[The BBC reports on a new effort by UK researchers to use presence-evoking virtual and augmented reality to help reduce the anxiety autistic people experience while learning to drive (it could be useful for other people as well). The BBC story is followed by one with links and additional details from the University of Exeter. As often seems to be the case, a quick online search reveals several similar and apparently independent projects with the same worthy goals. –Matthew]

[Image: Sophy Tyler passed her driving test but said she doesn’t have the confidence to drive on her own.]

Virtual reality tech helping autistic drivers

By Georgia Eadie
September 18, 2025

Autistic people are being offered the opportunity to learn to drive using virtual reality simulators.

It is hoped the new scheme, part of a research project with the University of Bath and University of Exeter, will help to break down barriers that often put people off from getting behind the wheel.

One of the academics involved in the project said autistic people can experience high levels of anxiety when driving.

Sophy Tyler, 29, from Bath was diagnosed with autism as a teenager and despite passing her driving test when she was 21, she has not had the confidence to drive on her own.

She said: “I found the idea of driving without an instructor really scary.”

Dr Tom Arthur, from the University of Exeter and the research lead, said: “By focusing on real-world driving challenges and barriers, we hope this project will help promote independence.”

The project will look into how virtual and augmented reality technologies, known as extended reality, can be used to build confidence in the process of driving before getting behind the wheel of a real car.

Experts say they are in the early stages of the project and are working out if the technology helps people more if they use it before they start driving solo or after.

Professor Mark Brosnan, from the University of Bath, said driving has been an issue amongst the autistic community for a long time.

“Mainly as many autistic people struggle with sensory sensitivities and very high levels of anxiety.

“Sometimes interacting with other people is challenging so sitting next to a driving instructor, understanding the social signals at junctions can be difficult.

“So we want to develop technology to help autistic people overcome some of these challenges,” he said.

He added that they were working with technology developers to create driving-like experiences that people can use in the comfort of their own home.

Maisie Hughes, 19, from Dursley in Gloucestershire, is one of the project participants. She hasn’t felt ready to start driving but thinks this use of tech could make a big difference.

“It would give people the opportunity to learn to drive at their own pace and make mistakes that don’t really matter because its not real,” she said.

—

[From the University of Exeter]

New project using Extended Reality to help autistic drivers

By Tom Seymour
Early September 2025

A new project is using Extended Reality (XR) technologies to develop tools which could help autistic people overcome some of the barriers and difficulties faced when driving a car.

The Extended Reality for Autistic Drivers (XRAD) project is led by the University of Exeter, in partnership with the University of Bath, University of Nottingham and National Autistic Society, and is working with a large team of autistic people – including both qualified drivers and non-drivers – to guide the development process. The insight, viewpoints and experiences of this co-design team will be combined with the latest innovations in science and technology to explore a range of solutions.

Dr Tom Arthur from the University of Exeter is XRAD Research Lead and said: “We know autistic people can find public transport inaccessible and for some, driving a car can make for a more comfortable and predictable journey. But research suggests autistic people often experience wide-ranging challenges on the road and are less likely to get a driving licence. By focusing on real-world driving challenges and barriers, we hope this project will help promote independence and increase access for autistic people to employment, education, healthcare, and leisure activities.”

The co-design team will join researchers in a variety of workshops using XR technologies – like Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and driving simulator equipment – to focus on which solutions are built and how they will be delivered in practice. Insight from these sessions will be combined with findings from recent psychology and simulation-based research from the Virtual Immersive Training And Learning (VITAL) team at the University of Exeter, as well as emerging innovations from the world of XR – such as real-time eye tracking analyses and adaptive learning experiences. Key decisions on the project are being made by a steering group of autistic individuals to ensure the research represents the preferences and priorities of neurodivergent people as much as possible.

Anna is a member of the steering group and said: “This project represents a lot of what autistic people have been asking for from researchers – something that involves us at every step of the process and addresses a real-world problem. The opportunity to help guide the project, take part in the design process, and ensure our opinions are being incorporated is great. As a gamer and an autistic person who’s struggled to access driving for various reasons over the years, I am excited at the potential of XR to help with the social and sensory challenges of driving, and make the learning process a bit smoother.”

Professor Mark Brosnan from the Centre of Applied Autism Research (CAAR) at the University of Bath said: “It’s fantastic to have CAAR’s blueprint for the autistic community’s involvement in research embedded within this innovative XRAD project. We are bringing together cutting-edge participatory research with state-of-the-art technology, to impact upon the lives of autistic people in a meaningful way.”

The XRAD project is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council via a New Investigator grant awarded to Dr Tom Arthur.

The blueprint for autism community involvement in research is available here.