Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) driving simulators offer a promising platform for novice driver training, providing a safe and controlled environment for skill acquisition. This study investigated the combined and individual effectiveness of haptic feedback and dynamic difficulty adjustment (DDA) in enhancing the learning outcomes and engagement of novice drivers within a VR simulation environment. A total of 60 participants with no prior driving experience were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups: (1) no haptics, no DDA; (2) haptics only; (3) DDA only; and (4) haptics + DDA. Driving performance metrics, including lane deviation, reaction time to hazards, and collision frequency, were objectively recorded, alongside subjective measures of perceived workload and engagement. Results indicated that both haptic feedback and DDA significantly improved specific aspects of driving performance and learner engagement. Specifically, haptic feedback led to reduced lane deviation and improved hazard response, while DDA enhanced sustained engagement and adaptive skill development. The combination of haptics and DDA demonstrated synergistic effects, yielding the most comprehensive improvements across performance metrics and learner experience. These findings underscore the critical role of advanced interactive features in optimizing VR-based training for complex motor skills, paving the way for more effective and adaptive novice driver education programs.
