Driving simulators have become increasingly popular among players in recent years, but very few games attempt to combine fun with the real feeling of a driving school. That is exactly what Virtual Driving School tries to achieve, a title that at first glance seems like just another driving simulator, but within a few minutes it becomes clear that the focus is indeed on learning the rules and the feeling of real driving in traffic.
As a former driving instructor, I immediately noticed how the game tries to recreate situations that candidates go through daily during training in a real driving school. From properly using turn signals, checking blind spots, to stopping at traffic lights and respecting right of way – a large part of what is learned during driving is also present here.
Of course, Virtual Driving School is not a complete simulation of the real experience. There is none of that familiar pressure when an instructor sits next to you while you try to start uphill without stalling the vehicle, nor the feeling of nervousness during the driving test. However, the game manages to convey the basic logic of behavior in traffic, and that is its greatest value.
The game starts with a basic tutorial that introduces players to vehicle controls and traffic rules. After that, various missions and scenarios are unlocked, including city driving, parking, roundabouts, driving in the rain, and other everyday traffic situations. It is particularly interesting that the game penalizes traffic violations, running a red light, or ignoring signs, which further encourages players to drive carefully, not just quickly.
Visually, the game looks quite decent for a simulator of this type. The cities and traffic are not on the level of major AAA racing titles, but they look good enough to make driving enjoyable and clear. What is more important is that the roads and traffic situations are designed to resemble real urban conditions. Because of this, the game can be interesting even to people who do not usually play simulators.
The vehicle physics also tries to stay within the bounds of realism. Cars have a certain weight, braking is not instantaneous, and entering a turn too fast often results in losing control. As someone who has spent years sitting in a car with candidates, I can say that the game accurately depicts how important it is to anticipate traffic situations in advance and drive calmly.
However, it should be emphasized that Virtual Driving School cannot replace a real driving school. This is primarily an educational-entertainment simulator that can help beginners better understand traffic rules and gain a basic sense of safety behind the wheel. On the other hand, it offers simulation enthusiasts something different from classic racing games focused solely on speed.
Virtual Driving School may not thrill players looking for adrenaline-fueled races, but it will attract an audience that wants a more relaxed and realistic driving experience. It is precisely in this combination of education and simulation that its greatest potential lies.
A copy of the PC version for review purposes was provided by the development studio CGA Simulation and the publisher CGA Studio.
