Truck simulator to train lorry drivers

Could this make motorway driving safer?

By PH Staff / Monday, 18 October 2004 / Loading comments

Truck drivers may be trained in the future using simulators in the same way that airline pilots learn to fly.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) who deliver the driving test, has joined forces with TRL (Transport Research Laboratory) to work together in the field of truck simulation training.

TRL already operates the UK's first top-of-the-range simulator, TRUCKSIM, which uses a real truck cabin mounted on a motion platform and surrounded by high quality visual screens. It can replicate real life driving characteristics with different load types and configurations, whilst demonstrating driving techniques, highlighting hazards and raising awareness of road safety.

The system can also simulate different driving conditions such as driving in bad weather, on snow, ice and react as a real lorry would when manoeuvring in those conditions. It can also be used to prepare younger drivers to gain essential experience before they take trucks out on the roads.

DSA's Chief Executive Gary Austin said: "This is an exciting time and we are looking ahead to see how we can utilise new technology to produce safer drivers. We are pleased to be working in partnership with TRL and hope that the work will encourage more people to join the truck driving profession."

Dr Sue Sharland, Chief Executive of TRL, said:" We are delighted to have been given this opportunity to work with the Driving Standards Agency to further the field of simulation training for professional drivers."

Commenting on the partnership, Jason Vallint, TRL's Head of Logistics said "We believe that DSA involvement is fundamental to ensure appropriate synthetic training infrastructure is generated for the UK. It will be essential for simulation training tools to be developed, such as TRUCKSIM, in order that these systems can meet the future training needs of the industry".