Hazard recognition training increases the change of passing the first exam

Published on May 1, 2025, on RijschoolPro.nl. https://www.rijschoolpro.nl/actueel/2025/05/01/rijsimulator-met-gevaarherkenningstraining-verhoogt-slaagkans/

In 2017, the Wageningen-based company Green Dino won the Driving School Innovation Award for its "Hazard Recognition" driving simulator training. Delft University of Technology published research results earlier this year showing that this hazard recognition training can be a smart choice for driving schools and students. According to Delft University of Technology, hazard recognition training reduces the number of driving lessons on the road by 12.4% and increases the pass rate by 24.1%. However, many driving schools are still unfamiliar with Green Dino's driving simulator. "The pros and cons at a glance. Hazard perception training on driving simulators significantly improves the efficiency of driver training," says Jorrit Kuipers, CTO of Green Dino. "It's a shame that driving schools are reluctant."

Scientific publication

The scientific publication "Training for the Unexpected: Enhancing Driver Preparedness Through Hazard Awareness" describes a study by Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) on the driving behaviour of 2,879 simulator students during and after their driving training. Students who took the hazard perception training required an average of 38.5 hours of road safety training, compared to 43.3 hours for the control group of students who did not take this training. This represents a 12.4% reduction in the number of driving lessons. Driving instructors, therefore, believe that students who take the hazard perception training are ready for their driving test faster. The driving simulator uses AI (artificial intelligence), eliminating the need for supervision during simulator driving lessons. This allows them to train more students without increasing staff. Furthermore, instructors can focus on training students' understanding instead of teaching basic skills.

Effective

“Our driving simulators, with AI instruction, prove to be particularly effective in developing a safe driving style. The aforementioned study shows that students who took hazard perception training needed 25.5% fewer attempts to pass (1.56 versus 1.78 attempts). This indicates that examiners also believe they are better prepared for independent driving.” "In short, students are ready for their driving test faster and perform much better on it," says Kuipers. Simulators allow for risk-free practice of complex scenarios, such as bad weather or (near) collisions. This aligns with the guidelines of the National Curriculum for Driver Training B and the revised European Commission guideline for driving licenses. Note: Hazard perception will be included in the practical driving test for all driving license categories. By having students experience collisions, they are confronted with the dangers on the road. Researchers at Delft University of Technology conclude that this makes students more cautious and less adept at driving in complex traffic situations. As a result, they develop a safer driving style during their driving lessons. This should appeal to every driving school.

Cost-saving

According to Green Dino, the monthly cost of a driving simulator with AI instruction is around 500 euros with a five-year depreciation period, comparable to a mid-size car. Because there is no instructor present during the lesson, the total cost of teaching driving is much lower than on-road. Most driving schools with a driving simulator charge Therefore, a lower lesson price for simulator driving lessons. The cost of obtaining a driver's license is therefore considerably lower for students, and the profit for the driving school is considerably higher. The latter does, however, depend on the lesson price and the simulator's occupancy rate. The lower training costs improve the driving school's competitive position.

Sustainable Choice

According to Green Dino, driving simulators are a sustainable choice because they produce no emissions and have a long lifespan. They also reduce traffic congestion. At a time when environmental concerns are becoming increasingly important, simulators offer a new way to make driving lessons greener. This is not only good for the environment but also strengthens the image of driving schools as socially responsible businesses. Unlike driving school cars, which are subject to wear and tear and rising fuel costs, driving simulators are a sustainable investment. They require minimal maintenance and are not directly affected by personnel costs, inflation, fuel prices, or vehicle costs. A simulator lasts for over 15 years, making driving schools a stable, long-term investment. After the five-year depreciation period, the monthly costs decrease. significantly.

Disadvantages

Kuipers: "While the advantages are compelling, there are also caveats. The aforementioned study notes that safe driving habits may not be maintained after obtaining a driver's license if the instructor's guidance is withdrawn.