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Virtual Roads, Real Skills: CTC Adds Simulators to Drivers’ Ed

Virtual Roads, Real Skills: CTC Adds Simulators to Drivers’ Ed
A CTC instructor wearing a gray jacket and baseball hat sits at a table using a driving simulator. He is holding the steering wheel controller and smiling at the camera. The large computer screen in front of him shows a snowy road scene.
Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center (CTC) is helping students get road-ready with three high-tech driving simulators, currently on loan from the Ohio Department of Public Safety. These simulators, powered by Virtual Driving Essentials (VDE) software, are exclusively available to CTC students.
 

Why Driving Simulators?

Research shows that simulation is an effective method for training new drivers. The simulators replicate real-world scenarios that allow new drivers to develop critical skills in a safe and controlled environment. “For many of our students, this is their very first experience behind a wheel,” said driving instructor Mr. Eric Miller. “The simulators provide over 15 hours of diverse driving instruction, ensuring no two drives are the same. This helps students feel more confident and prepared when they transition to behind-the-wheel driving.”
 
Each immersive simulator resembles a race car video game setup, complete with a large monitor, steering wheel, and brake and gas pedal unit. The software that powers the simulator consists of 16 lessons covering diverse scenarios with varying weather and road conditions, pedestrian interactions, and driver-related challenges. Pre- and post-assessments allow instructors to track progress and also supplement in areas where improvement is needed.
 

Expanding CTC’s Driver Education Program

The simulators are a welcome addition to CTC’s teen driver education program. CTC was awarded $165,000 in CODE Grants earlier this year. With the funding, CTC has been able to:
  • Purchase three vehicles for the driver’s ed program, with a fourth vehicle arriving soon.
  • Train three additional instructors to join Mr. Eric Miller in providing behind-the-wheel training.
  • Obtain credentials and certifications for the instructors and the driver education program.

Driving Simulators Available to the Community

While the simulators at CTC are for student use, five additional locations in Clark County have also received driving simulators for community use:
  • Clark State College
  • Clark County Department of Job and Family Services
  • First Haitian Evangelical Church of Springfield
  • Life in Christ Community Church
  • High Street Church of the Nazarene

CTC’s ambitious long-term goal is to have a driving instructor and car available at each high school in Clark County. With many businesses in need of part-time, entry-level employees, enabling teens to get their license provides them the ability to fill these types of positions. “When speaking with CTC students and local businesses, lack of transportation is the most common barrier for students to obtain employment,” shared Michelle Patrick, CTC’s Superintendent. She added, “In a county where over 46% of 11th and 12th-grade students face economic disadvantages, this initiative aligns with CTC's mission of preparing students for various paths after graduation.” CTC gets students ready. Career Ready. College Ready. Life Ready.

Ms. Cross, a school counselor, sits at a driving simulator desk holding the steering wheel. She smiles at the camera as the simulator screen in front of her displays a scenic road. Classroom decorations, including signs and posters, are visible in the background.

🚦 Say hello to Ms. Cross, our school counselor, who’s taking hands-on learning to the next level! She’s completing her training to become a certified driving instructor, and she’s crushing it on the simulator. Way to go, Ms. Cross! 👏

Mr. Allread, an instructor, sits at a driving simulator desk holding the steering wheel. He is smiling and focused on the simulator, which shows a road scene on the screen. The classroom background features traffic signs and educational materials.

🚗 Mr. Allread, instructor for the Jaguar Academy, is looking forward to helping CTC students get road-ready by using the driving simulator before getting behind the wheel.