Online driver training can be effective, but only if carefully designed to avoid boredom and distraction, a new report has found.
The report is written by the Parliament Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) and Nottingham Trent University, who have drawn together knowledge from the last three years to show their understanding of the changes involved in new ways of training.
It finds that presenting online as if trainees are in the same room does not work. For the best outcomes ‘super rich’ online learning environments need the course length, group size, interactive elements and more to be ‘just right’.
The authors also outline the challenges instructors can face when teaching online – such as avoiding distracting virtual backgrounds and encouraging interaction with trainees via a quiz and informal chat. Instructor feedback should also be carefully managed: being criticised in your own home is more threatening than in a classroom.
Lead researcher, professor David Crundall, Department of Psychology at Nottingham Trent University’s School of Social Sciences, said: “While the rapid shift to online delivery has been largely successful, it is vital that driver safety courses are effective and engaging to improve road safety.
“This is the first time that specific driver training guidance for virtual learning has been published and we hope that it addresses any challenges that trainers and organisers have faced since the pandemic.”
Jamie Hassall, PACTS executive director, said: “Effective training is vital so people who drive can understand how to play their part in a safe transport system.
“This report, written by professionals from across PACTS wide range of membership organisations, clearly lays out the way for best delivery of online training. PACTS are grateful for their contribution to our growing library of research.”
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