An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Simulator-Based Training on the Acquisition of Gear-Shifting Skills for Learner Truck Drivers

摘要

The performance of truck drivers directly impacts public health through crash risk, with youngerand less experienced drivers representing the highest risks. Therefore, improvements in thetraining of truck drivers have potential safety benefits. Some evidence exists of successfultransfer of training from driving simulators to real world driving performance in skill and safety.This research project compares the results of a traditional program with a modified program thatincludes a truck simulator with a self-paced, performance-based, gear-shift training program(known as the Golden Shifter?). A total of 80 learners from a multi-site truck driving schoolparticipated in this study. The experimental group of 48 came from the main campus equippedwith truck simulators. The control group of 32 came from two satellite locations. Everyparticipant received an in-truck evaluation of their gear-shifting skills from the same evaluatorusing a standardized evaluation form on standardized driving routes.The data did not permit firm conclusions about transfer of training from the truck drivingsimulator to the truck. However, a wide variance in the evaluation scores of learners in both thecontrol and experimental groups indicates some learners require more time than others tomaster gear shifting. The study results inspired improvements in the design and implementationof the truck simulator gear-shifting programme addressed to slower learners. Additionally, thedata indicate that the self-paced, performance-based simulator program has a strong potentialfor use as a dual function screening tool. First, at the onset of the practical training, the programcould potentially identify those learners who may need more hours of practice to achieve mastery. Second, the program could then provide those learners with the opportunity to practicewith minimal or no teacher supervision. Further research is required to test and quantify theseimprovements and potential benefits.