Introduction
A BBC report highlights a new driving-simulation initiative in the United Kingdom that uses virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to help autistic people learn to drive. The project is a collaboration between the University of Bath and the University of Exeter, led by researchers seeking to reduce anxiety and other barriers that often stand in the way of taking to the road.
The UK Project: VR/AR Tools for Learning to Drive
Researchers hope that VR and AR, collectively described as extended reality (XR), can build confidence before a learner ever gets into a real car. The team is examining how these technologies might address real-world challenges — such as sensory overload, social navigation, and interpreting driving cues — to make the first steps toward independence less daunting.
Why this matters
One researcher notes that autistic drivers may experience elevated anxiety while driving, which can impede progress. The project aims to tailor experiences that help learners acclimate at their own pace, potentially reducing the fear associated with solo driving.
Voices from the Learners
Sophie Taylor, a 29-year-old from Bath who was diagnosed with autism during adolescence, passed a driving test at 21 but did not feel ready to drive alone: ‘The thought of driving without a teacher really scared me.’
Dr Tom Arthur of the University of Exeter, who leads the research, explains the approach: ‘By focusing on real-world challenges and barriers, we hope the project will encourage independence.’
What the Experts Say
Professor Mark Brusnan from the University of Bath notes that driving has long been a challenge for autistic communities due to sensory sensitivities and anxiety, as well as social cues at intersections and interactions with instructors. ‘Sitting beside a driving instructor, understanding social cues at junctions, and navigating the road can be difficult. We want to develop technology that helps autistic people overcome several of these hurdles,’ he said. The team envisions home-based driving experiences that mirror real-world tasks, allowing learners to practice comfortably outside a formal lesson.
Participants and Early Findings
Maisie, a 19-year-old participant from Drasley in Gloucestershire, has not yet felt ready to start driving, but believes the technology could be transformative. ‘It will give people the chance to learn at their own pace and make mistakes that aren’t truly harmful – because it’s not real,’ she said.
Global Context: What’s Happening Abroad
Shaping the landscape are two prominent international efforts. First, a Vanderbilt University Medical Center program in Nashville, Tennessee, offers a driving simulator that collects individualized data to support learning and even screening for licensing suitability. The second is Auriga Interactive, a private company developing autism-tailored driving simulations that can be used by individuals at home or in clinical settings.
Where Israel Fits In and Why Customization Matters
Israel currently does not have a driving school explicitly marketed toward autism. Existing simulators in the region primarily support parts of attention and anxiety management, but autistic learners often require distinct adjustments — sensory modulation, emotional regulation, and reduced stimuli — to create a truly accessible learning path. Ongoing development in XR driving simulations aims to deliver real-time data-driven adaptations to meet these unique needs.
Next Steps and What to Expect
Researchers are at an early stage, evaluating whether VR and AR experiences are more helpful before starting real driving or after initial lessons. As data accumulate, the team hopes to refine the technology to support gradual increases in autonomy, with home-based modules paralleling on-road practice.
For More Information
Additional information about Safe Driving Simulator projects and Auriga Interactive can be found through their respective resources, which outline ongoing research and available solutions for autism-inclusive driving education.
Links and resources: SAFE Driving Simulator | Auriga Interactive
