The University of Tasmania is helping communities on the Northwest coast put rubber to the road with a brand-new driving simulator based out of the Tech Solutions Hub in Burnie.
The University’s driving simulator uses the myDRIVESCHOOL® software, which has been fully designed and developed in Australia, to provide Tasmanians with access to virtual driving training in one of the few right-hand drive simulators in Australia.
Nathan Bakkar, Assistant Technical Manager at the Tech Solutions Hub, said that learning to drive can be stressful, and this simulator will help Tasmanians who need a bit more support before getting behind the wheel of a real vehicle.
“Our simulator can reduce stress and build confidence by teaching students to drive online before or in combination with their on-road lessons.”
“With most driving simulators and software developed overseas, there are very few that are tailored made for right-hand drivers and even fewer for Australian conditions.”
“That’s why, through the ingenuity of the Tech Solutions Hub and software developed by Australians for Australian conditions, we were able to create a simulator experience that works for our communities.”
For CEO and founder of myDRIVESCHOOL® Lisa Skaife, the need to improve driver training for all is evident.
“With crash rates per head of population higher than ever across Australia, and over 70% of road fatalities caused by driver error, this is where we have the greatest capacity for improvement.”
“Technology has a huge role to play in helping reduce road trauma, and all new drivers are ‘digital natives’, so best to teach them in their native language,” she said. “Virtual driver training is safe, fun, and it works – our students are 48% more competent and 17% less anxious.”
The University’s simulator was developed in response to community needs on the Northwest Coast and is designed for teenagers and adults learning to drive, anxious or nervous drivers, international drivers, and drivers wanting to learn in a manual vehicle.
“We’ve already reached out to local clinics that often employ doctors from overseas who may need some extra support with learning Australian conditions.”
“We are also planning to encourage our international students to use it to get more comfortable with Australian driving conditions in a safe environment before hitting the road,” Nathan said.
The simulator has been designed to be portable and can be transported to different areas depending on community needs. The simulator will be available at University of Tasmania study hubs by appointment for individual and group bookings.
In Burnie, the simulator is available by appointment with the Tech Solutions Hub or with participating driving schools/instructors. There is a small fee for each student to use the simulator that covers the cost of the licensed software and maintenance.
The University of Tasmania’s Tech Solutions Hub aims to use technology to make people’s lives better and easier and to develop innovative solutions to everyday challenges.