BT Fleet is working on a range of simulators that could offer a more cost-effective way to train company vehicle drivers.

At its customer forum, it showcased a headset simulator, effectively a cut-price surround driving simulator, which would help fleets to risk profile and train their drivers. A basic version could be available within a a couple of years, according to  BT Fleet senior product marketing manager  Shaun Rowley.

“We are four or five years away from seeing this take over from on-road training,” he added.

The system links into telematics to enable fleet managers to identify driver shortcomings and tailor a programme to address specific issues.

BT Fleet also revealed a 360-degree smartphone-based headset simulator which could be used to train drivers for defect reporting. It could also be set up with analytics to ensure driver compliance with fleet policy.

Meanwhile, an augmented reality headset could be used to train workshop staff for maintenance and repairs by overlaying a menu on the physical job in hand giving instructions about what to do.

All the technology offered a peep in to the future, revealing a little of the type of projects into which BT Fleet is investing.

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