Truck Driver Training Using Simulation in England

The UK Department for Transport, on behalf of the Road Haulage Modernisation Fund, has established a research programme to determine the potential role of synthetic training in both ab initio license acquisition and also skills development in experienced drivers. TRL and EADS Dornier are commissioning an advanced full-motion-base truck simulator and developing bespoke courseware. The potential benefit of the system will be evaluated through a structured programme of training over 600 drivers. This paper reviews the current legislative framework in the UK and the European Union and discusses potential changes that will impact the training market. The paper then discusses the outline of the research programme and the technical capability of the system being develope