CDL Driving Simulator: TranSim™ Series 8 for commercial truck driver training

The Driver Training Solutions TranSim™ Series 8 CDL driving simulator provides hands-on training for CDL drivers and commercial truck operators. Using advanced vehicle dynamics, immersive visuals and performance-based coaching tools, TranSim™ helps fleets, CDL schools and training organizations deliver safer, more consistent driver training in a controlled environment.

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Benefits of the TranSim™ CDL driving simulator

Simulation training allows drivers to practice critical decision-making skills and reinforce safe driving behaviors in a realistic, risk-free environment. 

  1. Practical training: Enhance CDL training, fleet onboarding, driver assessments and remedial instruction through realistic practice on varied terrain, traffic conditions and weather environments.
  2. Reduce accident rates: Help reduce preventable crashes and improve driver readiness through realistic scenario-based training.
  3. Improve fuel efficiency: Support fuel-efficient driving habits to reduce fuel consumption and operating costs. 
  4. Reduce vehicle costs: Minimize maintenance and damage to company-owned vehicles. Training on the simulator keeps your vehicles on the road and earning revenue.
  5. Improve driver retention: Support driver development and retention through objective coaching, repeatable assessments and performance feedback.
  6. Flexible delivery options: Deploy as a permanent training asset within your facility and integrate simulator-based instruction into existing CDL and fleet training programs.

CDL training with the TranSim™ simulator

The TranSim™ Series 8 is a comprehensive CDL training simulator designed to help CDL schools, workforce development programs and fleet training departments prepare drivers for real-world operation.

Whether training new CDL students or onboarding experienced CDL drivers, the TranSim™ provides repeatable, hands-on practice in a controlled environment before drivers operate equipment on public roads.

Training scenarios support key CDL competencies, including:

  • Pre-trip inspection procedures
  • Straight-line backing
  • Offset backing
  • Parallel parking
  • Alley dock backing
  • Air brake inspection and testing
  • CDL performance shifting
  • Space management and hazard recognition
  • Defensive driving techniques
  • Adverse weather operation

With more than 125 trucking scenarios, instructors can expose drivers to situations that may be difficult, costly or unsafe to recreate using training vehicles alone.

For CDL schools, the simulator helps increase training capacity while providing consistent instruction. For fleets, it supports onboarding, remedial training and ongoing driver development without taking revenue trucks out of service.

Best-in-class simulation-based CDL driver training for fleets and schools

The modern, ergonomic design of the Driver Training Solutions TranSim™ driving simulator replicates a commercial vehicle driving compartment.

The TranSim™ CDL truck simulator combines high-fidelity vehicle dynamics, immersive visuals and instructor-led performance assessment tools to help organizations train drivers more efficiently while reducing operational disruption, fuel costs and exposure to vehicle damage.

TranSim™ accurately simulates the vehicle’s physical and functional characteristics. It also adjusts to the size, weight, turning radius, tire, suspension and payload characteristics for each vehicle configuration.

Best-in-class driving simulator features

  • Real-Drive Motion™ platform: most realistic 3DOF driving motion system.
  • Ruggedized modular design: most durable driving simulator on the market.
  • Reconfigurable glass dash: replicate different vehicle dashes and gauges for greater flexibility in training mixed fleets.
  • State-of-the-art graphics powered by Unreal Engine: real-world graphics increase the effectiveness of simulation training and eliminate SAS effects.
  • Touchscreen interface: intuitive control of the system settings and training scenarios.
  • Dash camera replay: monitor students in the cab and replay scenarios to increase training effectiveness.
  • Instructor operator station (IOS): included for effective management of training objectives, scenarios, and lesson plans.
  • Scenario builder tool: Customize scenarios or create your own.

Software and scenarios

  • Scenarios covering recruiting, new hire, safety refresher, remedial and advanced maneuvers training.
  • CDL school package, airbrake test.
  • CDL performance shifting program.
  • Trucking vehicle expansion pack.
  • Over 125+ trucking scenarios.
  • Performance assessment tools: collect and report scoring data.
  • Customizable weather conditions (rain, snow, ice, and fog); road/traffic environment to urban, suburban, rural, mountains, motorway, and desert; and the lighting conditions--day, night, or twilight.

