Beyond the Owner’s Manual – Mandatory Training for the ADAS Era
TL/DR: The traditional model of vehicle delivery and driver education is becoming inadequate in the face of complex, software-driven features like driving automation systems (DAS).
In this article, I propose mandatory induction training by OEMs (the need to update the way learners are taught to drive goes without saying) for new vehicle features, along with periodic updates.
PROPER ONBOARDING not only reinforces that drivers are not just legally responsible but also that they are practically equipped to handle the capabilities and limitations of their vehicles.
This approach could significantly enhance road safety, driver confidence, and public trust in emerging driving technologies.
It also shifts some of the onus of safety from the driver to the manufacturers, recognising their role in educating users about their products.
Introduction
The traditional model of driver education is rapidly becoming obsolete as DAS technologies continue to evolve. In the past, new drivers could read their vehicle manual and safely operate their cars without advanced driver assistance systems. However, today’s vehicles are increasingly equipped with sophisticated capabilities like Tesla’s Autopilot system that go far beyond traditional cruise control or lane-keeping assistance.
These new technologies demand a higher level of understanding and engagement from drivers [McDonald et al., 2018].
Gone are the days where we sign some paperwork, the dealer hands us our keys and we drive away smiling in our new purchase.
If car makers want to earn our trust, they need to educate us more, and they cannot rely on drivers delving into display menus to find the relevant part of the driver’s manual—those days are over.
Simply reading a manual is no longer enough to prepare drivers to safely operate vehicles with driving automation features.
With the proper instruction, drivers can fully leverage the benefits of sharing the driving task with automatic technologies while maintaining vigilance and control.
However, without new training models designed for current vehicle capabilities, there is a gap between technological advancement and driver readiness that poses risks for road safety.
Legal Responsibilities
Even as vehicles gain more agency over the dynamic driving task (DDT), the law still holds human drivers responsible for remaining alert and in control at all times.
The majority of new vehicles are classified as, at least, Driving Automation Level 2.
Accordingly, the human driver must be prepared to take over immediately if the DAS fails or encounters a situation it cannot handle.
This remains the case regardless of how sophisticated the vehicle’s advertised and available automatic features are.
In the event of a collision while using automated features like Tesla’s Autopilot, the human driver is legally liable, not the vehicle manufacturer.
The driver cannot cite reliance on the technology as a defence.
Therefore, it is critical that drivers fully understand the responsibilities and limitations of these systems before operating a vehicle equipped with them.
Take the case where manufacturers allow the use of automation released in ‘beta’ phase.
Apart from the obvious problem that this definition is not going to be fully understood by a large section of the driving population, the subtle implication that the driver is de facto a (paying) tester of the software, is in my opinion equally problematic.
Induction training will help ensure drivers comprehend their legal obligations when it comes to supervising automated capabilities (a Level 2 driver’s burden).
Practical Training
I recently turned up for a test drive, and after showing my driver’s licence and signing some insurance paperwork, I was taken to the car, and without any further instruction from the salesman—or checking of my understanding of how to operate the features—I was (tentatively) off on my own.
In contrast, in a study on driving behaviour in relation to ADAS, the participants were given 3 weeks of familiarisation training before starting the task; they were also all employees of the OEM, so they had a higher overall degree of understanding about the limitations than the average buyer.
As driving automation becomes more prevalent, practical, hands-on experience becomes crucial.
Merely reading about new technologies in a manual provides insufficient preparation for real-world driving situations.
Induction training should include structured, supervised practice sessions, best achieved using simulators, that allow drivers to get first-hand experience with the key capabilities and limitations of driving automation systems.
For example, training modules could guide drivers through adjusting driving automation settings to match their comfort level and road conditions.
Drivers need opportunities to practice smoothly taking control from the engaged automatic system during potentially hazardous situations.
They should also learn techniques for actively monitoring the system by remaining alert and ready to intervene.
Hands-on training builds muscle memory and reinforces proper use, giving drivers confidence to safely utilise these advanced technologies.
Building Confidence
Proper training focused on understanding system capabilities can lead to greater driver confidence and trust in DAS.
A recent study found that when drivers were given detailed training on the abilities of automated systems, they developed more confidence and trust in the system’s operation.
However, the study warned that this training should also emphasise the limitations of the systems to avoid overconfidence.
It is apparent that when drivers have an accurate, thorough understanding of what automated systems can (responsibilities-based training) and cannot do (limitations-based training), they gain reasonable trust and confidence in using these features.
This confidence enhances the overall driving experience and facilitates the wider adoption of automated technologies.
Drivers who understand the limitations of the systems are more likely to utilise the automation and are more likely to disable or override it [Julia Orlovska a et al. (2020)].
Building driver confidence through training is key to successfully integrating advanced automation into vehicles.
Bridging the Technology Gap
The incredible pace of technological advancement in partial driving automation vehicles is quickly creating a widening gap between the capabilities of the technology and most drivers’ understanding of how to use it safely and effectively.
For example, when Tesla adds a significant new feature like Autopilot, reading the manual is no longer sufficient—drivers need hands-on training to develop the skills and mindset to properly use and monitor these sophisticated systems.
Structured training programmes can bridge this gap by methodically developing drivers’ knowledge and proficiency with new tech features as they are introduced.
Therefore, I suggest that induction training or onboarding tutorial when a new model or software update is released gives drivers a comprehensive understanding of system capabilities, limitations, proper use cases, and their legal responsibilities before ever hitting the road.
With this preparation, drivers gain more trust and confidence in engaging with these features, helping to maximise safety benefits.
Ongoing training reinforces key learnings and allows manufacturers to coach drivers on new best practices identified over time.
Ultimately, the right training transforms drivers from passive users to vigilant, empowered overseers, leveraging technology as a helpful aid rather than fully outsourcing control.
If you ever found yourself in a situation where a better understanding of your vehicle’s ADAS features could have improved your driving experience or safety, please share your story in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for reading!
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