The first of its kind across Victoria’s emergency services, the project forms part of CFA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening volunteer driver capability.
The cutting-edge simulators, being developed by Motum Simulation, will support the existing Volunteer Driving Training Program, which has already seen more than 1600 heavy vehicle licences approved, the rollout of 10 driver training trucks and more than 55 driving courses delivered across Victoria.
CFA deputy chief officer for operational doctrine and training Rohan Luke said the mobile simulators were being designed to allow volunteers to experience high-risk driving scenarios in a safe, controlled environment — situations that were difficult or impossible to replicate in real life.
“These include emergency response driving (with lights and sirens), navigating firegrounds, avoiding falling trees and managing potential rollovers in challenging off-road conditions,” Mr Luke said.
Equipped with virtual reality headsets and eye-tracking technology, the simulators will deliver an immersive and realistic driving experience, helping drivers sharpen critical skills such as spatial awareness, mirror checking and hazard perception.
Once delivered, the simulators will be fully mobile and travel across the state, providing access to volunteers in both urban and rural communities.
“Simulated environments will include a wide range of driving conditions, with trainers able to trigger dynamic events to challenge and test driver response in real time,” Mr Luke said.
“Initially, five different response vehicles will be replicated in the simulators, including both manual and automatic transmission vehicles, ensuring volunteers receive training specific to the trucks they will operate in the field.
“These simulators, along with ongoing licensing and driver training efforts, will help ensure our members are well equipped to drive safely and effectively, both now and into the future.”
A sample driving simulator featuring newly designed CFA VR software will be showcased at the CFA/VFBV State Championships in March.
Delivery of the first two simulators is expected in June, with the remaining three scheduled for October.
The $1.25 million project forms part of the Upskilling and Protecting our Firefighters Program, funded by the Victorian Government.
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