Do some companies or CDL schools use SIMULATORS to train drivers?

Simulators are only used for “what ifs”, they are used to train for all possible outcomes. That is why after sim training pilots train more on actual equipment.

Even the best of sims wont get you to over come the first time sitting behind a stick, or a wheel in this case.

 

Schneider had simulators back in 06. For the time they were great. The problem is they were designed for parameters by safety and then a coder. What they got right was the controls. Even to the grinding of the gears and the air sounds. Those were all mechanical not just noise over speakers

 

We had a simulator in CDL school
Teacher said: This is how much it costs. So we gotta play with it.

 

Prime inc uses a set of simulators to aid the training of those needing a CDL. It's novel the first time you use it, but looking back, I can say it's nothing like being in an actual rig.

American Truck Simjlator is a lot of fun. Especially shelling out for all the peripherals and finding mods to add your favorite truck into the game. I prefer train simulators myself, though.

 

Mine even has truck stop hookers that knock on the simulated door of the truck.

 

They need a truck stop bathroom simulator so people can practice not being filthy animals

 

I have euro truck simulator on my laptop. It’s fun.

Company I used to work for had some at orientation to basically test reaction skills. Very unrealistic imo driving. Didn’t feel right.

 

The CDL school I'll be attending starting at the local CC later this month apparently has some simulators but I don't know how much they use them? I guess I'll see when I get there?

Personally I'm a huge racing sim fan, play all of the latest titles - Gran Tourismo, Forza and Project Cars. I have a force feedback wheel and pedal set up. I've been waiting for this truck simulator title to be released this month and it's supposed to have wheel support so it'll be like actual driving ( as much as a video game can be ).