Soto was a school bus driver in the late 1960s and early 1970s, before he became a teacher. At that time, training for school bus drivers meant going out and getting behind the wheel. He says he felt more confident going out in traffic after using the simulator. They give us hands-on information, and it's what it feels like in a real bus. He says the simulator has also helped him become a more defensive driver.
Drivers start working on a semi-interactive simulator during their second day of training.
The simulator, which is driven by a computer, has several stations. The computer tracks drivers' reaction times and competency, allowing instructors to evaluate their progress. On the third day, drivers go to work on the fully interactive simulator. This simulator occupies two separate rooms at the training facilities. In one room, drivers enter a life-size model of the cab of a bus complete with a driver's seat, a windshield, mirrors, a control panel and a fare box.