With the rapid progress of automated driving technology, self-driving vehicles are
on the horizon. In this study, we look at what is likely to be the first implementation
of a form of automated driving on public roads, i.e., truck platooning, where virtually
connected trucks drive at short headways to save fuel and associated emissions. With
progressing technology, we may see platoons with drivers resting while being in the truck
or even platoons in which not all trucks require drivers. Hence, platooning technology
has a significant impact on the jobs of truck drivers. Driver acceptance of this emerg-
ing technology is therefore an important factor in the implementation of platooning and,
consequently, automated driving in general. In this study, we explore the range of per-
spectives that exist among drivers by conducting focus groups in the Netherlands. These
discussions indicate that drivers foresee that platooning will eventually become a reality
but believe it will have a negative impact on the quality of their work and their job satisfaction