High-fidelity visual system

  • High resolution visual display system with three 55-inch 4K-ready LED LCD displays.
    A sharp and visually accurate 180-250° field of view creates an immersive driving environment.
  • Over-the-shoulder monitors available for increased field-of-view.
  • State-of-the-art simulation software delivers sharp visuals to enhance learning objectives.
  • Enhanced graphics engine capability enables the population of more vehicles and objects per scenario.

Modern, concurrent vehicle design

  • Users can choose from a variety of predefined vehicle configurations using different combinations of tractor, trailer, engine, transmission, axle, etc.
  • Force-loaded steering provides real-time feedback to augment muscle memory in situations such as a tire blowing, hitting the curb, or sloshing liquid loads.
  • SimuCube force-loaded steering coupled with advanced vehicle dynamics that have been validated against OEM test track performance data provides real-time feedback to the driver.
  • Multi-geared transmission provides economical shifting instruction that reduces equipment wear and tear.
  • Commercial vehicle cab creates a realistic learning environment that includes real truck driving seat, steering wheel, brake, clutch and accelerator pedals to enhance realism and achieve better retention.
  • Realistic vehicle dynamics with over 250+ configurations.
  • Immersive 5.1 channel surround sound: mimics real world vehicles and sounds.
  • Ruggedized for trailer install.

Additional features

Replay Studio™ After-Action Review software

Overview

Driver Training Solutions Replay Studio™ gives you the tools you need to perform a thorough review of the training session while gaining valuable lessons learned.

The Replay Studio™ camera records every action, reaction, and nuance of a driver’s physical performance while training on the simulator. Once the session is complete the instructor can simultaneously replay video feedback of the driver, and scenario playback of the simulation to review how a student reacts physically as well as mentally to the situation.

Benefits

  • Video feedback of the driver, scenario playback of the simulation, vehicle state and 3D views are all synchronized for seamless replay.
  • View replay on a separate system to free up the simulator for training.
  • Change the 3D view quickly by dragging with the mouse.
  • Train one student or an entire classroom by replaying the video to illustrate proper and improper driving techniques.

User interface

  • The interface is designed to give you all the information you need to assess both the driver’s performance and the vehicle’s state during a training session.
  • The SimTile panel reports ongoing scenarios and driver information. Its vehicle indicators help assess handling dynamics. They continuously monitor steering-wheel position, brake, clutch, accelerator, speedometer, RPM and other variables.
  • The detailed Play-by-Play screen lists events and violations. Clicking on the event or violation takes the replay directly to that point in the simulation, enabling the instructor to quickly move from one event to the next.
  • The Sliding Rule feature gives the instructor total control of video replay. Rewind or fast forward to the exact point of interest in slow motion detail.
  • Video feedback of the driver is so tightly synchronized with the 3D scenario and simulator views that there is no skipping or lag time between the two. For example, it allows an instructor to review the driver’s scanning technique - where the driver was looking at the time of an event or violation.

SkillSet™ performance assessment

Overview

Driver Training Solutions' SkillSet™ software tests the driver’s response to tough situations. Through proper driving assessment and training, drivers can improve their decision-making process and become skilled at recognizing and managing risk.

Benefits

  • Instantly replay, review, and discuss a driver’s performance.
  • Clearly define criteria to facilitate a fair and consistent evaluation.
  • Consistent, tangible results across multiple instructors.
  • Tailor training to improve individual aptitude or group certification.
  • Instructors spend more time training and less time capturing results.
  • Group reports facilitate evaluation of individuals, relative to the group.
  • Bottom line: Improved safety training will reduce accidents and increase your ROI.

Assessment measurement features

  • Startup and shutdown procedure, space management, turning, backing and speed management.
  • Learning management system, enabling the instructor to schedule classes, preload student data, review performance and incorporate data from other simulators.

Scenario Builder™ development software

Overview

Create your own scenarios quickly and efficiently, with no computer programming experience needed. Driver Training Solutions' Scenario Builder™ software allows you to customize scenarios to enhance your driver training curriculum. It’s an effective, affordable way to screen new drivers. Just click, drag, and drop. It’s that simple.

