So, a question that’s been asked of us about our new simulator:
Learning to drive by using a simulator is kind of like having a really advanced practice ground. A good simulator can replicate realistic driving conditions, different weather, various types of roads and even tricky traffic scenarios. And it lets you repeat these scenarios over and over again, when in a real life dynamic situation it’s almost impossible to recreate the exact same situation twice.
One can even replay scenarios for end users to watch back, identify what happened, reflect and discuss what could be improved, formulate a plan on how things can be done differently to achieve improvement. The best aspect is that those steps empower self reflection, analysis and personal development thus creating the independent thinking driver.That is the process to help learners build up their skill set step-by-step without the pressure of being on a real road immediately. Their confidence grows when they know they are safe and we, as instructors, can then enable a safer and smoother transition into a real car and real world driving.
Simulation is not about substituting practical driving, it’s about supplementing it.
Additional benefits include reduced costs because you are not using fuel (other than electric), saving wear and tear on the car, saving oil, saving emissions, saving time, saving emotional distress time parked at the side of the road with a pupil in tears (potentially) saying I can’t do this : because you can revisit immediately and expose to scenarios.
It’s especially good for working on things like hazard perception, getting a feel for car controls and building muscle memory in a low-risk environment. Of course, you still need real-world practice, but a simulator can make that first time on the actual road a lot less daunting. So it’s a super helpful tool to boost confidence and skills before you even start the engine in a real car.
Does it really work? Yes, it really does! And it’s bourne out by some very recent feedback given direct to us from a local Ayrshire DVSA examiner :
“I’d quite happily sit beside a pupil who can drive like that all day, everyday” and that’s live, real feedback given to a real pupil who passed with only 1 fault.
How does BA or other airlines train commercial pilots to fly the different types of aeroplane within their fleet ?
SIMULATION
How does Space X / NASA practice space launches ? ISS docking ? Re-entry to the earth atmosphere ?
SIMULATION
How does an F1 driver practice when they can’t drive due to bad weather, engine rebuilds, crash repairs or at the end of season ?
EXPENSIVE SIMULATION
How does a private car manufacturer test the performance and safety features of new model vehicles before production starts ?
SIMULATION - WE HAVE THE SAME SOFTWARE FOR THAT ON OUR SIMM.
How does GOOGLE / APPLE CAR / TESLA test the viability of autonomous vehicles ?
SIMULATION
Are DVSA prepping for it ?
YOU BET THEY ARE.
ARE WE?
YOU BET WE ARE - WE’VE INVESTED IN IT AND WE WILL INVEST OUR TEAM IN IT TO CONTINUE TO BE THE BEST THAT WE CAN BE.
Leading from the front and using innovative technology to bring about positive change in attitudes toward road safety.
IS IT THE WAY FORWARD?
YES.
So, to the technological naysayers, the doubters, the technophobes and those who can’t see what’s coming next I ask this:
Do you want to be left behind ?
If your answer is no, join our team at Greer’s Gears as we strive to drive forward and implement positive change.