Validation of the driver behaviour questionnaire using behavioural data from an instrumented vehicle and high-fidelity driving simulator

•We examined the relationship between the driver behaviour questionnaire (DBQ) subscales and objective measures of speed in two datasets (an instrumented vehicle study, and a simulator study).•The DBQ violation sub-scale was generally associated with objectively-measured speed choice in both datasets.•DBQ error and lapse subscales were not associated with objectively-measured speed choice.•The findings support the view that DBQ is a valid measure of driving behaviour, and that driving simulation has relative validity.

Data from two previously published studies were used to examine the correlations between scores on the violation, error and lapse sub-scales of the driver behaviour questionnaire, and observed driving speed. One dataset utilised data from an instrumented vehicle, which recorded driver speed on bends on a rural road. The other utilised data from a driving simulator study. Generally in both datasets the DBQ violation subscale was associated with objectively-measured speed, while the error and lapse sub-scales were not. These findings are consistent with the idea that the DBQ is a valid measure of observed behaviour in real driving (its original intended use) and also in simulated driving. The fact that associations were the same in real and simulated driving lends further support to the relative validity of driving simulation. The need for larger and more focused studies examining the role of different motivations in different driving situations is discussed.