Driver training and testing: for driving schools and high school

The driver training simulator software was developed to assist the driving instructor by offering a structured method for driver training, that is not a replacement for on the road driver training. Simulator based training should be used in addition to driver training on the road, in a real car.

The driver training module consists of the runtime simulator software that’s configured for 3 rendering displays (left, middle and right) plus the driver training curriculum. Here’s a list of the required specifications of the computer and other hardware (important!). For price information , see here. Important characteristics of the driver training software modules:

The simulator based driver training curriculum 

Vehicle control: 16 lessons on vehicle control skills such as starting and stopping the engine, driving off and stopping, two different steering techniques, gear changing, lane changing, overtaking and passing, driving in reverse gear, parallel parking and bay parking. The emphasis is on scanning techniques (where to look and when), use of indicator, the order of actions, use of controls, and on extensive practice to ensure that all vehicle control tasks become automated, so the trainee can focus more on the surrounding traffic.

Traffic participation: 21 car simulator lessons on scanning techniques when approaching in intersection and turning left/right/driving straight on, merging, negotiating small and larger roundabouts (first, second and third exit), priority rules when approaching intersections, driving on and crossing dual carriageways, entering and exiting highways, driving on rural roads, speed limits, driving in urban environments, traffic lights, extensive practice with negotiating intersections with traffic and different priority rules.

Special Circumstances: 9 lessons on driving in fog, being blinded by sunlight, night driving, driving in rain, driving on an icy road, driving in snow.

Safety awareness training: 5 lessons on measurement of brake reaction time and braking distance, eco driving, simulation of effects of alcohol on driving, and awareness of effects of distractions such as texting and driving.

Databases: 13 simulations where the driver can drive freely through a set of 13 databases.

General aspects of the driver training software:

– The driver training lessons require the trainee to drive a fixed route where the virtual instructor gives route guidance, instructions and verbal feedback when an error is committed.
– After each lesson, results are stored in the student assessment system that contains detailed results for all individual lessons, a summary page for printing (with a passed/failed criterion), a strength/weakness analysis. Behaviour is rated on separate driving tasks, for example, use of indicator, speed control, lane position, steering, car following, overtaking,priority rules, lane changing, negotiating roundabouts, gear changing, etc. Each task and each lesson is rated by a grade from 0 to 10.
– 3 channels (left/middle/right) allow a 210 horizontal field of view vision which gives a good overview on intersections. Each channel has a rear view mirror. Also, a top view gives a good overview of road position. Maximum resolution is 1920×1080 (HD) for each channel.
– The car simulator software comes with a configuration software tool to add actuators (controls: steering wheel, pedals, gear shifter, handbrake, buttons and switches), to configurate resolution, choose vehicle type (passenger car, bus, tractor-trailer truck), graphics effects (shadow generation, background haze, gloss mapping of objects during night driving), switch feedback of the virtual instructor off (to change a lesson into a test), etc.
– Traffic consists of semi-intelligent autonomous vehicles (cars, small trucks, large trucks, buses) and animated pedestrians and animals. The traffic interactions are highly realistic.
– An internal realistic mathematical model of engine and vehicle dynamics is used, that calculates steering wheel torque that the trainee experiences as force feedback on the steering wheel.

The software can control a motion platform by sending out all required variables via UDP ports.

Important elements of training that make a difference

The driver training package covers around 50 lessons, varying from 5 to 25 minutes each. The most important characteristics of the curriculum:

  • Automation training of a number of important driving tasks: driving off (control of clutch to prevent stalling of the engine), steering, gear changing, lane changing (especially scanning techniques and use of indicator), intersection right turn, left turn and going straight ahead (especially scanning techniques, priority rules, use of indicator, speed control and gear changing), and roundabout first, second and third exit.
  • The Virtual Instructor (VI) gives advanced feedback on driver errors and observes behaviour of the student continuously, which makes this an excellent school driving simulator. The VI monitors the situation the driver is in, and the driver responses. It evaluates which driver task is currently performed and gives immediate spoken feedback. This greatly enhanced training effectiveness.
  • Student Assessment System (SAS) generates detailed reports of student progress.
  • Strength/Weakness analysis provides quick overview of strong points and weak points of skill development.
  • Very complete training program for driver training.
  • Didactics promotes automation of driver skills.
  • Training emphasizes safe driving and eco-driving.
  • Highly configurable and easy to use user interface.

Lessons are available for both left-lane driving (as in Australia and UK) and right-lane driving traffic systems (as in most European countries). Lessons may differ between country versions. For more information, download the manual for the training system.

 

 

 
    

 

 

Driving simulator software for training, assessment and research