Simulator Driver Training
A simulator is a device that places the student in a situation that resembles real driving. The student controls the commands which are the same ones as those of a real car. They see on a screen an environment comparable to what they would see when actually driving (Michel Roche, 1998).
What are the advantages of a driving simulator?
It decreases the anxiety of the student. The training is better than in real and sometimes stressful environments.
It visualises things that one cannot see in a real vehicle. For example, slipping of the clutch.
Because the driving environment is entirely controlled, it makes it possible to concentrate on one teaching objective at one time.
It makes it possible to follow a progression established in advance and to evaluate the assets in a methodical way.
It makes it possible for the student to experience frequent situations that are not safely recreated on the road.
It is without risk and thus authorises the experimentation of dangerous situations.
The ECA Group simulators provide the driver with 300 km of roading in a variety of locations and variables to provide all drivers a realistic response to these variables:
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Small town driving
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Country & open road driving
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Mountain passes
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Big city driving
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Motorways with traffic density - none, medium & high density
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Weather variations - sun, rain, fog, ice & visibility variables
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Darkness Training (used in Finland as part of training & the licensing test)
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Eco Driving to improve fuel efficiency & reduce vehicle maintenance costs
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Hazard Awareness & Safety training
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Different vehicles & engine sizes
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Variable steering & braking aids to increase realism
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Variable tyre condition & pressure for individual wheels to simulate the effects
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How different loads effect driving (eg passengers, roof load)
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At DriverEd we have a state-of-the-art driving simulator from the ECA Group to train our students.
Here's the stats...
66%
SAFER
Research shows that students trained on a simulator are up to 66% safer in their first two vulnerable years of driving.
3X
FASTER
Research shows that these simulators teach students 3x faster than on road only trained peers.
$$$
SAVED
Research shows that speeding infringements are heavily reduced for those trained in a simulator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Simulator training is not new technology. In fact, the ECA Group manufactured the first PC based flight simulators for Airbus in 1986. The ECA Groups first car simulators were introduced in 1994. They remain world leaders are now have more than 20,000 driving simulators in use worldwide. "The ECA GROUP is renowned for its expertise in robotics, automated systems, simulation and industrial processes. Ever since 1936 it has been developing complete innovative technological solutions to perform complex missions in hostile or restrictive environments (ECA Website)."
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Raphaël Gorgé, Chairman of the ECA GROUP says "Two of our strongest commitments are to innovate to find efficient and reliable solutions, and to support our customers when they operate our technical solutions"
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The question begs, "Why do we not see driving simulators used more frequently in New Zealand?" This largely comes down to the cost of such technology. There are a few simulators operating around New Zealand for Driver Training. The ECA Group simulators give students the closest possible driving experience without actually driving on the road. We are excited to be able to offer you quality sessions on our state-of-the-art driving simulator.
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