Simulators that allow learner drivers to practise how to cope with dangerous or unexpected conditions are to be introduced on a pilot basis by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
The technology is already in use by a number of European countries such as Norway, the Netherlands and France.
Brian Farrell, RSA spokesman said: "Trials with the simulators are part of the whole philosophy of trying to condense the learning curve into a shorter period."
The simulators allow drivers to practise driving at night, on motorways and in wet or stormy conditions.
The proposal was agreed by the RSA at a recent board meeting. It was initially raised last year by the Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise and Small Business in one of their road safety reports.
The pilot programme will incorporate the simulator into the training of a small cohort of motorists and assess if they perform significantly better in their driving test as a result.
It is likely that the new Road Safety Strategy (2007-2011), to be published in March, will recommend the introduction of a number of new technologies, such as simulators, to assist driver training.
Irish-based university researchers are likely to be involved in the development and assessment of the driver simulator performance.
One Co Galway-based driving school is already testing the technology. Modern simulators cost over €40,000.
Driving simulators are also currently being researched by the British Driving Standards Agency.
Simulators are commonly used for testing reaction times to hazards and the extent of driver impairment caused by the influence of intoxicants, such as alcohol or drugs.
However, increasingly driver testing and training agencies are looking at simulators as a way of developing a learner driver's competence and confidence before they start using busy roads. The simulators are portable and could easily be brought to schools as part of a wider road user education programme.
Simulator programmes can also be tailored to the particular needs of each motorist, allowing them to concentrate on areas such as observation or car control, depending on the areas in which they are weakest.
"This type of technology can help drivers to quickly gain experience and knowledge in a controlled environment so that when they are presented with a danger or series of dangers that they know how to respond appropriately," Mr Farrell said.
