Health impact and acceptance of an neuropsychological test-battery for the assessment of driving ability in the elderly

Driving simulators and neuropsychological computer tests are largely envisaged as instruments to evaluate the driving skills of elderly people. This study investigates whether driving simulators and computer tests have negative short-term effects on the wellbeing of elderly drivers. If this is the case, these instruments carry the risk of biasing the assessment procedure and their use in driving assessment should be reconsidered. Twenty elderly drivers performed a driving task-related computer test and a test ride in a driving simulator. Objective measures included neurophysiologic (e.g. blood pressure and heart rate) and behavioural (driving errors) measures. Subjective physiologic (e.g. pain) and psychological (acceptance) parameters were also recorded. Although simulator sickness was reported in some cases, no consistently significant increases in objective stress symptoms or subjective variables were found during task performance. No significant differences were found regarding young control groups. Driving simulators and computer tests seem to be appropriate instruments for driving assessment in elderly people.