Northwestern - Transport Training and Heavy Equipment Training


Northwestern Transport Training & Heavy Equipment Training Ltd. is pleased to offer truck training through the use of a Transport Simulator.  For years airline pilots have been trained and certified on simulators before ever flying the real aircraft. Now the same training is possible for tractor-trailers.

All students taking our AZ and DZ Professional Driving Courses now receive training on our simulator as part of our program. 

Features of Our Simulator

Our simulator was built by the largest simulator company in the world and combines state-of-the-art computer technology with Rockwell International truck parts.  Currently it is only one of two in Canada.  Here are some of its features:  

  • 240 different engines
  • 140 transmissions including 9, 10,13, 15 and 18 speeds
  • 33 axle ratios     
  • 60 different tractor/trailer combinations                 
  • vehicle weights up to 200,000 lbs.
  • adjustable road grades up to 35%.
  • controllable weather - day/night/rain/snow/fog/wind/black ice
  • unlimited number of different driving scenarios
  • environmentally friendly!!

Benefits

There are many benefits to learning with the aid of a simulator.  The three main benefits are SAFETY, LESS STRESS AND ACCELERATED LEARING

SAFETY: This is the biggest benefit of using a simulator.  Students are able to safely practice general and advanced driving techniques such as city driving and blind-side backing into a loading dock - without the risk of hurting others or the equipment. 

Instructors are also able to provide opportunities for students to safely practice specific defensive driving techniques that would otherwise be almost impossible.  For example, students are able to practice scenarios which include dealing with aggressive and impaired drivers, handling a tire blow-out, brake failure, driving in adverse weather conditions and emergency vehicle maneuvers.

LESS STRESS:  Students are able to begin their learning experience in the privacy of the simulator without having to worry about the pressures of traffic or surrounding obstacles.  For example, if a student is learning how to start on a hill and they stall the vehicle and/or start to roll backwards, it’s not a problem - they can stop and start over again – a luxury not available on busy roadways.   

ACCELERATED LEARNING: All students have different learning needs and learn at different paces.  Through the use of the simulator, our instructors are able to evaluate each student and tailor instruction to meet their specific needs.  The simulator: 

  • enables us to evaluate students’ defensive driving  abilities.  The instructor can control traffic in the simulation in order to test how a student reacts in situations such as: head-on collisions, brake failures, tire blow-outs, aggressive drivers, impaired drivers, wild life, pedestrians, and so on....
  • provides opportunities to  improve students’ safe driving habits through the use of scenarios.
  • allows students to practice shifting techniques and gear selection
  • enables students to practice progressive shifting and proper fuel efficient driving techniques.
  • lets students practice emergency vehicle maneuvers and improve their judgment.

If you are considering a career in truck driving, don't you think you deserve the best possible training?