Driving Simulator Hits Monza Classrooms in ACI Pilot Project

Students in a Monza secondary school gathered around a high‑tech driving simulator on Tuesday, testing virtual roads as part of a new road‑safety program.

The initiative, launched by the Italian Automobile Club (ACI), marks the first time the simulator has been placed in a classroom setting. ACI President Antonio La Russa attended the demonstration, noting that the tool allows young people to experience driving situations without real‑world risk.

“It is crucial to speak the language of the youth,” La Russa said, emphasizing that interactive technology can engage students more effectively than traditional lectures. He added that the pilot aims to reduce accidents among new drivers by familiarising them with hazard perception and vehicle control early on.

Teachers reported that pupils responded enthusiastically, with many eager to repeat the exercises. The simulator records performance data, which instructors can use to tailor follow‑up lessons on defensive driving and traffic rules.

ACI plans to expand the program to additional schools across Lombardy if the Monza trial proves successful. The organization hopes the hands‑on approach will complement existing road‑safety campaigns and contribute to the national goal of lowering youth traffic fatalities.

Local education officials welcomed the partnership, saying the collaboration aligns with curriculum goals to promote practical learning. They also indicated that the simulator could be integrated into science and technology classes, highlighting its multidisciplinary potential.

Next steps

Following the initial rollout, ACI will collect feedback from teachers and students to refine the curriculum. A report on the pilot’s outcomes is expected later this year, after which decisions on broader implementation will be made.

Why it matters: Introducing a driving simulator in Monza schools provides a safe, interactive method to teach road safety to teenagers, supporting Italy’s broader effort to curb youth traffic accidents and align educational practices with modern technology.