- What is the National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS)?

The National Advanced Driving Simulator at The University of Iowa is the most advanced ground vehicle simulator in the world. It was developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct research that will ultimately reduce the loss of lives and property on the nation’s roadways. 

The simulator consists of a dome with a vehicle cab inside. The vehicle is attached to a motorized turntable that allows the dome to rotate and simulate different driving conditions. Drivers will experience highly realistic driving scenes, traffic sounds, and road conditions such as gravel and pot holes.

- Where is the NADS located?

NADS is located at The University of Iowa’s Oakdale Campus just east of Highway 965. The street address for the NADS facility is 2401 Oakdale Blvd., Coralville Iowa. Please click here for a map.

- What kinds of studies does the NADS conduct?

We conduct a wide range of studies. Current and upcoming studies include drinking and driving, cell phone usage, and new technology in vehicles, to name a few. Please click here for a comprehensive list of NADS projects.

- Where do you get drivers for the studies?

The NADS relies on volunteers from the community to participate in the studies. If you are interested in participating, please sign up online at http://www.nads-sc.uiowa.edu/forms/recruiting.htm or call 319-335-4719.

- What age groups are you looking for in drivers?

We look for individuals with a valid U.S. driver’s license starting at age 16. There is no age limit; however, most studies enroll drivers 18 or older.

Each study has specific criteria that must be met. Once a person expresses interest, he or she is registered in the database. When a participant matches study criteria, he or she may be contacted.

- Should a senior volunteer for a study at NADS?

Yes. As the nation’s population continues to age, more studies are being conducted with mature drivers. It is a fun, unique experience, and each drive potentially saves lives.

- I signed up to be a participant and have never been called. Why?

We appreciate everyone who has signed up to participate in a study. All studies have specific criteria that need to be met. Either no study has been conducted that matches your information in our database or we have a large number of participants in your age group.

We will contact you at least once each year to update our database records. If you have not yet been contacted to participate in a study, we appreciate your willingness to consider future studies.

- Is it safe to drive in the simulator?

Yes, the simulator is very safe. One of the benefits of the simulator is that it can simulate real-world driving situations without risking human life in the process. NADS places the utmost importance on the safety of our participants.

- A friend of mine told me that he drove a simulator and got motion sick. Is this likely to happen to me?

Your comfort and safety is NADS's highest priority. The likelihood of you experiencing motion sickness is based upon many factors, including your own susceptibility to motion sickness, the extent of your real-world experience, and the driving maneuvers you will be asked to perform.

The NADS's ability to replicate the real-world driving experience with a high level of realism makes it less likely to induce motion sickness than other driving simulators.

- Will information from a study be added to my driving record?

No. No information is reported to any driving agency, and your license and driving privileges will not be affected in any way.

- Will feedback regarding my driving be provided?

No. Studies are designed to gather data, not critique you or give you driving feedback.

- Are participants reimbursed for their time?

Yes. Each study varies in the compensation offered. If you are contacted to participate in a study, you will be informed about the compensation provided.

- When will I receive payment for my participation?

Payments are processed by The University of Iowa. You should receive payment 4-6 weeks after study completion.

- How can a person sign up to participate in a study?

You can sign up by calling 319-335-4719 or online at http://www.nads-sc.uiowa.edu/forms/recruiting.htm.

- I participated in a study. How can I learn more about the findings of that study?

You can view published studies here.

Please note that pilot and confidential studies may not be made available to the general public.