Assessed the validity of a video simulator of automobile driving. 52 subjects (aged 19-26 years) completed a real-life driving course, a simulator course, and questionnaire on driving style. Results showed that subjects found real-life driving easier. Accelerating and decelerating behavior in real-life and simulator driving corresponded almost perfectly. The main influence on driving behavior was situational characteristics regardless of whether subjects experienced real-life or simulator driving. It is concluded that the video simulator is a valid system for determining situational characteristics of traffic safety.