The owner of the first semi truck driving simulation equipment in Saskatchewan believes the concept of a professional Class 1A licence being based on having 121.5 road hours followed by a test is ludicrous.
Stacey Kliewer (cleaver) of Custom Driver Simulation Training believes the licence should be based on proficiency.
He would like to see simulation training for prospective drivers along with time on the road in a real truck.
There are over 130 different models of training to bring drivers up to the standards needed for whichever business they are employed with.
For those just learning about the complex shifting of a semi, it can save on gears and transmissions.
Kliewer says, “If this technology can help us improve the safety on our roads, then why not? It’s actually cheaper to get the basic skills down in a simulator than a real truck.”
He believes simulators are an unbiased way to safely train drivers before sending them out on the road.