Validation of a Virtual Driver Assessment Tool for Older Drivers

Few studies have developed and validated a driving simulator for use with older drivers. As the population ages and demand for maintaining mobility in late-life increases, so will demand for efficient, safe and cost-effective methods of assessment and training that is suitable for older drivers. We compared simulator-based driving in older drivers against on-road driving with matching route and scoring procedure. We found that errors on the simulator predicted general driving safety. This has implications for the use of simulator technology for identifying at-risk older drivers.