Skilled driving requires complex cognitive and recognitional abilities. A Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) was used and a low tech simulation to study experience linked differences in these abilities. Inexperienced (n=18) and experienced (n=17) drivers participated. The inexperienced drivers struggled with control. They worked to keep their car between the lines and execute turns. In time, automatised performance replaced conscience control. Some situations, like icy roadways, were automatised later than others. As driving reached automaticity, drivers began attending to a wider range of cues. They predicted and avoided problems. A broader view of the roadway emerged in parallel with the development of anticipation. It was also observed that experienced drivers were more likely to know their limits and adopted effective compensatory strategies. The Dreyfus & Dreyfus (1986) model of expertise is used to describe these systematic changes. Protocol analysis suggested guidelines for training novice drivers and for upgrading skills of long term drivers. (A)
Samenvatting