Visual attention of candidates during the training process for obtaining the B category driving license

Project title: Visual attention of candidates during the training process for obtaining the B category driving license
Tender: Public tender “Project work for the acquisition of practical experience and knowledge of students in the working environment 2022/2023”

Pedagogical mentor of the project: doc. dr. Tina Cvahte Ojsteršek
Local partner: ZŠAM Celje

Project duration: 13. 2. 2023 – 12. 5. 2023

Brief description of content:

Educating candidates for category B drivers is crucial to raising safe and fuel-efficient drivers. Changes in drivers’ attitudes towards driving, traffic safety, awareness of the impact of using motor vehicles on the environment and other external influences of driving that candidate drivers experience during training are poorly researched, especially in the area of ​​their behaviour and visual attention. Visual attention is considered to be the channel through which drivers get the most information about the traffic environment and what is happening, which is why it makes sense to study it in more detail. In this way, we can perceive how, during the training process, the driver candidates change their way of monitoring the environment and perceiving visual information, thereby determining to what extent the training teaches the candidates the skills of good perception of the environment and changes in it. In addition, we can concretely determine the extent to which candidates monitor their driving style (e.g. driving speed, engine revolutions), indicating their driving style and ecological awareness. The aim of the project is therefore to analyze, from a theoretical and above all a practical point of view, where and to what extent the visual attention of candidates for the B category driving test is directed during the various phases of the training for taking the test, using eye tracking glasses in a real environment. With this, we will show how education affects visual attention and the metrics of safe and economical driving, which will be determined in the first phase of the project. Based on this, it will be possible to establish starting points and directions for use in the driver education process, which will help driving instructors to incorporate the importance of appropriate visual attention in their work.