Should companies use a delivery truck simulator for training?

Delivery driving is a surprisingly dangerous job. Every day, more injuries are being reported from dog attacks or traffic accidents. Many people don’t realize the similarities between handling a delivery vehicle and a commercial truck.

Handling a delivery truck requires detailed training to ensure drivers stay safe on the road. Learn which method is better for drivers: the traditional way or using a delivery truck simulator?

Traditional training methods

Traditional delivery truck driving training is divided into two parts: classroom learning (theory) and road training (practice). 

While this isn’t a poor training method, it lacks certain aspects. The most problematic factor is the separation of theory and practice. 

Classroom learning

Delivery truck driving classroom learning usually involves a general overview of driving a large commercial vehicle. Videos, discussions, and quizzes may be included to ensure that trainees are paying attention.  

Road training

Road training usually involves having a new driver shadow another driver. A trainee will ride along as an established driver goes through their weekly operations. Eventually, the trainee goes behind the wheel under the established driver’s eyes.

Simulator-based training

A delivery truck driving simulator combines theory and practice to create experiential learning through scenarios.

Scenarios are various situations a delivery driver may face on the road. The goal is for a new driver to perform successfully in the scenario before going on the road and for example, weaving a delivery truck through a busy city without an accident.

The most important aspect of using a delivery truck simulator for training is safety. Using a simulator allows trainees to make mistakes in a controlled environment - meaning no injuries or property damage. 

Effectiveness comparison: traditional vs. simulator

The right training method will depend on your fleet’s needs - we’ve provided a table highlighting where both methods excel.  

Safety

While traditional training can be safe, you’ll only get guaranteed safety with a delivery truck simulator. No matter how talented the trainer is, training on the road is always a liability.

There are too many environmental aspects you can’t control while a new driver gets used to their vehicle. Factors like other drivers, weather, quality of the road or even the cargo within the truck storage can all cause an accident for a delivery driver - new or experienced.

Meanwhile, a simulator is set up within a safe space. All damage caused by a mistake is simulated, so no injuries or property damage will occur while using a driving simulator. 

Variety of learning styles

Simulator learning wins in this category as well. There are many different learning styles, and the traditional classroom learning environment doesn’t work for everyone. This can lead to new drivers feeling overwhelmed and unprepared for their road training.

A simulator, meanwhile, can be used as a tool and training method. Trainers can determine what type of learning style works best for their trainees and use the simulator most productively. 

Coexisting with operations

Once installed, a simulator doesn’t affect daily operations while in use. There’s no need to tie up vehicles for training or cause experienced drivers to fall behind schedule due to training new drivers.

Instead, training can happen simultaneously with operations.

Building muscle memory

Traditional and simulator training build muscle memory for new drivers. Both methods allow drivers to understand the weight and resistance of driving a large commercial vehicle - something most new drivers have never experienced.

Standardize learning

Not all trainers are built the same. For every great trainer, there is one that covers the basics or doesn’t help at all. In fact, the lack of consistent and safe one-on-one training is one reason the industry struggles to recruit and retain female drivers.

A driving simulator takes human variability out of training. DeliverySim™, for example, has built-in training lesson plans all trainers can use. This means all new drivers will have to perform the same scenarios, no matter who their trainer is.

Cost effectiveness

Technically, both training methods are cost-effective. However, traditional methods work better for short-term effectiveness because the initial investment in a driving simulator can require a significant portion of the budget. 

But, delivery truck simulators are more cost-effective in the long run because after that initial investment, companies can save money on:

• Cost of injuries
• Fuel
• General maintenance
• Lost productivity
• Lost wages
• Vehicle repairs
• Vehicle replacements

Customization

Traditional delivery truck driving training is designed to teach multiple new drivers, so the lesson plans are basic. Customization isn’t an option.

While a simulator is designed for a single user, many users can use it within a single training session. This allows for more opportunities for customization. Trainers can change the difficulty level for more experienced drivers or change the scenario for new drivers to strengthen specific inadequate skills. 

Fuel efficiency

A driving simulator is more fuel efficient than traditional training simply because it requires no fuel. 

A wide range of scenarios

A simulator is easier to use than the traditional method for exposing users to various experiences. For example, a simulator can safely put new drivers in dangerous situations to better prepare them for an emergency.

Traditional training can’t do that without putting multiple people in danger, so new drivers never get to practice for those scenarios until they happen. 

Invest in a Driver Training Solutions simulator today

Whether you want to save money on fuel, ensure safety through comprehensive and repetitive training or ensure operations continue as normal while training occurs, a delivery truck simulator is the training tool you want for your fleet.