Gujarat gets first dual simulator to teach automobile driving

Ahmedabad-based automobile body Western India Automobile Association(WIAA)-Castrol Institute of Motoring is all set to launch Gujarat's first car and truck simulator system to impart automobile driving skills.

French company Faros Simulator Systems will provide the software and it will be available for heavy and light commercial vehicles. The truck simulator worth Rs 40 lakh and car simulator worth Rs 35 lakh are equipped to train the drivers in different road, traffic,weather and terrain conditions.

"The emphasis in training drivers today is not just about learning to manoeuvre the roads. It is the ability to provide a whole set of diverse conditions so that the transition to real life comes easier," said Nitin Dossa, Chairman, WIAA-Castrol Institue of Motoring.

The association has also launched a driving licence test centre where applicants would have to take an online test on basic knowledge of roads and traffic conditions. The online test would consist of 15 random questions and would require a score of 80 per cent to pass before receiving the learner's license on the spot.

The cost of the entire exercise is pegged at Rs 3,500 where applicants would be give simulator training for half and hour and actual driving training for half an hour for a period of ten days. When enquired if the cost would be affordable for truck drivers, Dossa was convinced that the truck simulator would find many takers in the city.

The license costs are similar to the rates charged by the local Regional Transport Office (RTO) and the association hopes to recieve around 100 to 200 applications per day with its launch.

WIAA launched its first dual simulator centre in Mumbai two months ago is planning to expand to Vadodara and Rajkot in the next phase.