By Georgia Eadie

Copyright bbc

The project will look into how virtual and augmented reality technologies, known as extended reality, can be used to build confidence in the process of driving before getting behind the wheel of a real car.

Experts say they are in the early stages of the project and are working out if the technology helps people more if they use it before they start driving solo or after.

Professor Mark Brosnan, from the University of Bath, said driving has been an issue amongst the autistic community for a long time.

“Mainly as many autistic people struggle with sensory sensitivities and very high levels of anxiety.

“Sometimes interacting with other people is challenging so sitting next to a driving instructor, understanding the social signals at junctions can be difficult.

“So we want to develop technology to help autistic people overcome some of these challenges,” he said.

He added that they were working with technology developers to create driving-like experiences that people can use in the comfort of their own home.

Maisie Hughes, 19, from Dursley in Gloucestershire, is one of the project participants. She hasn’t felt ready to start driving but thinks this use of tech could make a big difference.

“It would give people the opportunity to learn to drive at their own pace and make mistakes that don’t really matter because its not real,” she said.