CANTON – St. Lawrence NYSARC will host the state Department of Transportation’s Mobile Training Simulator Aug. 24 to Sept. 23 for those interested in improving their driving skills for work or personal use.

There are also applications that could help drivers with disabilities or elderly people interested in obtaining or reapplying for a license.

“The simulator gives us the opportunity to provide additional training for our 60 CDL drivers and assist other local agencies and community members who want to test their skills,” said Daphne Pickert, Executive Director.

The simulator contains six car analyzer units and two bus analyzer units and provides a way to measure perception/recognition time, reaction time, and braking distance, all of which make up total stopping distance. The system is designed to develop cognitive and perceptual defensive driving skills. The simulator acts as a tool to demonstrate how distractions and alcohol affect driver behavior.

Upon successful completion of the free simulator course, drivers will receive a certificate from DOT.

Vacancies are still available and agencies, businesses, groups, or community members interested in taking the class. To register, call Jerry Filiatrault at 379-9531. Filiatrault is a certified Simulator Training Instructor and has a Master Training Certificate from TransitScore in nine areas of fleet administration.