FAQs
Where do you get participants from?
TRL depends on volunteers from the local community to participate in studies. If you are interested in becoming a participant, please visit our Participants Wanted page or contact the simulator team on 01344 770612.
Are there age restrictions for participants?
TRL is looking for people of all ages with a current UK driving licence to participate as our studies aim to reflect the national driving population. So whether you are 17 or 90, get in contact!
Do participants get paid for their time?
All participants will be reimbursed for their time and travel expenses at a standard rate.
A friend told me that they got motion sick when driving a simulator. Is this likely to happen to me?
While it can occur, the rate of simulator sickness is very low with less than 5% of participants experiencing any symptoms at all. Of course, in the unlikely event that you experience discomfort you are free to stop at any time.
When will I receive payment for a study I have been in?
You can expect to receive payment for a study that you have been in within 30 days of your visit. If you are concerned that you have not received payment for a study, please contact the simulator team on 01344 770612.
How can I sign up to participate in a study?
You can sign up to a study by submitting a Participant Form or by contacting our simulator team on 01344 770612.
I signed up as a participant but have not been contacted yet. Why?
Different studies have different recruitment criteria so you may not suit all the work we do. However, there are many studies each year so you never know when you may get a call.
What if I don't enjoy the study?
You are free to stop at any time if you feel at all uncomfortable when participating in a study. Just let the trials manager know that you don't wish to continue.
What can I expect to happen whilst at TRL?
Arrive at TRL 5-10 minutes before your time slot, let the receptionist know that you are here for a trial and the trials manager will come to meet you.
You will then sign a written consent form and do a short familiarisation drive in the car simulator to get used to the vehicle controls.
The study will then start which usually involves a series of drives in the simulator - driving it as you would a normal vehicle. You may experience motorway, urban or rural roads. You can also expect to complete some questionnaires while enjoying a cup of tea and some biscuits before going home.
What is TRL's car driving simulator?
TRL's car driving simulator is based around a small family car. Controls such as the steering wheel and pedals work as they would in a real car. Images of a virtual reality environment are projected onto screens around the car to give the impression of being on real roads.
What is it that you are looking for during trials?
That will depend on the type of trial, but generally we're interested in how different groups of people drive on the road and in traffic.
What kinds of trials do you do?
They do vary a lot; some of them will look at changes to the road environment such as new signs or junction layouts. Others will look at changes to the vehicle. We also do research that looks at driver-related issues such as fatigue and nutrition.
What do you do with the information you collect?
Information we collect in the car driving simulator or through questionnaires is not linked to your name. Once the trial is over we tend to look at differences between groups of drivers rather than individual people. Your personal details will always be kept confidential.
What if I fail?
It's not possible to fail! We expect you to drive as you normally would and, if you are self-conscious about your driving, remember that the information we collect will not be linked to your name.
If your question has not been answered, please contact the Simulator Team on +44 (0)1344 770612 or lweaver@trl.co.uk for more information.
