Before your trainees become truck drivers, there’s a lot they need to know and do to make sure they’re prepared to drive safely on the road.
One of the most important first steps is learning the art of defensive driving. This involves more than basic skills. Drivers must learn advanced driving techniques to navigate potentially deadly scenarios like poor weather conditions and avoiding debris in the road.
With a comprehensive driver training curriculum and truck driving simulator, trainees learn how to drive defensively and so much more. Then they’re on their way to becoming an expert truck driver.
Begin Training
All truck drivers need a CDL or commercial driver’s license. This is different from a normal driver’s license because it permits drivers to operate large, heavy vehicles such as semi-trucks.
To get this license, trainees have to pass the three-part CDL exam. This requires a significant amount of study and practice. The best way for them to prepare is to enroll in a truck driver training course.
With L3Harris’ driving course, your drivers will learn essential truck driving skills such as:
- Managing fuel
- Changing lanes
- Backing up
- Fatigue management
- Avoiding distracted driving
- Defensive driving
- Preventing rollovers
- Driving in winter, foggy, or nighttime conditions
- S.M.A.R.T. techniques: Scan the situation; Measure risk; Anticipate action; Reach a decision; Trust your decision
Gain Confidence in a Simulator
Taking to the road in a large truck the first time can be terrifying. Luckily, before your drivers get behind the wheel of a real truck, they can practice with a truck driving simulator. Some benefits to using a simulator include:
- Studying under experienced teachers
- Building knowledge and experience in a risk-free environment
- Learning real-world scenarios, including driving on different terrains and in different conditions
- Gaining hands-on experience
- Developing confidence behind the wheel
- Attaining a sense of fuel-management awareness, so drivers can be more efficient for their employer
- Minimizing the chance of getting into an accident
L3Harris has top-notch truck driving simulators that give trainees a feel for driving without risk of injury to themselves or others. These best-in-class features include:
- Wide variety of vehicle types
- Ability to recreate common driving scenarios
- Simple touch screen control to easily change scenarios and settings depending on the driver’s experience
- Access to countless types of road, weather, terrain, and conditions to fully train each driver
- Instructor control of the simulator when needed
- Accurate collection of scores and performance data
Job Tips For Success
Here are some driving safety tips for employees to help them perform at their best:
- Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections
- Be aware of the trailer at all times
- Maintain at least four seconds of following distance
- Yield right of way whenever possible
- Avoid changing lanes too often
- Look right and left after lights turn green and before entering the intersection
- Try not to back up; look for other options instead
- Adjust the speed depending on conditions, traffic, and weather
- Drive defensively to prevent dangerous situations
- Put away phones and other distractions—never text and drive
- Get plenty of sleep each night and stay alert
- Take breaks to avoid fatigue
- Make it a priority to have no accidents each year
Ready to Go
Armed with a little knowledge and our driving safety tips for employees, new drivers will be off to a great start. Devote some time to thorough preparation and provide expert training so they’ll have a successful and safe truck driving career.
Request more information about the L3Harris simulator, like:
- Buyer’s guide
- In-depth product hardware and software features
- Pricing information
- Fleet program assessment
- Online courseware
- And more
You’ll find truck driving simulation to be an invaluable tool in your employees’ careers.