Best Practices for Implementing Driving Simulators in INDOT Driver Training

Details

• Creators:
  Chang, Soowon ; Debs, Luciana ; Zheng, Yanchao ; Heo, Jae ; Chen, Yunfeng ; Zhang, Jiansong
• Corporate Creators:
  Purdue University. Joint Transportation Research Program
• Corporate Contributors:
  Indiana Department of Transportation ; United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  Best Practices Commercial Drivers Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training Driver Licenses Driver Training Driving Behavior Driving Performance Metrics Driving Simulator Implementation Literature Reviews Snowplow Operations Snowplows Transportation Safety Transportation Workforce Development Workforce Development

  More +
• Publication/ Report Number:
  FHWA/IN/JTRP-2025/34
• DOI:
  https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284318599
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States ; Indiana
• Edition:
  Final Report
• Corporate Publisher:
  Purdue University. Joint Transportation Research Program
• Abstract:
  This study supports the Indiana Department of Transportation’s (INDOT) initiative to enhance driver training through the strategic use of driving simulators. Traditional driving training methods are limited by seasonal variability and safety concerns. To address this, this project evaluated the role of simulators in improving driver preparedness, safety, and training efficiency. A comprehensive mixed-methods approach was used, including literature review, surveys, focus groups, performance data analysis, and case studies. Findings indicate that simulators are well-received, especially by novice drivers, enhancing confidence, decision-making, and situational awareness, particularly for snowplow operations. Realistic scenarios and structured debriefs using simulator-generated data were key to engagement and learning. Performance metrics revealed behavioral differences by skill level, age, and years of experience, while also validating the simulators’ capacity to deliver targeted feedback. Long-term assessments confirmed sustained training benefits, though logistical barriers such as access and scenario refinement remain. In addition, operational analyses of INDOT’s snow operations and national case studies demonstrated that simulators improve training efficiency and workforce allocation. Recommendations include expanding simulator access, developing a tiered training curriculum, integrating simulator data into performance evaluations, and establishing inter-district resource-sharing frameworks. Implementation of these practices, alongside robust evaluation and inter-agency collaboration, can support INDOT’s long-term goals of cost-effective, scalable, and high-impact driver training.
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  SPR-4836
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:63e53fdfbcc5168eeff52654745b63d4a58ffbdebbaae8ce634e8fedbe3771ee6fa0fec5b8f73894bed146e991894511a0385a0e922093610732d4316eaf5f9f
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/91935/dot_91935_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 14.10 MB ]