Differences in Driver Behaviour between Race and Experienced Drivers: A Driving Simulator Study

Negi, Naman; Van Leeuwen, Peter; Happee, Riender · 2019 · Crossref

DOI: 10.5220/0007700003600367

archive: archived pipeline: cataloged verified

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Summary

This study investigates the behavioral differences between expert race-car drivers and experienced non-expert drivers during high-speed driving tasks. The research is motivated by the need to improve Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which currently fail to account for driver variability, often designing for average or worst-case performance. By quantifying these differences, the authors aim to facilitate the development of adaptive ADAS that incorporate driver skill into the control loop. The experiment utilized a high-fidelity driving simulator based on a Formula Renault 2.0 chassis, featuring realistic force feedback and visual displays. Seventeen male participants, divided into an expert group (seven professional racing drivers) and a non-expert group (ten university students with no racing experience), completed four 10-minute sessions on the Mallory Park test circuit. Participants were instructed to achieve the fastest possible lap times. Data recorded at 100Hz included steering inputs, braking points, lateral acceleration, and path trajectories. The analysis focused on three specific curves, using statistical tests to compare performance metrics such as lap times, steering jerk, and distance traveled. Results indicated that expert drivers achieved significantly lower lap times, maintaining higher speeds in both corners and straight sections. Experts demonstrated higher steering activity, with steering jerk values approximately 1.5 to 2 times higher than those of non-experts, particularly in curves 1 and 2. This higher activity reflects optimized feed-forward and feedback control mechanisms. Experts also maintained higher lateral acceleration, pushing the vehicle closer to its traction limits, whereas non-experts prioritized stability over speed. Path strategy analysis revealed distinct differences: non-experts tended to hug the inside of the track, while experts utilized the full width of the track, braking consistently and following a racing line that maximized corner exit speed. Consequently, experts traveled a longer distance through certain curves to maintain higher velocities. The study concludes that expert drivers possess a more developed internal vehicle model, allowing for precise, rapid control inputs and consistent path strategies. These findings suggest that metrics such as steering jerk, lateral acceleration, and path consistency can effectively differentiate driver skill levels. The implications for automotive safety are significant, highlighting the potential for ADAS to adapt to individual driver behaviors rather than applying uniform safety protocols. Understanding these distinctions can lead to systems that better support drivers by accounting for their specific competency levels and control strategies.

Key finding

Expert race drivers achieved faster lap times than experienced non-experts by utilizing higher lateral acceleration, greater steering activity, and more consistent, optimized path strategies.

Methodology

simulator

Sample size: 17

Provenance

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Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• steering pattern
• novice drivers

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: behavioral performance data
• Methodological Resource: tool software
• Theoretical Contribution: computational model