FOREWORDThe work performed under this project included multiple research efforts designed to investigate the use of simulators in training commercial motor vehicle drivers. The topics addressed in this project include the effectiveness of entry-level training (including simulation-based training) for commercial licensing testing and the effectiveness of different training methods in terms of licensing skills test scores and driving records post-licensure. As part of this project, several simulated advanced scenarios (e.g., tanker trailer, tire blowout) are showcased as well. A cost analysis of different training methods was performed as part of this project, along with a case study of existing uses of commercial vehicle driving simulators. This report documents the method, results, and conclusions of these efforts. NOTICEThis document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Transportation in the interest of information exchange. The United States Government assumes no liability for its contents or the use thereof.The contents of this Report reflect the views of the contractor, who is responsible for the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the Department of Transportation.This Report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.The United States Government does not endorse products or manufacturers named herein. Trade or manufacturers' names appear herein only because they are considered essential to the objective of this document. This study examined the effectiveness of a driving simulator for entry-level commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver training and testing. Four training groups of 107 individuals (conventional 8-week certified course, conventional 8-week certified course with 60 percent of driving in a simulator, informal training with friends/relatives, and commercial's driver license [CDL] test-focused short courses) were followed from training into employment. There were no group differences in Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) road tests. There were group differences in DMV range tests and validated real truck and simulator re-creations of DMV road and range tests. Conventional and simulator groups generally scored higher than informal and CDL test-focused participants. A 4-month follow-up after being hired as a CDL driver indicated no differences in performance, safety, self-or supervisory-ratings. Findings support the use of CMV driving simulator-based training, but simulator-based testing does not appear to be feasible at this point. Cost analysis indicated simulator training using the study simulator was $35/participant less expensive than conventional training. The simulator was examined in a demonstration of extreme conditions and emergency maneuvers under different vehicle configurations with 48 other drivers. Also provided is a case study of existing implementations of CMV simulator training, indicating benefits, drawbacks, and drivers' overall opinions.17.

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Simulator-based training provides the opportunity to train drivers in a potentially lower cost and safer environment than traditional, behind-the-wheel, training methods. Thus, many motor carriers have begun adopting simulators for use during in-house driver training. This report presents the result of focus groups with drivers who experienced truck simulator-based training at two large motor carriers. In general, drivers at both carriers had positive opinions of simulatorbased training. Most suggestions to improve the program were directed towards modification of how the program was implemented and/or creating a more realistic simulation of the driving environment.

Programs of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) encompass a range of issues and disciplines, all related to motor carrier and bus safety and security. FMCSA's Office of Research and Analysis, which includes the Research, Technology, and Analysis Divisions, defines a "research program" as any systematic study directed toward fuller scientific discovery, knowledge, or understanding that will improve safety, and reduce the number and severity of commercial motor vehicle crashes. Similarly, a "technology program" is a program that adopts, develops, tests, and/or deploys innovative driver and/or vehicle best safety practices and technologies that will improve safety and reduce the number and severity of commercial motor vehicle crashes. An "analysis program" is defined as economic and environmental analyses done for the agency's rulemakings, as well as program effectiveness studies, statereported data quality initiatives, and special crash and other motor carrier safety performance-related analyses. A "large truck" is any truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight rating or Gross Combination Weight rating of 10,001 pounds or greater.

There is an increasing interest in providing refresher training for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. Truck driving simulators offer the potential to provide this type of training to CMV drivers in an efficient and effective manner. However, the success of truck simulator-based training depends on drivers' acceptance of the simulator and scenarios. The present study investigated 48 experienced CMV drivers' (across three trailer types and two levels of experience) opinion on the realism of 12 emergency maneuvers and 10 extreme conditions in a truck driving simulator. Drivers provided feedback as to the realism of each event in the simulation. Results indicated that, in general, drivers rated the scenarios as realistic as compared to the real-world equivalent situations. There was no pattern of differences between driver experience levels or operation types. These findings have implications for both future simulation-based training programs and future driving scenarios, and suggest that simulation-based refresher training may be accepted by drivers.