LEARN DRIVING

Learning to Drive Virtually on Simulators

Learning to drive is taking a whole new twist in India thanks to new age driving simulators which are changing the way we learn how to drive. A simulator is a stationary car cabin with all controls (steering, gear, clutch, brake etc) with multiple screens in front to resemble a real life driving situation via 3d imagery. The simulator's brain is a computer and software which mimics real life road situations and responds according to the drivers inputs. One can also choose from variety of climatic conditions, traffic situations and different roads (highways or city roads) to drive on, which will be displayed on the screens.

Such simulators are a boon for hesistant drivers who are overwhelmed with the idea of learning to drive on our bustling streets. Also simulators can expose the driver to tense situations and teach the driver how to tackle them effectively, situations which can be life threatning on the road. A simulator gives a confidence boost to the driver before he/she hits the road for training in an actual car.

Driving schools such as Maruti Driving School and the Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) have introduced car simulators which are being used for preliminary training. Once the driver has learnt the basics on the simulators he/she is put in a real car to practise on the road and acquire a permanent licence. Obviously, no one can attain a permanent license without passing the on road RTO tests, but simulators are making better and safer drivers.