Learning for your driver's license: Beware of ChatGPT's wrong answers!

The role of AI in modern learning

The way we learn has changed dramatically in recent years. With the advent of digital technologies and the internet, many educational resources have shifted online. Books, libraries, and traditional learning methods are increasingly being supplemented—or even replaced—by digital tools. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a central role in this, and one of the best-known representatives of this technology is ChatGPT.

ChatGPT, a chatbot developed by the US company OpenAI, has quickly gained popularity. Students around the world use it to quickly get answers to questions, write essays, or prepare for exams. But as with many technological developments, there are downsides. Especially when it comes to learning for a driver's license, it becomes clear that the technology is far from perfect.

In this article, we would like to take a closer look at the risks associated with using ChatGPT for driver's license training. We particularly focus on why AI often provides inaccurate information, especially in this sensitive area, and what consequences this can have for users.

ChatGPT: What is it and how does it work?

To better understand the problems associated with using ChatGPT when studying for a driver's license, it is first important to clarify what ChatGPT actually is and how it works.

ChatGPT stands for "Generative Pre-trained Transformer" and is a machine learning-based language model capable of responding to user input, often generating text that sounds human-like. Developed by OpenAI, the model is based on billions of data points, allowing it to provide contextually relevant answers to a wide range of questions.

ChatGPT uses a method called "transformer architecture," based on neural networks. These networks enable the AI to recognize patterns in large amounts of text and generate answers that appear thematically and contextually appropriate. However, the model often reaches its limits when it comes to specific or complex questions, such as those that arise in traffic law.

The challenges of learning for a driver's license

The driving test is one of the most important exams in a person's life, as it opens the door to road traffic and thus to a multitude of freedoms and opportunities. However, studying for the test is not easy. In addition to practical driving lessons, learners must acquire a wealth of theoretical knowledge. This includes traffic rules, road signs, right-of-way rules, and numerous legal regulations.

Many driving students today use digital tools to prepare for the test. There are a variety of apps and online platforms specifically designed to facilitate the learning process. These often offer interactive tests, learning materials, and explanatory videos specifically designed to prepare for the test.

In this context, ChatGPT appears at first glance to be an excellent addition. The chatbot can answer questions about traffic law and driver's licenses and provides immediate explanations upon request. However, a closer look reveals that the bot often provides incorrect or inaccurate information. This is particularly problematic when it comes to driver's licenses, as incorrect information can have serious consequences.

Incorrect answers: How ChatGPT fails with driving license questions

A particularly vivid example of ChatGPT's susceptibility to errors when it comes to driver licenses is a specific question tested by the traffic law experts at the portal Geblitzt.de. The question was: "What is an A-level violation during a driver's probationary period?" ChatGPT then provided an incorrect answer, labeling violations such as parking in a no-parking zone or running a red light as A-level violations. However, these violations are actually so-called B-level violations.

Particularly problematic is that the AI is unable to accurately grasp the context of traffic law and therefore repeatedly makes serious errors. In another example, ChatGPT claimed that speeding violations of up to 20 km/h in urban areas or 25 km/h outside urban areas would be considered an A violation. This is also incorrect: Such violations are classified as B violations, while an A violation begins with speeding violations of 21 km/h and above.

Such misinterpretations can not only lead to confusion among learners, but in the worst case scenario, can also lead to learner drivers failing the test or behaving incorrectly in real traffic.

Causes of ChatGPT errors

Why does ChatGPT make so many mistakes, especially with driver's license questions? To answer this question, we need to understand how the system generates its answers.

ChatGPT was trained with a large amount of text data, but only up to a specific point in time—in this case, the end of 2021. This means that any information published after that point is unavailable to the model. This is particularly problematic for topics like traffic law, which is regularly updated. For example, there were some changes to the road traffic regulations in 2023 that ChatGPT cannot be aware of.

In addition, while ChatGPT is capable of recognizing text patterns, it often doesn't fully understand the context of a question. Especially when it comes to complex legal issues, the AI lacks the ability to consider the precise legal framework. This means that while the AI provides answers that seem plausible at first glance, upon closer inspection, they are often inaccurate or simply wrong.

The importance of reliable learning sources

Preparing for a driving test requires a high degree of precision. Unlike in many other learning areas where small errors don't have serious consequences, an incorrect answer in traffic law can have serious consequences. A misinterpretation of right-of-way rules or a false assumption about speeding can create dangerous situations in real traffic.

Therefore, it's important that learners access reliable and tested learning resources. While ChatGPT can serve as a learning aid, it shouldn't be used as the sole source of learning. Official materials, such as those provided by driving schools or the German Technical Inspection Agency (MÜT), are a much better choice. Online platforms specifically designed for driver's license test preparation often offer tested content and simulated test scenarios.

Tips for learning – These sources are good

Use of official learning materials: Be sure to use the learning materials provided by your driving school. These are usually up-to-date and specifically designed for the driving test. These include textbooks, test question catalogs, and official apps.

Practice exam questions regularly: Practice makes perfect. Use online platforms and apps that simulate official exam questions. This way, you can get used to the question type and identify any gaps in your knowledge.

Manage your learning time well: Create a study plan and break the topics down into smaller chunks. Review certain sections daily to consolidate what you've learned over the long term.

Repeat traffic signs regularly: Traffic signs are a central part of the theory test. Study them intensively by reviewing a certain number of them every day and learning their meaning.

Practical learning through everyday observations: Pay more attention to traffic rules and signs in everyday life, even if you don't drive yourself yet. Observe traffic situations to reinforce your theoretical knowledge in practice.

Ask your driving instructor: Don't hesitate to ask questions. If you don't understand something, talk to your instructor or other students. The instructor can explain complex concepts in simple terms.

Conclusion – Why accuracy matters

The driving test consists not only of practical driving lessons but also of a theoretical exam, which covers a variety of legal questions. These questions concern, among other things, the Road Traffic Act (StVO), the Traffic Sign Ordinance (VzV), and driving license law.

Incorrect answers in these areas are particularly problematic because they can lead to misunderstandings that have dangerous consequences in real road traffic.