On-Demand Simulator Training vs. Short-Term Simulator Rentals
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The Downside of Short-Term Simulator Rental
Experts agree that real-feel simulators have become a vital part of training workers to safely operate large commercial and municipal vehicles, greatly enhancing any training program. Snowplow, truck, and bus simulators provide high-impact, consistent, repeatable training by allowing trainees to safely learn from their mistakes—something that’s clearly either too dangerous or too impractical to allow behind the wheel of an actual vehicle
According to the National Center for Transit Research, “learning by practicing skills and experiencing mistakes before interacting with the ‘real world’ offers transit operators a safe and innovative way to test new skills and teach, reinforce, and build existing skills.” Similarly, a 2022 study from the University of Cincinnati found that snow plow simulator training is among the safest and most effective approaches to driver training for large commercial vehicles (CMVs).
Given that simulators are a hefty investment, some companies have begun offering short-term simulator rentals to provide access to simulation training. But it’s unclear that this approach to simulation-based training brings all the expected benefits.
Rent or Buy? Taking the Time to Train for the Conditions
Most research into the benefits of using simulators for municipal and commercial motor vehicle driver training has focused on programs where the simulator is a regular part of training (not a two-week “crash course”). In fact, the authors of that 2022 University of Cincinnati study specifically noted that “effectiveness [of simulator-enhanced CMV training] also depends on the expertise of the training supervisors in maximizing the simulator features.…We recommend that agencies integrate the driving simulator training platform for snowplow drivers. This platform has been proven to potentially provide benefits in terms of cost, operational effectiveness, material usage, and safety of drivers and the general public. However, to get the most benefits … it is recommended to develop an in-house capability for agencies to train the drivers by themselves instead of hiring a private trainer.”
In part, this is likely a matter of familiarity. As FAAC’s Transportation Business Manager Jason Francisco points out, “with a rental they pull in, provide sim training for a week or two at a time, and they’re done. The local trainer is familiar with their fleet, operators, and environment, but not with using a simulator. A short-term rental arrangement simply doesn’t give them time to explore that tool, even if they really dedicate themselves to trying to get the most from it.”
But the real issue with simulator rental is the lack of customization. Fleet operators need to have enough control over the simulator hardware, software, and scenarios to make sure that their drivers are actually trained for the equipment, conditions, and skills they will need on the job in their communities. No rental can possibly offer that level of access and control.
Putting Your Trainers in the Driver’s Seat with Customizable Simulators
According to Francisco, “there is a serious argument to be made for having that simulator on site. In part, it’s so you can make it available for use beyond an annual refresh style training. But more importantly, it’s so the trainer can really harness that tool. Truly integrating a training tool, like a driving simulator, into your program is what unlocks all the advantages of having this type of system readily available.”
For example, agencies relying on periodic simulator rental will not be able to simulate new hire/pre-hire assessment or remedial training, as these happen spontaneously throughout the year. Owning a simulator ensures you always have a ”bus” for training, even when your equipment is all in active use, and can see how a new hire will handle heavy sleet, even if you hire them in July.
This is why FAAC focuses so intensely on trainer support and simulator customization. FAAC simulators are configurable to match any large commercial or municipal vehicle’s controls. FAAC can provide geo-specific roadways matching your operating area. On top of that, any scenario can be modified in advance of a training session or made more intense on the fly. Adding heavier precipitation, poorer visibility, more erratic traffic, even vehicle faults and malfunctions keeps trainees on their toes and fully engaged.
The key to getting the best outcomes isn’t just throwing simulation at the problem; it’s using simulation to empower good trainers. That means giving trainers all the tools they need to plan lessons, put trainees through realistic driving situations, evaluate their performance, and keep them engaged.