Transform training programs for delivery fleets with driving simulators

Maintaining delivery fleets is an incredibly challenging task - even more so if you’re in charge of their training. Training multiple drivers requires careful planning and implementation, so it’s reasonable to hesitate about making changes when the current plan is working.

However, adding a driving simulator to your training plan can transform your entire delivery fleet. Learn how to effectively integrate a driving simulator into your driver training program. 

Step 1: Review the initial training program

Reviewing the original program is crucial when adding a new element to training, such as a new tool. You want to do this to find the right place to integrate a driving simulator and make other improvements.

Those in charge of the delivery fleet training program should look at the plan with a critical eye and ask themselves:

• What’s working?
• What should be changed?
• What do drivers get the most value from?
• Are we addressing every essential element of training?
• Have our needs changed? 
• Have our objectives changed?
• Is training serving all our drivers? 
• Has our accident rate decreased, stayed steady or risen since we implemented the original training program? 
• What are the most common reasons our drivers are having accidents?

It will also be helpful to get feedback from drivers about the program for a different perspective. 

Step 2: Integrate the simulator into the program

Ideally, you’ll use the simulator several times during the training process. In fact, depending on your needs, you could use a simulator at almost every step of the way.

The versatility of Driver Training Solutions simulators means they can work as a training program in and of themselves. Our collection of built-in scenarios covers a wide array of lessons and realistic situations that drivers may encounter on the road, such as:

• Driving in bad weather
• Having to stop suddenly
• Dealing with other drivers’ reckless behavior

Make the most of the simulator by incorporating it into every classroom-style lesson. This will help drivers put what they’ve learned into practice and internalize the lessons more deeply. 

Step 3: Empower trainers

Another helpful aspect of Driver Training Solutions simulators is the included instructor tools. These can help create standardization across all training sessions, even with different teachers.

Our Instructor Station also includes various tools for feedback and grading as well as the ability to replay scenarios. If needed, trainers can even create custom scenarios to address the specific needs of individual drivers.

Teaching trainers how to use these tools to their advantage will enhance training for both parties and help create better drivers for your company. 

Step 4: Choose a few drivers to test the new program

Before using the new training program with your entire delivery fleet, testing it with a small group is best to ensure its effectiveness.

Gather a group of drivers with various skill levels to be your test group. Educate drivers and instructors on how the simulator works and how to use it for training. Hold a few sessions where the drivers and instructors can try out the simulator and ask questions.

Once both parties feel comfortable using the simulator, start the pilot training program. At the end of the program, gather feedback about the ease of use and the overall experience will be gathered.

Asking instructors and drivers for feedback is essential so you can make further improvements before the program goes companywide. 

Step 5: Implement the program company-wide

Once you’ve run your test program and made any necessary adjustments, it’s time to replace the old training program with the updated one. Ensure that you and the rest of the leadership team update any relevant employee paperwork and messaging to reflect the change in training.

It’s helpful to hold a quick meeting regarding the new program to ensure everyone in your delivery fleet knows about the change. You can also send out companywide messages. 

Step 6: Measure success and ROI

Once the program is underway, create benchmarks for success for both drivers and the simulator itself to ensure a high ROI. Using our instructor tools, creating success metrics will be easy as trainers grade and provide feedback for drivers. 

Potential benchmarks to use for the simulator include the following:

• Has there been a decrease in preventable accidents?
• Do drivers feel more confident on the road?
• Have you saved money on gas?
• Have you saved time?
• Have operations gone more smoothly while training is in session when using a simulator instead of physical vehicles?
• Do the drivers prefer the simulator?

Measuring the program's success will help you understand how it compares to your previous training approach and determine whether you need to make any further changes.

Improve delivery fleet training with Driver Training Solutions

A delivery driver simulator can make training more informative, engaging, and, most importantly, effective. Investing in a simulator can level up the skills and safety of an entire fleet of drivers - leading to fewer accidents, fewer injured drivers and more profits for your business.