GHENT, W.Va. (WVDN) – In a collaborative effort to enhance Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training across the state, representatives from various community and technical colleges such as Northern Community College, Bridge Valley Community and Technical College, and Southern Community and Technical College gathered at New River Community and Technical College’s Advanced Technology Center to participate in an advanced simulation training refresher.
Sponsored by West Virginia Workforce, this initiative, developed by Driver Training Solutions, formerly known as L3Harris, centers on the use of high-tech CDL simulators. These simulators play a critical role in preparing new drivers for the transition from classroom instruction to real-world driving by offering immersive, scenario-based training modules.
“We’re refreshing our training for the CDL simulators and working on new scenario packages that help beginner drivers learn basic control over large commercial vehicles,” said Jeff Trout, Transportation/CDL Instructor from Southern Community and Technical College. “This will all help them prepare to move from simulation into the actual trucks.”
The refresher course brings together instructors from across the state to ensure that training remains current and comprehensive. This year marks the second time the group has been invited to New River CTC’s cutting-edge facility—an experience Trout describes as exceptional.
“One of the most amazing facilities I’ve been to, for sure,” he noted. “The space, the accommodations, the staff—it’s all been unreal. It’s been a blessing to get to come up here.”
By incorporating the latest simulation tools and instructional strategies, the participating colleges aim to strengthen West Virginia’s workforce by producing better-prepared, safety-minded commercial drivers.
For more information on New River CTC’s CDL Program, visit New River’s CDL Program page today.
