV to participate in the UVA Driving Safety Laboratory.

According to UVA, the sophisticated driving simulator is similar to flight simulators that commercial airlines routinely use to train and assess pilots. Simulators are staffed by research assistants who administer simulator tests, solicit driver feedback about how the technology compares to actual driving, and collect data regarding each test-taker’s ability to accurately maneuver in the simulated environment. 

The simulator is open to volunteers age 18 and older either as a walk-in or by appointment. Each test takes about 40 minutes. 

Results from the simulator are confidential and used only for research purposes and are not shared with DMV or insurance companies.

TELL US - What do you think? Are driving simulators a good substitute for a good, old-fashioned road test? Tell us in the comments below.

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