CGA Simulation, a leader in high-fidelity simulation software, has been awarded a contract by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to develop a cutting-edge virtual training tool for trainee driving examiners.
The project builds on CGA’s Virtual Driving School (VDS) platform, a hyper-realistic simulation environment designed to replicate the challenges of real-world driving. Through this partnership, CGA has delivered a prototype system that allows trainee examiners to practice assessments in a safe, controlled, and fully immersive environment – providing an opportunity to investigate how this technology could be used in the future.
A Virtual-World Meets Real-World Training Tool
The VDS platform leverages advanced agent-based modelling to create road networks and traffic behaviours that closely mirror real-world conditions. With photo-realistic graphics, dynamic weather, and accurate vehicle replication, the system delivers a training experience that is both immersive and practical.
Key benefits include:
- Risk-Free Training: Trainee examiners can practice supervising complex driving scenarios without risk to themselves or others.
- Flexible: Deployable across multiple sites, allowing training to take place where and when it is needed.
- Enhanced Skills Development: A broad library of scenarios ensures comprehensive preparation, from routine tests to rare, high-risk situations.
Driving Innovation in Training
CGA’s Virtual Driving School is already trusted by industry leaders including Octopus Energy and the Scottish Police Service, where it supports driver training, retraining, safety, and performance analysis across vehicle fleets.
“Simulation has the power to transform driver training by making it more efficient, more engaging, and ultimately safer,” said Jon Wetherall, Managing Director at CGA Simulation. “This prototype opens up new possibilities for how technology can enhance learning experiences in driver examiner training.”
CGA’s virtual training environments reduce the need for travel to physical centres and allows training to continue uninterrupted regardless of weather, location, or vehicle availability.
About CGA Simulation
CGA Simulation is a Liverpool-based SME specialising in high-fidelity simulation, transport modelling, and urban innovation. Its Virtual Driving School platform uses cutting-edge AI and agent-based modelling to deliver realistic, scalable driver training solutions. CGA’s technologies are helping to create safer, smarter, and more sustainable transport systems in the UK and internationally.
About the virtual training project
CGA Simulation successfully passed a tendering process to carry out a trial to supply a real-life training experience for trainee driving examiners.
The trial will provide a firm basis on which to develop future training practices. The software, developed by CGA, allows trainers to role-play as the customer taking a driving test, while trainees act as the examiner. This enables learning in a no-risk environment and also supports classroom-based delivery to larger groups than would be possible with a real vehicle.
The prototype is being trialled with Trainers and Coaches to gather feedback on usability, realism, and training effectiveness.
These insights will inform further progress.
