Created by some of the same engineers that developed the flight simulators for the aeronautics industry, Virage Simulation Inc. has taken the danger out of learning to drive with two new, state-of-the-art driving simulators located in the National Corvette Museum. The simulators are designed to present a limitless number of scenarios that drivers can face… challenging situations on city streets and freeways and in all kinds of weather conditions. The National Corvette Museum purchased and installed the simulators as a permanent addition to the Museum, furthering the Museum’s mission of educating the public and making a positive impact in the community.
When the seatbelt is secured and the key is turned, the dashboard lights up and drivers can feel and hear the virtual engine running. The driving experience is so authentic that drivers will feel the vibration of the pavement under their virtual tires, and the weight of the car shift as the wheel is turned. Five educational programs are offered on the simulators, including Emergency Driving Situations; Driving Under the Influence; Speed, Road Conditions and Stopping Distances; Hazard Perception and Fuel Efficient Driving.
The simulators are open for museum visitor use daily, and three demonstrations times are available: 10am, 1pm and 3:30pm Central Time.
NCM Drivers' Safety Academy
The National Corvette Museum now offers a series of driver's education clinics to help teens and adults become safer drivers. Each course is tailored to a specific audience.
Did you know... your child can be approved to miss school to attend our sessions? Click here to download the Kentucky Educational Enhancement form.
Powder Puff Mechanics
This course is designed primarily for women, young women, teen drivers and their parents, though any gender or age is welcome! The class goes over the basics to make attendees more knowledgable about their car, and better consumers.
Cost is only $10 and includes Museum admission. There is a lunch break, but lunch is on your own. A Cafe is on-site at the Museum.
What Powder Puff Mechanics will cover:
Under the hood
Air filters 101
Fluids and where they live
How to check, fill fluids, how often to check?
Controls and Warning Lights
Check engine light
Other controls and warning lights
Electrical and Owner’s manual Review
Location of battery & how to jump start a car
Location of fuse box
Get to know your owner’s manual
Tires
How to change a flat
How to check tire pressure, add air, TPWS Tire Pressure Warning System
How to read a tire code (new but “old”)
Wear patterns and wear bars
What to consider when purchasing new tires
Driving Simulators
Emergency situations
What to carry in your car
Body
Changing a head/tail/blinker light
Changing wiper blades
Brakes & Pads
Cleaning and care of your car
Next Powder Puff Mechanics Course will be Fall 2013.
In addition to our scheduled events, the Museum offers "Powder Puff Mechanics" workshops for groups of a minimum of 20. Registration is $10 and includes Museum admission. Girl Scouts can earn a patch for participating in this program.
International Drivers' Course
The International Course is a one day class where students will learn about the driving laws of Kentucky, and national statutes each driver must follow. Students will be given the opportunity to drive our state-of-the art simulators, and discuss the necessity of car insurance with a certified insurance agent.
The class is 10am until 3pm and is free, however, a box lunch will be available for the price of $10. Students who do not have transportation to the Museum can meet at the WKU International Center where they will be picked up prior to the class and brought back after the class for $4 round-trip.
NONE SCHEDULED AT THIS TIME
10am-3pm
$10 for Lunch
$14 for Lunch and Round-Trip Transportation
from WKU
Street Survival
The Tire Rack Street Survival school is a safe teen program designed to go beyond today’s required driver’s education and give teens across the U.S. the driving tools and hands-on experience to become safer, smarter drivers. Trained and qualified in-car driving instructors as well as classroom experience for each student.
The primary emphasis of the Tire Rack Street Survival® is a "hands-on" driving experience in real-world situations! We use your own car to teach you about its handling limits and how you can control them. The students will become more observant of the traffic situation they find themselves in. They will learn to look far enough ahead to anticipate unwise actions of other drivers. As the students master the application of physics to drive their cars, they will make fewer unwise driving actions themselves. They will understand why they should always wear their own seatbelts, and why they should insist that their passengers wear seatbelts, too.
It's up to you, the parent or guardian, to instill good driving habits in your child. Safe driving is set by example. We have created a flyer with some tips to help YOU be an effective coach. Click the image at right to open an enlarged view.
We have also created a "Driving Contract" that may be executed between you and your child. This contract sets forth the expectations of both parties for safe driving. Click here to download our contract.
Created by some of the same engineers that developed the flight simulators for the aeronautics industry, Virage Simulation Inc. has taken the danger out of learning to drive with two new, state-of-the-art driving simulators located in the National Corvette Museum. The simulators are designed to present a limitless number of scenarios that drivers can face… challenging situations on city streets and freeways and in all kinds of weather conditions. The National Corvette Museum purchased and installed the simulators as a permanent addition to the Museum, furthering the Museum’s mission of educating the public and making a positive impact in the community.
Powder Puff Mechanics