The simulator should be part of the driving test also, as some conditions cannot be replicated on the test, but can be tested in the simulator such as:

kid running out in street.ice conditions.obscure road signs.an accident - see how the driver reacts to prevent a much worse accident when hit while moving.

The simulator can put some realistic stress conditions in to the test that the licensing body know the driver has a more robust knowledge than what can be measured in a short drive from the agency. (plus, most driving instructors teach students to pass the driving test by knowing exactly the test locations and methods... given the random factors in a simulator, weak skills can be uncovered)

Driver Education and Simulators? Interesting concept. Well, it was noted that one could gain points like in a game. Driving is reality, based on cause and effect. Not a game. It is unpredictable from one moment to the next. Even if one is sitting still at a red light, the situation can change from one split second to the next. Computer simulation may be a nice basic introduction to Drivers Education, but it cannot replace reality. One may be able to set certain scenarios, road surface, weather conditions ect.. I have been a motor vehicle operator since 1972, and seen various conditions. I have seen a lot of preventable accidents during the past 31 years. When I was initially licensed to drive there was theory and practice, practice and more practice. Driver license requirements should be harsher. There should be a followup test instituted every 10 years. When I look at drivers, not just in Clovis but also elsewhere defensive driving skills are mostly unknown. i.e., Safe Distance between vehicles, Proper use of signals (they don't use extra electircity), Passing on the proper side, staying in the right lane when driving SLOWER than the posted speed limit. Keeping intersection (Commerce & Prince) clear. Tapping the brake to show intent of stopping. Don't floor the gas when the light turns green (don't take a green light for granted). Keep the volume level where you can hear the occasional Police of Fire Department siren. Don't watch your Video Screen up front (I've noticed a lot of them installed on front dashboards and visors in Clovis). Don't allow yourself to become a victim of Road Rage. One finger salutes are improper, and can cause Road Rage to increase. Leave enough room between you and a Semi in front of you (I was in an accident cause by a driver to close to me when I needed to back up in a Large Truck (1978)). Don't think a motorcycle is smaller than you and can stop on a dime. I got a mud bath in 1982 due to a driver cutting me off, thinking I could stop on a dime. When snow and ice conditions begin, perhaps drivers should practice a little on an empty side street to get the feel of their vehicle first before un-nerving others on Prince or 21st Street. Most of all always be aware of what goes on a block or two ahead of you. Perhaps an accident, or a police officer on a traffic stop. Use the motto. "Care and Be Aware". The life you save may be your own.

The driving simulator was used by the Los Angeles Unified School District in the 1970's. I went through that training myself as a highschooler. It wasn't nearly as realistic as the video games are today, but it was a good introduction to the driving experience.

Kids love video games. Why not have a "learn how to drive" game developed? Every family with growing kids should have one. If the price is reasonable and the action "real", it could be a world wide hit.

Yes, this was used in the Chicago area in the early 1970s as well. Of course, it could be made much more realistic and interactive nowadays. It's a good idea; I wonder what happened to the simulators used in the 1970s? Or the companies, teachers, ideas behind it?

this idea has been around for a while, and there used to be a commercial product you could buy and put on your home computer, but I don't think it's very successful, also, the reason most kids get into accidents is because most kids are stupid, unfortunatly it's the idiots who ruin it for the careful kids, because of these idiots I wasn't able to buy the car I wanted cause the insurance was gonna cost me $5000 even though I had a perfect driving record.

but my point is kids can pass the simulators, they can pass their drivers ed onroads and they can get their license, it's just that alot of kids are stupid once they actually get their lisences

If this is added on top of current requirements, it seems like a good idea and shouldn't cost too much. At least it can encourage the kids to develop good habits (proper distance, use turn signal, pay attention to your speed). If it is done well, it may also make the kids aware of how quickly things can happen and drive home the point that you really need to pay attention. Kids will still be kids, but a little education can't hurt.

This is interesting but would not work very well. We must account for the private schools that can not be forced by the government to take programs such as a driving program run by machines. The cost would detract from a thin budget and underpaid teachers. The extra money should go to a school or the school system not the roads. This is a nice thought for a utopia but impossible in reality.

As much as I love video games and driving, this is a poor idea. The quality of parenting just isn't enough to warrant the state sponsoring kids to drive like they did in a video game.

A couple of well-run experiments would silence the naysayers, if the results were positive.