What is the proper hierarchy of activities in the Driving Task Model, from least complex to most complex?

• A. Control → Guidance → Navigation
• B. Navigation → Guidance → Control
• C. Guidance → Navigation → Control
• D. Control → Guidance → Navigation

Answer: (D)

In the Driving Task Model, tasks increase in cognitive demand as you move from handling the vehicle to planning the overall trip. The starting point is control—the act of steering, braking, and accelerating to keep the car moving safely. This is the least complex because it’s mainly direct motor actions in response to immediate feedback.

Next is guidance, where perception and action merge to keep the vehicle on its intended path within the road environment. You adjust steering to stay in your lane, modulate speed for curves and following distance, and respond to nearby hazards. This requires integrating what you see with ongoing, small-scale decisions.

At the top is navigation, which involves determining the overall route and timing, choosing turns, and predicting or adapting to traffic conditions and detours. This level is the most complex because it involves strategic planning and forecasting future states.

So the order from least to most complex is: Control → Guidance → Navigation.