Why Skilled Test Drivers Are Indispensable in Car Development
Car manufacturers often emphasize the importance of skilled test drivers in their rigorous testing and development processes. These drivers play a crucial role not just in pushing the limits of the vehicles but also in ensuring that emerging technologies are thoroughly evaluated. Unskilled drivers, no matter their enthusiasm, lack the necessary knowledge and expertise to give accurate and actionable feedback under extreme conditions.
The Role of Skilled Test Drivers in Car Development
A skilled test driver is more than just a person capable of driving a car; they are experts in their field, highly trained to understand complex systems and identify issues that can arise during testing. Typically, these drivers must pass a series of stringent internal tests to obtain the necessary licenses to operate test vehicles on proving grounds and at higher speeds.
Each year, skilled test drivers are required to requalify and adhere to specific rules for driving on test tracks. This ongoing training ensures that they remain proficient in recognizing and addressing potential faults before they become significant issues during production. Skilled drivers are adept at pushing the vehicles to their absolute limits, uncovering flaws that may only appear under extreme conditions. Additionally, they provide invaluable subjective evaluations, detailing the car's performance and addressing any aspects that may not be performing as expected.
As a development engineer, my own role involved identifying and solving various issues related to noise, vibration, and other system malfunctions. The skilled test driver's job often includes subjective evaluations, listening to feedback, and measuring problems. While unskilled drivers can help identify areas they find unsatisfactory, they are far from sufficient in thoroughly testing and developing new models. Only a skilled driver can ensure that all facets of a vehicle are covered rigorously.
The Dangers of Unskilled Drivers in Development Testing
To prevent catastrophic accidents and ensure the safety of test drivers and development teams, unskilled individuals should be kept away from rare and prototype vehicles. Any unskilled driver in a test vehicle poses a significant risk, given the high stakes involved in car development.
For instance, a software bug in a transmission system could lead to unintended consequences, such as the car going into reverse when the driver intends to drive in first gear. Similarly, a faulty rear-wheel steering system could cause issues if the turn signal is applied. These risks underscore why skilled test drivers are essential. They are trained to handle complex, unexpected situations and provide precise feedback to engineers.
Key Qualifications for Skilled Test Drivers
Real test drivers undergo extensive training to understand every system in a car and its interdependencies. They need to be able to detect, prioritize, and provide meaningful feedback on issues. This involves:
Thorough System Knowledge: Understanding the functions of all vehicle systems and how they interrelate. Problem Detection: Identifying unusual behavior and issues in real-time. Data Analysis: Utilizing data logging and other tools to track and analyze vehicle performance. Feedback Provision: Giving clear and concise feedback to development teams, including root cause analysis of problems.By combining this knowledge with practical skills, skilled test drivers ensure that the development process is as thorough and accurate as possible, leading to safer, more reliable, and higher-quality vehicles.
While unskilled drivers might contribute to some level of subjectivity in testing, the risks involved with their participation far outweigh any benefits. The importance of skilled test drivers in car development cannot be overstated, and the industry must continue to prioritize their training and safety.