Israel Considers Driving Simulators for Young Drivers to Improve Safety

Israel is exploring the potential introduction of driving simulators for young and new drivers, following initiatives by the National Road Safety Authority (Ftl). According to recently released documents, the authority intends to partner with Prof. Avinadav Borowsky from the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

The project, valued at 975,000 shekels for a two-year period, aims to develop digital simulation testing and training tools tailored specifically for novice private vehicle drivers. While simulators are commonly integrated into driver education abroad—such as mandatory highway simulator training in Singapore, preparatory simulator work in Finland, and officially counted hours in the United Kingdom—their use in Israel remains exceptionally rare and is currently limited to advanced driving schools.

Developing Advanced Risk Perception Tools

The initiative focuses heavily on enhancing hazard perception among drivers under the age of 24. Under the planned program, testing and training scenarios will be constructed specifically around the casualty statistics and accident profiles of young drivers in Israel.

"The authority is initiating the development of a digital simulation testing and training tool intended for new private vehicle drivers," according to the official documents released by the road safety body.

Future Technology Tender

Following the academic research phase led by Prof. Borowsky—who was the sole applicant after a call for proposals was issued to Israeli universities in 2022—the authority plans to issue a dedicated public tender. This upcoming tender will focus on acquiring the technological development services required to build the comprehensive training and examination system.