Training centre’s driving simulator breaks new ground

The simulator was built especially for SimTech Training, a subsidiary of WA Driver Development, over a period of four years.

‘I have more than 20 years experience in driver training and found that nothing has changed in the industry over that time,’ Mr Starling said.

‘We looked at the aviation industry and why they use flight simulators for pilots and contacted CKAS Mechatronics in Melbourne, which builds these.’

The Solitaire driving simulator comprises 360-degree vision and motion platform in a real car – even the car radio works.

‘It’s suitable for everyone but especially young drivers,’ Mr Starling said.

‘For learners, it reinforces what they have done in on-road training and adds to their knowledge, which they can then apply on the road.’

There is 280km of road network to use, encompassing freeways and country, suburban and gravel roads.