Generations Southeast Community Learning Center has installed virtual driving simulators at its campuses in Juneau and Klawock to train commercial drivers without requiring residents to leave Southeast Alaska.

The simulators replicate conditions from winter highways to metropolitan traffic. Students practice driving everything from small trucks to school buses in environments that include heavy rain, ice, snow and off-road terrain. The equipment provides physical feedback that mimics real driving, including vibrations and the sensation of a flat tire.

"Through our Generation Southeast campuses in Juneau and Prince of Wales, we just invested in these virtual simulators so that we can provide training for CDLs, trucks, from small trucks, school bus, everything," an instructor said during a demonstration Friday. "This is really going to streamline and make it possible to deliver more opportunity to more citizens."

The center uses the Virage VS600M simulator to deliver its International LT625 Simulator Course for advanced CDL training. The simulators can switch between day and night driving conditions and adjust weather from clear skies to winter storms. Students practice on virtual highways, city streets and rural roads.

"You get on there and it rumbles, it shakes, it gives you that kind of experience, even like what it would be like to get a flat tire," the instructor said.

Generations Southeast operates career and technical training programs at both campuses. The Alaska Commission on Post-Secondary Education has authorized the organization to provide post-secondary career training.

The new equipment addresses a longstanding barrier for Southeast Alaska residents seeking commercial driver certification. Previously, students had to travel outside the region for hands-on training.

"You shouldn't have to leave home to go get this training," the instructor said. "I think this is gonna be a game changer for Hw'ik'itnaaydaa and for Southeast Alaska and Generation Southeast."

The simulators complement federal Entry-Level Driver Training requirements that took effect in February 2022 for new Class A and Class B commercial driver's license applicants. The Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles verifies training completion through a federal registry before issuing CDL credentials.