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Participate in a Study

VTTI frequently seeks volunteers to participate in its various transportation-related research studies. Volunteers are selected based on whether they meet the requirements for the objectives specific to the study. All participation is voluntary, and participants may withdraw at any time.

VTTI conducts studies in various locations across the country, and most studies provide modest compensation. All participation is voluntary and participants may withdraw at any time.

To learn more about participation in our research studies, please call 540-231-1583 and leave a message or complete this form.

Please note that, by completing the form, you are not agreeing to participate in any particular study. You are simply submitting your name and information for contact by a VTTI research team member when recruiting for a study. Any information you provide will remain confidential and will not be shared with others outside of VTTI.


Specific Studies

VTTI is conducting a driving simulator study to learn about semi-autonomous commercial motor vehicles. This study is sponsored by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

VTTI is seeking individuals who:

  • Are ages 21 and above
  • Have a valid Class-A or Class-B Commercial Driver's License
  • Actively drive a large truck such as a tractor-trailer, a straight or construction truck, or bus, etc. as part of their job
  • Are willing to drive in a simulator located in Blacksburg, Virginia
  • Are not prone to motion sickness

Participants will "drive" in one of two types of simulators for one extended study session. There is no driving on public roadways. The session will last up to 17 hours, including breaks. During the study, continuous video of the participant's face, hands, and the steering wheel will be recorded. Participants will also be asked to complete questionnaires.

The study provides compensation of $975 for full participation.

If you, or someone you know, are interested in more information, please contact 540-231-1277 or CDLdrivers@vtti.vt.edu, and mention the "Truck Team" study. (IRB #23-238)

Do you drive a newer vehicle in the Northern Virginia or Washington D.C. area? Or the Denver, Colorado, or Seattle, Washington, area?

VTTI is looking for drivers of the following vehicles with modern technology, specifically, adaptive cruise control and lane centering, to participate in a research study.

  • Ford Mach-E (2021 or newer)
  • Honda CR-V (2023 or newer)
  • Kia Sportage (2023 or newer)
  • Subaru Outback (2023 or newer)
  • Tesla Model 3 with FSD (2021 or newer)
  • Toyota Corolla Cross (2023 or newer)

For an initial 6-month enrollment period, your total maximum compensation for participating 6 months and completing all study tasks is $1,100. Participation is confidential (IRB 22-908).

Interested? Unsure if your vehicle qualifies?

Reference the “VTTI Daisy” study in your message, along with your city, state, and vehicle type. Visit the Daisy study website to learn more.

Commercial motor vehicle driver

VTTI is currently seeking individuals who:

  • Are ages 18 and above;
  • Have a valid Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL);
  • Drive a commercial motor vehicle such as a tractor-trailer or bus as part of their job;
  • Are willing to participate in a study in Blacksburg, Virginia; and
  • Are able to read and complete questionnaires.

If you meet the above requirements and are interested in hearing about future research opportunities involving truck drivers, please complete this form. Any information you provide will remain confidential and will not be shared with others outside of VTTI.