Self-rated confidence and on-road driving performance among older adults: Self-assessment of confidence and driving performance among older adults

BACKGROUND.: Driver confidence can be measured through concepts such as driving frequency, situational avoidance, and self-perceptions. However, it is not clear how well confidence aligns with actual driving performance. PURPOSE.: We examined the relationship between subjective measures of confidence in driving ability and on-road performance. METHOD.: We report findings from two studies. The first compared scores from the Older and Wiser Driver Questionnaire to an on-road driving evaluation. The second looked at the Day and Night Driving Comfort Scales and Driving Habits and Intentions Questionnaire in relation to an on-road driving evaluation. FINDINGS.: No measures of confidence in driving ability were related to on-road driving performance. IMPLICATIONS.: Confidence in driving ability bears little relationship to on-road performance. Future research should examine approaches to foster a better match between self-assessments and actual abilities among drivers.