Making best use of classroom or cab simulator time is a constant challenge for trainers within the rail industry.  The essentials for procedural driver training may seem obvious, however there are always some gaps that need extra support to maintain competencies.

The introduction of new communications, train protection and control systems presents the modern driver with a range of new in-cab interfaces that require discovery, familiarisation and training. However, tackling skills fade in experienced drivers requires a more considered approach where prior driving knowledge has to be assumed for the training to be engaging.

Simulation on mobile devices makes training distribution easier and has been very effective at pushing information in one direction however as designers are faced with an increasing demand for online learning we’ve had to consider how to incorporate assumed knowledge into training apps that provide a real challenge to experienced drivers.

Changing the way competence evidence is collected

Working with industry partners we have created a way to incorporate bespoke scenario layers on our interface control apps. Based on required learning outcomes, localised procedures and specific routes these can include hints, scoring and reporting direct to learning management systems enabling assessors to access a wider range of competence evidence than they did previously.

Procedural training using mobile devices takes the pressure off cab simulator time, it reinforces knowledge on difficult and extraordinary procedures and offers assessors a wider range of data when measuring competence, providing an overall seamless driving training process.