Features

  • Build customized scenarios in under 30 minutes.
  • Build geotypical scenarios for accident remediation, employment prescreening for new drivers and targeted training for existing drivers.
  • Easily and affordably create training content for classroom presentations.
  • Add new challenges to accommodate any experience level.
  • Control the sequence and timing of event triggering.
  • View scenarios from any angle, including top-down view for vehicle positioning.
  • Create scenarios on a separate PC and transfer the information to the simulator with a flash drive.
  • Compatible with any standard desktop or notebook PC with 3D graphics capability.

Benefits

  • Object library - We have an extensive library of over 300 objects for you to add to your scenarios: trucks, cars, trees, pedestrians, signage, and much more. This vast selection allows you to truly customize each training session.
  • Real-world environments - Choices include suburban, freeway, rural and driving range settings. Optional environments include urban, swamp, driving track and skid pad.
  • Dynamic features - To challenge your operators, choose from: vehicle types, weather patterns, visual stimuli and events.

FAQs

How does the TranSim™ improve fleet safety and reduce accidents?
TranSim™ allows drivers to practice handling critical situations (like bad weather, tire blowouts, or sudden hazards) in a realistic, risk-free environment. By reinforcing safe decision-making and hazard recognition, fleets can improve driver performance, reduce preventable accidents and support safer operations.
What ROI or cost savings can we expect from investing in TranSim™?
TranSim™ helps fleets reduce training costs by keeping revenue-generating vehicles on the road. Organizations may also lower accident-related expenses, fuel consumption and vehicle wear through safer driving habits and more efficient training. These operational improvements can contribute to a strong return on investment.
How realistic is the TranSim™ training experience? Does it truly mimic real truck driving?
Extremely realistic. TranSim™ features an actual truck cab with authentic controls (steering wheel, pedals, etc.) mounted on a 3-DOF motion platform, so drivers feel road vibrations, bumps, and forces as they would in a real rig. A wraparound high-definition visual system provides a 180–250° field of view for immersive scenery, and surround sound recreates engine noise, road sounds, and even the rumble of a brake release. The vehicle dynamics are physics-accurate and validated against real OEM test data, meaning the truck in the simulator handles just like your actual fleet vehicles. Drivers walk out of TranSim™ training with genuine muscle memory and confidence for real-world driving.
Can TranSim™ simulate all the different trucks, trailers, and scenarios my drivers face?
Yes – full-fleet training realism is a hallmark of Driver Training Solutions’ simulators. TranSim™ is modular and configurable to represent a wide range of commercial vehicles. You can instantly switch between different tractor types, trailer lengths, weights, engine/transmission setups, and even simulate tankers or loaded vs. unloaded trailers; the system adjusts driving physics accordingly. It comes with a library of 125+ training scenarios covering everything from highway trucking and mountain grades to urban deliveries and loading docks. You can train for night driving, heavy rain, snow and ice, high winds, and any weather or road condition, at the push of a button. In short, one TranSim™ can prepare your drivers for virtually any situation they’ll encounter on the road, across your entire fleet.
How do we get started or learn more about the TranSim™ for our fleet?
The next step is to contact the Driver Training Solutions team for a consultation. We’ll discuss your fleet’s specific training needs and show how TranSim™ can be integrated into your program. DTS can provide a personalized ROI analysis; often, just one prevented accident pays for the system. Reach out to Driver Training Solutions today to explore how TranSim™ can elevate your drivers’ safety and performance. We’re here to support you every step of the way in implementing this state-of-the-art training tool.
Can the TranSim™ be used for CDL training and testing preparation?
Yes. TranSim™ includes CDL-focused training content covering pre-trip inspections, air brake procedures, backing maneuvers, shifting techniques and other skills commonly evaluated during CDL training programs. Instructors can provide repeatable practice opportunities before students operate vehicles on public roads.
Is TranSim™ a good CDL driving simulator for trucking schools?
TranSim™ is used by vocational training programs, workforce development organizations and commercial driver training programs that want to expand training opportunities while reducing vehicle wear, fuel consumption and scheduling constraints. The simulator helps instructors deliver consistent training experiences across multiple students.
How does a CDL driving simulator compare to behind-the-wheel training?
A CDL driving simulator is designed to complement - not replace - behind-the-wheel training. Simulation allows students to practice hazardous weather, traffic conflicts, backing maneuvers and emergency situations in a controlled environment. Drivers can build foundational skills before applying them in actual vehicles.

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