Simulator-based truck driving vs. classroom-only training for commercial fleets

In truck driver training, there is a significant difference between theory and practice. A driver may understand safe driving techniques but struggle to put them into practice on the road. Drivers may freeze, panic or forget fundamentals in a stressful situation.

This is why choosing the type of instruction style you want to use for fleet driving training - simulator-based truck driving vs. classroom-only - can be incredibly difficult. Each of these styles has strengths and weaknesses.

However, there is a potential solution for your fleet. Discover how a professional truck driving simulator can integrate elements of different instruction styles to enhance your training program.

What classroom-only training does well

Classroom training involves gathering all your truck drivers in a room to instruct them through lectures, discussions and testing. It can be as detailed as the instructor chooses and offers easy communication between instructors and students.

Classroom training goes over:

• Driver safety fundamentals 
• Company safety policy and standards
• State and local laws
• Route planning
• Theoretical scenarios, including emergency understanding

What is most beneficial about classroom instruction is that multiple drivers can be trained at once - even with a single instructor. For companies with limited instructors or time, the classroom method is often the best way to utilize available resources. 

Where classroom-only training has limits for fleets

The largest limitation of classroom-only training is that everything taught is theoretical, leaving a gap between classroom instruction and on-the-road practice. Drivers rely on rote knowledge rather than experiential knowledge. In a moment of panic, truck drivers may forget everything they learned, leading to preventable accidents.

In addition to theory, classroom instruction lacks repeatability. Rather than practicing and growing their skills, drivers are limited to information-gathering. They are told what to do in dangerous situations instead of practicing the situations themselves.

Classroom training makes it nearly impossible for instructors to see how drivers perform while on the road. The trainers are not able to correct performance gaps in real time. For example, they cannot point out that the mirrors are at the wrong angle or that the driver has not left enough space between their vehicle and the one ahead. 

Another limitation is that classroom-style instruction can be one-sided and tedious to the drivers. Having a single instructor for long periods can cause drivers to disengage during lectures. In classroom scenarios, drivers are not being challenged and are not taking action. Instead, they are sitting still and listening.

As a result of all this, classroom-style training is good for learning the fundamentals of safe driving, but it leaves large experience gaps. 

What simulator-based truck driving means in fleet training

Simulator-based truck driving offers the physicality of behind-the-wheel training through virtual simulations and physical immersion features (force-feedback; Real-Drive Motion™ platform; adjustable levers, pedals and mirrors) - allowing behind-the-wheel training in a safe environment.

This is crucial for emergency maneuver training. If an inexperienced driver first reacts to emergency situations on a real road, they might face injuries and vehicle damage. With a simulator, truck drivers can fail safely, understand where they went wrong and then try again. 

Simulators such as TranSim™ offer numerous virtual experiences that truck drivers will face daily, ranging from backing up to highway driving to vehicle operation in different weather conditions. These scenarios can be replayed for repeated practice and performance corrections - allowing for vehicle operations and decision-making practice.

The combination of physicality, repeatability and a wide range of courses makes the transition from simulator to the road easier for truck drivers.

Driver Training Solutions' TranSim™ provides instructors with sophisticated tools to provide individualized feedback to drivers. The Instructor Operation Station (IOS) and Replay Studio™ allow instructors to zoom in on specific behaviors or hand positions performed by truck drivers during a scenario. This leads to more focused, individualized feedback for drivers.

Can a truck driving simulator work with classroom instruction?

Yes, some simulator providers can provide a classroom environment for their simulator training. Driver Training Solutions offers a mobile simulator lab, where we come to your location with a TranSim™ (or multiple simulators, depending on your needs) and an instructor. 

The instructor will train your fleet through both lectures and individual simulation training. This method provides everything that an individual TranSim™ training offers, but it allows instructions to be given to many people at once.

What to look for in a commercial fleet training solution

Whether you choose a classroom - or simulator-based method, your training solution needs to match your fleet’s needs. For truck driver training, you should look for solutions that offer:

• Customization options: The ability to customize your training course not only better addresses your fleet’s needs but also improves alignment with safety, compliance and operational goals.
• Instructor-led applicability: You want to ensure your training solution partners with your instructor instead of holding them back. There should be features such as course building and feedback tools. 
• Realistic and relevant training scenarios: You need scenarios that your truck drivers may face while on the road. If you use irrelevant examples, it is not effective training and is less engaging for drivers.
• A difficulty scale: No driver has the same needs, so your training solution should offer a difficulty scale. This way, experienced drivers are engaged and challenged as much as newer drivers.
• Engaging features: Your training is only successful if your drivers are actively involved. Whether it is physical (or physical-feeling) driving or quizzes at the end of a lecture, you need to hold their attention for successful training.
• Course/scenario repeatability: The ability to practice the same course (scenario) repeatedly is crucial for driver growth. Your training should allow for easy repeatability.
• Safety features: Truck driver training needs to be safe. Ensure that whatever method you choose keeps you, your drivers and your instructors safe.
• Consistency tools: If you are instructing multiple fleets, your training needs to be consistent. This can be done by creating a curriculum, ensuring trainers are following it and setting standardized training expectations.

Use a truck driving simulator as a versatile training tool

A truck driving simulator is not just a single training method. It is a tool that can be integrated with other methods to support deeper, scenario-based learning. So whether you are debating expanding beyond classroom-only instruction or looking for a way to enhance your current program, TranSim™ can help you.

Contact a Driver Training Solutions representative to learn more about our simulators.