Frequently Asked Questions
About the tour
Where will the tour be stopping?
The tour will be stopping in select locations throughout Massachusetts. Check our
tour locator to see when it will be in your community.
How much does it cost, and I only have my permit, can I still take the training?
The cost is free to any new driver, defined as someone who has had his or her license or permit for less than three years, regardless of age.
Is this the same as driver’s ed?
No, unlike your driver’s education class, this course requires that you be a licensed driver or learner's permit holder.
Do I have to buy my insurance with a particular company in order to go through the training?
No. This training is being sponsored free of charge to any new driver, defined as someone who has had his or her license (not permit) for three years or less. It does not matter where you purchase your insurance – this training is being funded as part of a public service to help reduce distracted driving and hopefully save lives.
Can I just show up, or do I need to make an appointment?
You need an appointment in order to be trained. Only two students can be trained at a time, so space is limited. Check out the Find the Tour tab and contact an Agency listed on the schedule snapshot for more information.
Do students need to be accompanied by a parent?
No, but parents are welcome to come and observe the training if they want. There is limited space in the trailer, so friends will be asked to wait outside while the training is being conducted.
About the simulator
How was the simulator developed?
Arbella sponsored research in the area of distracted driving conducted in the Human Performance Lab at the College of Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst. This lab is headed by Dr. Donald Fisher, professor and department head, a national expert on distracted driving. His research uses driving simulators to teach new drivers how to avoid accidents and stay safe behind the wheel. Arbella then decided to bring the benefits of driver simulator training to the public by creating a mobile classroom. The university created the driving simulations used in the Arbella training.
How long will it take to go through the training?
There are two different training sessions that complete the Distractology 101 Tour. The first session involves using a driving simulator located in the mobile trailer. This entails approximately 45 minutes of instructional learning behind the wheel of our driving simulator console. Students will get firsthand experience of how distractions interfere with their ability to react on the road, see hidden hazards and avoid accidents, all while safely behind the wheel of the simulator. The second part of Distractology 101 consists of online reinforcement training, which students can complete from any computer in about 20 minutes.
Is this just about distracted driving?
This training is not only about texting while driving, it’s also about hazard anticipation. The idea is to show students the numerous hidden hazards in common driving situations. Inexperienced drivers are less adept at anticipating hazardous situations on the road, which is why it is so important that they are not distracted while driving. Students are trained about common hazards they should anticipate in each scenario so they can see, firsthand, why being distracted, for even a few seconds, can lead to dangerous situations.
Do I need to take my cell phone with me?
Yes, please bring a cell phone with you to the training. If you don’t have a cell phone, we can provide one for you to use during the simulation.