Driver training in a simulator, part 2

This is the second post on how driver training in a driving simulator works, see the previous post here.

The first part of the simulator training curriculum consists of vehicle control lessons. This is followed by lessons in traffic participation. The final part consists of training in special circumstances.

Vehicle control forms the basis of learning to drive. Its not just about being able to use the clutch, gear shifter, brake, and steering wheel. Its much more than that. Vehicle control tasks are often procedures that have to be trained, where actions are performed in a specific order, and in which visual scanning  (checking the mirrors, and scanning to left or right or over a shoulder) and proper use of the indicator are an integral part. When the trainee has developed a sufficient level of skill in vehicle control tasks, the traffic participation tasks can be learned. This ensures that:

• elementary tasks are sufficiently well automated to enable the trainee to perform them without thinking, so all these tasks can be done simulaneously
• more attention demanding traffic tasks can be learned more efficiently because the trainee has sufficient free attention to monitor the immediate environment and to watch other traffic, road signs and make the proper decisions.

It is recommended that the trainee has already done the driver theory exam which is obligated in most countries. This ensures that the trainee already knows the rules of the road and all relevant traffic signs and the meaning of road markings and lines. At minimum, it is expected that the trainee knows the following:

• all speed limits
• the meaning of all road signs
• the priority rules
• where on the road the vehicle must be positioned (position on the road)
• rules about parking, overtaking, using the lights, etc.

After the meaning of the pedals and buttons has been explained, so the trainee knows the clutch, brake and accelerator pedals, the gear shifter, the indicator, handbrake and the buttons for the lights, wiper and for starting and stopping the engine, the student is ready for the first lesson.

Follow this to continue to part 3.

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