Simulators have been increasingly used in the driver training field to complement the training provided in driving schools, and to prepare professional drivers. However, their use in the assessment field is still a controversial matter. Given the latest circumstances that have had an impact in the world, like the outbreak of Covid-19, the general trends in mobility among the world population, the acceptance of new technologies in all educational contexts (i.e., university, primary and secondary schools, professional training, etc.) it is important to revisit and reconsider the presence and use of simulators in the fields of driver training and testing.
The objective of this round table is to bring together existing practices in relation to the use of simulators in the driver licencing system in different CIECA member countries, and to discuss the possibilities that simulators might offer in the driver testing field.
Erica Pérez, the DGT representative in the CIECA Education Topical Group, will be moderator of this session. Other CIECA Effective and Associated members with experience in the use of these technologies will be present in the event.
Some of the topics that will be discussed during the event are:
(1) The sharing of experiences on the use of such technologies:
- What is the added value that these technologies bring as complement to the traditional training?
- Is the use of simulators more suited to become a complement to the practical or the theoretical driver training?
- Main features of regulation/legislation in countries where simulators are used in initial qualification.
- Even though the use of simulators in initial qualification is allowed in certain countries, these technologies are not being used. What are the problems encountered when trying to implement the use of simulators in initial qualification?
(2) The conditions under which the use of simulators to assess driving skills might be possible, e.g.:
- to assess the candidate’s driving skills: pros and cons.
- to use and identify certain ADAS. Should the use of simulators for this purpose be considered as a development of the theory or the practical test?
- to carry out a hazard perception test, especially to assess driving skills under adverse weather conditions.
(3) Other uses that respond to impending needs:
- Training of professional drivers: driving licences for heavy vehicles, taxi drivers, and so on.
- Training for third country nationals interested in exchanging their driving licences within the EU jurisdiction (i.e., to overcome language problems from third country nationals, etc.)
- Training for third country nationals who do not know the language of the country where they must take the driving test.
- Training for people with disabilities
FURTHER DETAILS OF INTEREST FOR PARTICIPANTS:
- Time: 17 March 2021, 12:30 pm - 13:30 pm CET
- Fee: This members-only event is free-of-charge
- Location: online
- Working language: English
- Registration: The deadline for registrations is 15 March 2021