Professional driving simulators are among today's most advanced fleet management and training tools. However, this technology has a history dating back to the 1940s and reinvents itself every few decades.
Discover what experts in commercial trucking, professional racing, and law enforcement have to say about using driving simulators.
The rise of driving simulators
The current form of professional driving simulators first appeared in the 1940s for military use only. However, Popular Science reviewed Drivotrainer, an early commercial driving simulator, in 1953. This simulator’s design aimed to teach teens how to drive better in response to a rapid rise in accidents among teenage drivers. However, it was too expensive for widespread use.
Motion introduced
Volkswagen built the first driving simulator that offered real-life motion in the early 1970s. The simulator provided three directions of freedom (3DOF) motion, meaning it could move in three directions. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, manufacturers introduced 6DOF (six directions of freedom), which modern simulators use.
Computer and graphic improvements
Computer graphics were introduced into driving simulators in the 1960s and 1970s. Due to their expense, they were primarily for military use.
As computer technology improved, so did graphics. By 2002, computer graphics had improved enough to use a large screen. From there, continuous improvements occurred, leading to today’s hyperrealistic graphics that make users feel like they are on the road behind the wheel of a real vehicle.
Today
Nowadays, driving simulators are so realistic that a handful of countries require individuals to pass tests on them to get their licenses.
Expert insights
Here is what various industry experts say about why they use a driving simulator.
Overall effectiveness
One scientific study reviewed 15 articles regarding the ability of driving simulators to improve driver performance. Using the PRISMA method, they concluded that 14 of the studies showed an improvement in driving behavior. Eleven studies showed significant improvements compared to control groups.
Researchers also found that the more realistic the driving simulator, the better results for drivers.
Commercial trucking industry
The Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) approves the use of driving simulators for training and general fleet management. Calling simulators a “deeply immersive experience,” they’ve found that “the extent and replication of this immersive realism has actually been proven to teach students quicker than traditional driver training.”
The CVTA also points out that simulators can mimic vehicle malfunctions that are typical for drivers on the road, which better prepares drivers for such events in a safer environment.
Law enforcement
Driver Training Solutions previously spoke with a veteran police officer and trainer, Jeff Eggleston, about using simulators for training. This is what he had to say:
“Decision-making is the main reason simulators are a tremendous tool for law enforcement training. Scenarios can be introduced for the officer in training to make decisions and handle distractions in a safe environment. Without a police simulator, a bad decision could cause harm, but with a driving simulator, the mistake is teachable. Additionally, good decisions can be applauded.”
Professional racing
While outside Driver Training Solutions’ field of use, driving simulators are common among professional race drivers. Harry Tincknell, a British race driver, shared this insight about simulators during an interview:
“I feel like you're better prepared as you go into the weekend - you've already done a hundred laps around the track in virtual reality and you get there and I feel like the first five or six laps in the first practice session yesterday, I saved so much time in track learning because I knew where I was going.”
Why driving simulators are more effective than traditional learning
We’ve discussed the idea of engaged learning: Engaged learning is when the student (the driver) learns through participation in the lesson. This concept differs from traditional learning, where knowledge is shared with the student.
The aspect of discovery is the crucial difference between the two teaching methods. The study mentioned above shows that engaged, or experiential learning, is better for developing muscle memory - a crucial driving skill.
Driving simulators provide engaged learning by putting drivers behind the wheel in a safe environment. They allow drivers to make mistakes and learn from them without causing harm. Drivers can then repeat the scenario until they pass it successfully.
A driving simulator also allows a driver to find multiple solutions for one situation by replaying the scenario. Drivers who think creatively are less likely to get into an accident on the road.
Integrate driving simulations into training today
When driving is a primary responsibility of the job, it’s essential to provide in-depth fleet training. Using a professional driving simulator can make fleet management easier for everyone involved.
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About the author
Driver Training Solutions
A division of Acron Aviation
Driver Training Solutions offers highly customizable products and services to support effective delivery of content and management of training effectiveness. Our services include professional grade driving simulators, driver training services, training programs, performance assessment engines and computer-based training.
