Mid-Plains CDL program to add truck driving simulator

Students in the Commercial Driver Training program at Mid-Plains Community College will soon have a new tool to help them achieve success on the road.

MPCC purchased a VS600M truck simulator and school bus module from Virage Simulation that will save wear and tear on the college’s semi-trucks while still allowing students to practice and prepare for some of the many driving conditions they will experience in real-life situations.

The interactive simulated scenarios can be used to teach both basic and advanced driver training under a number of road, traffic and weather conditions. Special attention can be given to shifting, maneuvering in confined areas, energy efficient driving and hazard perception.

“It’s going to save on fuel and repairs to trucks and as well as be more environmentally-friendly because it won’t be burning diesel and putting emissions out,” said Josh Young, MPCC Motor School program coordinator. “One of the biggest benefits is that we will be able to simulate scenarios that can’t be simulated in real life. We can emulate a front tire blowing out with this machine, and the steering wheel will literally jerk out of the student’s hands. Driving in icy and snowy conditions is also something that can now be practiced safely.”

Young traveled around the country trying different simulators to find the best one for MPCC. The model decided on had unique features that made it stand out above the rest.

“Probably the biggest difference between this one and the second-choice option was that if you’re shifting the Virage simulator and miss the shift, it vibrates and makes a grinding sound just like a real truck,” Young said. “This was the most realistic simulator of any that were tried.”

Simulator features

The Virage simulator is modeled on a standard truck cabin and is made of real truck parts. It consists of a fully functional pneumatic driver seat with typical controls, a seat belt, pedals and a fully adjustable steering column with integrated flashers and trailer hand brake.

A range of truck models – everything from dump trucks to highway tractor-trailers and semi-trailers – engine performances, transmission configurations, differentials and payloads can be imitated. Realistic vehicle behaviors can be reproduced under various loading conditions and the effects of gravity while driving on hills can be replicated.

The simulator has both automatic and manual transmissions and a multi-function touch display for a wide range of truck driver controls and applications.

The visual system is a key component. It has both a 180-degree forward field of view plus rear view mirrors. The system consists of three high-resolution LCD displays that allow objects to move smoothly and continuously across the panels without distortion.

Students can practice driving in city, highway, industrial, farmland and mountainous environments. A full range of road surfaces and adjustable weather conditions are included.

A state-of-the-art motion and vibration system not only enhances the immersive experience but also improves overall speed perception.

It provides cues for vehicle acceleration and deceleration, curves and obstacles such as sidewalks and pot holes. Vibrations from the tires on the replicated road surface change and are transmitted through the seat, steering wheel and simulator platform.

Filling a need

The simulator won’t replace any of the on-the-road training required through the college’s CDL program, but it will supplement the classroom instruction. Classes have been filling as soon as they are offered.

About 241,200 openings for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers are projected each year, on average, until 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many of those openings are expected to result from retirement.

 “The need is greater than ever, and there isn’t a huge amount of qualified drivers coming up,” Young said.

His goal is to mount the new simulator in a trailer so that it can be rolled out to all of the college’s campuses within MPCC’s 18-county service area.

“I would like to eventually be able to take it to high schools and get people interested in the truck driving industry at a younger age,” Young said. “We are also working with the trucking industry to enhance the skills of current drivers through behind-the-wheel training. A school bus module purchased with the simulator will allow us to partner with area schools for continuing education of their bus drivers.”

The total cost of the simulator and school bus module was $132,484, of that, $116,886 was provided by Perkins V state match funds. The funding includes instructor training on the simulator, preventative maintenance and online support.