Cognition: Effects of Cognitive Workload on Driving Performance: A Comparison of Novice and Experienced Drivers in Underground Coal Mine Transport Vehicles

Objective To examine how cognitive workload influences physiological responses, driving performance, and subjective workload in underground coal mine transport, with comparisons between novice and experienced drivers. Background Cognitive workload is a key determinant of safety and performance in high-risk driving environments. However, little is known about how driver experience shapes responses to workload demands in underground coal mine transport operations. Methods Sixty drivers (30 novices, 30 experienced) participated in four experimental conditions (baseline, warning stimulus, distraction, dual-task). Data from 54 participants were included in the final analysis after excluding unusable recordings. Physiological indicators (heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, and variability), driving performance metrics, and subjective workload (NASA-TLX) were analyzed. Linear mixed models were applied to examine relationships among workload, physiology, and performance. Results Increased workload elevated physiological strain and subjective demand while impairing driving performance. Novices exhibited a linear decline in performance, whereas experienced drivers showed possible nonlinear workload–performance patterns. Conclusion Driver experience moderates the workload–performance relationship. Integrating physiological, performance, and subjective indicators provides a more comprehensive understanding of workload effects in underground driving contexts. Application Findings can guide the development of adaptive driver support systems that dynamically respond to workload fluctuations, enhancing safety, reducing errors, and improving operational efficiency in high-risk mining transport environments.