We are currently looking for people who have just started to learn to drive (or are thinking about starting) to take part in a short computer-based study at TRL's main office (Crowthorne House, Nine Mile Ride, Wokingham, RG40 3GA) between 7th April and 16th April 2025. Specifically, we are looking for people who have a UK provisional car licence or are thinking about applying for one, but have not yet booked or taken their theory test. If you fit this criterion, and you would like to take part in the research, please read the description below and respond by clicking on the 'Finish Survey' link at the bottom and you will be redirected to a website to book a session. The session in total will be around 45-60 minutes on-site.
Please note that this is an in-person trial and cannot be done online. You will need to be able to get to the address above. We may also run some sessions in Woolwich (London), if you would prefer to take part in one of these sessions, please email us directly on trials@trl.co.uk to let us know.
What is the research about?
The research is seeking feedback from learner drivers on the types of materials that are used in driver training and testing for licence acquisition. (We are also seeking feedback from experience drivers but these have been recruited separately). The feedback will be used to improve future materials.
What do I need to do?
In this study, you will attend TRL‘s Crowthorne House office, you will need to bring your provisional licence with you (if you have one) to confirm your status. We will then sign you into the study. You will then spend around 20-30 minutes viewing video clips from a car-driver’s perspective on a laptop computer, responding to these using simple button presses. Full instructions will be given on the day. Because of the nature of the materials, no interaction with mobile devices will be allowed at the computer station. We will invite you to place your mobile devices in a tray next to the laptop you are using for the duration of the study.
We are looking to test people in groups so there may be up to 8 people in the room at once, all completing the task at their own computer.
After the computer task, there will be a very short survey to complete, where you provide some further feedback on the clips, and provide information about your driving experience and demographic information. This will complete the study.
What do I get for taking part?
We will be providing everybody who takes part in the study with a £30 Amazon voucher, which will be given to you after the study. This is to reimburse you for your time and effort in taking part.
I'm not 17 yet, can I still take part?
If you are 16 and intend to start learning to drive soon after you turn 17, then you can still take part in the trial. Please bring some form of ID with you to prove your age.
Are there any risks or adverse effects associated with taking part?
We do not expect any adverse effects from taking part in the study. A very small number of people may find that the clips cause some minor discomfort due to visual movement, but if this happens you would not be expected to complete the task in full. If this happens you would still receive your voucher.