Training of mining locomotive drivers using simulators will increase the efficiency and intensity of training. Due to this, a decrease in financial and time expenditures for training a driver, an increase in the safety and productivity of his labour will be achieved. The number of errors in the work and damage to equipment, which are sometimes caused by the driver's inexperience will be reduced. The mining train driver's simulator is manufactured as an autonomous training tool with the trainee immersion in a virtual environment that is as close as possible to a real working environment and is a training complex consisting of hardware and software. The software simulates the operation of all locomotive systems, mining sidings infrastructure and an interactive 3D panorama of the environment. In the driver's cabin of a mining locomotive, a real working environment is reproduced, control, alarm and indication elements of the locomotive, as well as other equipment of a real cabin necessary for performing all technological operations are located. Training complexes will never replace real experience in the workplace, but they can quickly increase the qualifications of trainees, develop in them the skills of acting in non-standard and emergency situations, which is extremely difficult in real work conditions.

The article deals with the use issues of modern information technology for training purposes. In particular, use of simulation modelling to create a learning environment as close as possible to the real working environment. This helps speed up learning, make more practical, learn theoretical issues directly when mastering practical skills, and make the learning process more attractive and interesting for students. Moreover, a virtual working environment can be used for advanced training of employees, to improve their professional skills, master new technologies, train them to work on new and modernized equipment, assess their professional level, restore skills after a long break in the work and pass qualification exams. Information technologies can significantly reduce the cost of material support for training and eliminate dependence on large areas for staff training. To create an interactive virtual learning environment, modern gaming technologies, software modelling or, at least, simulation modelling of physical processes in equipment and the interaction of all components of the working environment, including the actions of the student, are used. It also allows testing employees in extreme working conditions and testing their skills when dealing with nonstandard and emergency situations, without any real danger to the health of students. The proposed solution can be used to train students and trainees, assess professional skills of those already working in the conditions of special training centers and professional retraining colleges.