The gear shift simulator has a nickname wich roughly translates like”Driving chair”. And that is actually not a correct name for this torture device. Because you can’t ride it. At least not independently.

The simulator allows the instructor to closely monitor the learner driver’s gear changes and intervene where necessary. The instrumentation corresponds to the cockpit of the real driver’s cab and also allows errors to be built in to train the driver’s reactions. The device consists only of the complete engine and transmission group. The driver sits in the shortened chassis where the turret is normally located.

In addition to the lack of driving training, the simulator has the disadvantage that the rolling resistance is almost completely eliminated and therefore the shifting process cannot be carried out under off-road conditions. A toothless drive wheel is used instead of the caterpillar track. On the other hand, the simulator has the huge advantage that it consumes considerably less fuel and the expensive tank is spared.

The simulator played a subordinate role in the training of tank troops and was only used for basic training.