College offers VR driving simulator to students

Students at a college in Barnsley are to be given access to a virtual reality simulator to hone their driving skills and save money before they hit the roads.

The Driver Accreditation Scheme (DAS) at Barnsley College enables them to gain their provisional licence and driving experience by using the new technology.

About 200 students a year will take part in the driving academy, with financial support from the college.

College principal David Akeroyd said the cost of learning to drive was "one of many barriers" for students, adding: "In a competitive job market and a cost of living crisis, we need to give our students every advantage to gain meaningful, skilled employment."

Currently, one in six jobs in the UK require a valid driving licence, according to the Centre for Social Justice, particularly in sectors such as care and construction.

In Barnsley, one in five households does not own a car, a figure which rises to three in 10 in the Dearne North ward.

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said earlier this week that public transport issues were a barrier to young people in the region accessing job opportunities.

Akeroyd said it was hoped the scheme at Barnsley College would reduce the cost of learning to drive and allow students to pass their tests more quickly.

"I remember the first time I sat in a car, my driving instructor had to spend almost the first hour explaining to me what each of the pedals did, how it feels to drive, what the gears did. All of that work can be done on a simulator in the safety of the college.

"So, by the time the students then go and are physically in a car, the intention and the indications are that the number of lessons they will require will be reduced."

Under the new scheme, the college would pay for students' provisional licences and, in the future, might also cover the cost of their first theory test.

The college is also looking to negotiate discounts with local driving instructors, with lessons usually costing between £35-£50 per hour, according to the RAC.

Akeroyd said the scheme would cost the college less than £10,000 a year, which he called "negligible".

DAS founder Darren Wright said the scheme would "literally change lives".

"The academy gives the students a fairer chance, while making sure safety and responsibility come first," he said.

Trying out the simulators this week was 18-year-old Amelia Smailes, a mechanical and electrical engineering student, who said driving lessons were expensive.

"I think this a great idea, because it means you can have a go at it. I do feel like cost is a big part, because some people just don't have money for £30-40 per hour."

Although the college has 6,000 students, priority access to the simulators will be allocated based on attendance, engagement and participation in volunteering activities.

The virtual sessions will be accompanied by in-person driving lessons before students apply to take their practical tests.

An experienced driving instructor will be appointed to manage the scheme.

Akeroyd added: "The cost of learning to drive falls hardest on students from some of the most deprived wards in the country.

"We've always looked for local answers to national problems, which includes the NEETs [not in education, employment or training] crisis.

"We know that if this works for our first cohort, it has implications for every college in the country - and it is the right thing to do."

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