YOUNG drivers could be sent on virtual reality courses before sitting their tests, we can reveal.
Learners face wearing head-sets or sitting in simulators to develop their road skills to gain their license.
Instructors may introduce the plans to help reduce road casualties including fatalities and serious injury.
Transport Minister Jesse Norman has hailed the hi-tech approach saying it can “help learner drivers to develop their hazard perception skills prior to taking their tests”.
He added: “Virtual reality road safety awareness films are likely to be helpful in driver education.
“They promise to bring an added spatial dimension to the experience and can be very engaging when used well.”
Figures show that 17-19 year-olds hold under 2 per cent of driving licences but are involved in 9 per cent of fatal and serious crashes.
Within two years of passing their test one in four 18-24 year-olds will crash their motor.
Learner drivers will be allowed to have lessons on motorways from 2018
Alex Fiddes, Digital Programme Executive at the DVSA who oversee testing, last night said: “Our priority is to help everyone through a lifetime of safe driving.
“It’s important candidates can demonstrate they have a good knowledge of the rules of the road and the theory behind safe driving.
“Road safety education is vitally important and we are always exploring the potential of developing driver training and testing with emerging technologies.”
Joshua Harris, director of campaigns at Brake, said: “Novice drivers are involved in a huge proportion of crashes on our roads and more must be done to improve their safety.
Strong hazard perception is vital to driver safety and we welcome innovative approaches to such as the use of VR.”
Source: The Sun
