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.
Those interested in reserving a longer period of time on the simulators, or for use after Museum hours for private instruction or drivers education courses may do so for an extra fee.
Contact Jackie Utzler, Education and Community Events Coordinator, for more information:
270-467-8852 or 800-538-3883 extension 152.
Jackie can also be contacted via email at jackie@corvettemuseum.org.
Special Thanks to Jeff McQuade of Charlotte, MI- Museum Ambassador and Lifetime Member - for donating these fatal vision goggles for our Drivers' Safety Academy!
NCM Drivers' Safety Academy
The National Corvette Museum now offers a series of driver's education courses 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.
Pre-Driver's Course
This course is for students working towards their driver’s permit. It will cover basic driving techniques and maneuvering, permit test related information, introduction to driving hazards, the dangers of texting and drinking while driving, and learning to read a map! This course involves classrooms sessions, driving simulators, and an outdoor DUI autocross demonstration. The course is five hours in length and includes a lunch break and rest breaks.
Space is limited for all classes. Registration required. You only need to register for ONE session of each course.
Please note: registration denotes permission for your child to drive a golf cart. Additionally, photos and videos of the class may be taken for publicity purposes and your child could appear in those shots.
Course is now $10 and includes lunch from the Corvette Cafe.
Session 3: Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 10am-3pm Teen Pre-Driver's Course
New Driver Development Course
This course is for permit holders and newly licensed drivers. It will cover driving techniques such as parallel parking, city and rural driving hazards, adverse weather conditions, two wheel drop off recovery and the dangers of texting and drinking while driving, just to name a few! There will also be a car care session where students will learn to change a flat tire, check oil and other fluids. This course involves classroom sessions, driving simulators, and an outdoor DUI autocross demonstration. The course is five hours in length and includes a lunch break and rest breaks.
Space is limited for all classes. Registration required. You only need to register for ONE session of each course. Please note: registration denotes permission for your child to drive a golf cart. Additionally, photos and videos of the class may be taken for publicity purposes and your child could appear in those shots.
Course is now $10 and includes lunch from the Corvette Cafe.
Session 3: Monday, February 20, 2012, 10am-3pm, Teen New Driver Development Class
AAA Driver Improvement Class
This program provides practical guidance for preventing traffic crashes and are proven to be effective in reducing traffic fatalities and collisions. AAA's Driver Improvement Program is recognized in most states for insurance premium reductions. Class size is limited.
Next Course:
None scheduled at this time.
Cost?
$25 AAA Members
$35 Non-Members
How to Register:
Please call Jackie at 270-467-8852 or 800-538-3883 x152 or stop by the museum. The class fee is non-refundable and must be paid in advance. Cash, check and credit cards accepted.
AARP Older Driver Safety Course
The AARP Driver Safety Course is a four-hour classroom refresher for motorists aged 50 and older. This course will provide a review of driving skills and techniques, as well as strategies and tips to help you adjust to normal age-related physical changes that may affect your driving ability. All participants will receive a certificate of completion and a free trial on the driving simulators, good for 30 days. Insurance companies will give you a discount for attending this course.
Next Course:
Tuesday, March 6, 9am-1pm
Cost?
$12 AARP Members (please have membership card available)
$14 Non-members Lunch can be pre-ordered and purchased in the morning and delivered to you in class from the Corvette Café
How to Register:
Please call Jackie at 270-467-8852 or stop by the museum.
The class fee is non-refundable and must be paid in advance.
Powder Puff Mechanics
The Museum offers "Powder Puff Mechanics" workshops for groups of a minimum of 20. Registration is $10 per student or $12 per adult and includes lunch and Museum admission. Girl Scouts can earn a patch for participating in this program.
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
Powder Puff Mechanics