​If you haven’t used simulation training tools before, FAAC wants to make sure that you have the support you need to get the most out of your driving simulator. Whether you have a new simulator, have recently purchased one, or you are simply considering your training options, we want to optimize your experience.

Our new video series highlights how a driving simulator can be best utilized for training to ensure the success of your program. That starts on day one, when new trainees sit in the simulator for the first time. These videos will dispel some myths and provide answers to assuage common concerns about driving simulation. And the concern we hear most often: Is driving this thing gonna make me feel sick?

“Feeling Funny”—What is SAS?

A common concern we’ve heard about driving simulators: I’ve heard that some people don’t feel well when using a simulator. Is that true?

It can happen. But it’s infrequent—and even rarer with the proper preparation. The condition is known as simulator adaptation syndrome (SAS), and can cause a constellation of symptoms similar to motion sickness: e.g., nausea, headaches, cold-sweats, and eye strain. As you’d expect, these symptoms can really disrupt a training session.

SAS has been an issue for as long as there have been modern vehicle simulators, and can affect about 10 percent of students new to driving sims. To significantly reduce this number, we have devoted the first video in our series to the specific steps you can take to maximize trainee comfort in the simulator.

In this video we explain and discuss acclimation exercises to familiarize a student with the sim, so they are far less likely to experience discomfort. With the proper orientation, the incidence of SAS symptoms drops from about 10 percent to about 3 to 5 percent. This group can be reduced to an even smaller percentage through repeated exposure in small increments. In other words, while 3 to 5 percent of the population might really struggle to acclimate to driving simulators, 95 to 97 percent will do just fine.

How Can Instructors Best Prepare Students for Driving Sims?

Acclimation is the key. From day one, the instructor sets expectations: Simulators are training tools, not a game. We’ve found that letting students approach driving simulators as a game—however briefly— both diminishes the tool and increases discomfort in the sim.

Trainers and researchers used to believe that giving students a few minutes to “free drive” helped reduce SAS. That was a mistake. While your trainees likely haven’t used a sim before, they have almost certainly raced around in driving video games. If you put them in a sim and say “drive around a little,” they’re going to drive around as though it’s a video game. But a simulator with motion seats, force feedback steering, and Doppler sound effects is a much more immersive and intense experience than sitting on the sofa playing Mario Kart. It’s easy to become overwhelmed, and set the stage for those uncomfortable symptoms.

To better prepare students for a fully immersive simulator, start with a proper, simple acclimation drive. Some basic guidelines for acclimation drives include:

• Initial sessions should be short, and on a straight route. Do not have students make turns or drive for more than a minute in the first few scenarios.
• Very gradually increase the duration of drives. The best initial experiences occur in short increments.
• Set the daylight condition to nighttime and keep weather conditions clear. Night-driving simulations in clear weather are inherently easier on the brain and eyes.

Learn More About Increasing Success With Simulators

FAAC’s comprehensive video series will help you prepare to get the most out of your simulator training systems.

Have questions? Want to learn more about how simulation can transform your training program? Feel free to contact us today. Our team of experts looks forward to speaking with you.