Advantages of the Virage Simulation Truck Simulator for the Trainer

Integrating a truck simulator in a driver training program allows trainers to:

Demonstrate, teach, practice and evaluate every aspect of the in-vehicle training curriculum
Expose learners to a wide variety of road, weather and traffic conditions and dangerous scenarios in total safety, e.g. a deer crossing the highway
Adapt training tasks to the each student’s capabilities
Control the pace of learning by allowing students to practice and improve skills before driving the truck or progressing to the next level of difficulty
Accelerate learning and reduce the amount of practice needed by providing immediate and focused feedback
Show instant replays of student performances including overhead views
Provide students with feedback unavailable in a real truck (e.g. following interval meter, KE meter, camera angles to show blind zones and improve traffic awareness)
Provide students with reliable, objective performance scores
Accurately measure progress by comparing individual objective scores with previous scores and group averages
Identify slower learners in time to help them keep up with the class by assigning extra solo practice drills
Increase the driving challenge for fast learners by adding distractions – internal ones like arithmetic challenges and external ones like traffic hazards
Demonstrate the benefits of concepts like defensive or fuel efficient driving
Improve the risk perception and anticipation skills of their students
Create positive synergies between classroom instruction, simulator training, in-vehicle instruction, and solo practice
Improve team work by more effectively coordinating efforts with other trainers
Raise students’ expectations regarding success, e.g. success will mean more than simply passing the government road test