Truck driver training schools and Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) testing agencies face pressure to keep up with the perennial driver shortages. During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, these pressures are exacerbated by social distancing rules that increase the time and manpower demands for CDL road tests. TRB hosted a webinar on Friday, November 6, 2020 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM Eastern that explored the advantages of conducting CDL tests using truck driving simulators programmed to meet the standards of the CDL test. The technology has the potential to be applied in the CDL test’s skill portion including pre-trip inspections, some maneuvers, and the on-road test.

This webinar is sponsored by the TRB Standing Committee on Truck and Bus Safety.

The presentation slides and recording of the webinar are available.

Webinar agenda and presenters:

1. Why the military, aviation industry, and medical schools use simulation: Pierro Hirsch, Virage Simulation
2. Proof of concept: John Rojas, Del Mar College
3. Question and answer session: Moderated by Bob Scopatz, VHB

The first 60 minutes of the webinar will be for presentations and the final 30 minutes will be reserved for audience questions.
Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, you will able to:

1. Identify how truck simulators are used as valid testing instruments
2. Discuss how truck simulators compare to typical CDL test methods