Do you think GT5 has made you a better driver?

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P917K23
When using a well designed simulator such as GT5, the basics of vehicle dynamics, of sport driving techniques, and of the awareness, focus, and calm required tend to be assimilated and understood. This can have a positive affect on aspects of your learning curve when it comes to actually driving a machine at the limits and it may also allow you to better 'realize' or 'notice' certain aspects of driving be it when you are behind the wheel or when watching another pushing a machine to its limits through this understanding.

However, given the complex nature and uniqueness of reality involving machines and humans, mastering simulation driving will not prepare you for driving/racing a machine on the limit, will not improve your true race craft, nor will it hone your skills.
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iamsupernasty
I need to disagree a little bit on a few accounts, but I'll start at the end of your sentence where I agree and work backwards.

I certainly agree that it will not hone your skills. Maybe help learn the basics of a new track, but definitely won't hone your stills.

Race craft I believe is actually one of the best things you can learn from a sim. How to set people up, how to pull a crossover, how to sandbag a corner, how to be patient and pick your spot, how to defend, how to run share the track with others, are all things that can ONLY be learned from seat time. I believe it doesn't matter if that seat time is in a real car or a simulator.

It may not fully prepare you to drive a real car aggressively, but it will make you significantly more comfortable in the real car the first time you get in it. Perhaps to a detriment even as overconfidence can result, but for the most part having sim experience can make a first time race driver much more coherant in the cockpit.
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It seems I may have different definitions to some of you for certain terms I used.

In the context of what I was writing, 'Race Craft' denotes 'Car Control' and more specifically 'Control Skill on the Limit' as ideally, this is where you should be at all moments as a racing driver.

The race craft you speak of, or techniques to me, are what I implied with 'Sport Driving Techniques', these being the techniques for fast, efficient, and safe race car driving on a circuit, and to a certain degree include 'Race Craft'. Yes you can learn then from a simulator, but the skill required to implement them in real life is a different matter.

Finally, the comfort and coherence you speak of is what I insinuated with 'positive effects on aspects of your learning curve'.
 
It wasnt really GT5 but racing game in general did teach me trajectory and how to break/accelerate on a track. First time I went Karting my dad was amazed on how i could operate the Kart and countersteer etc.. when needed.

In real life it didnt really, I'm considered a good driver by my passengers but that's mostly because I'm not stupid behind a wheel. I dont think any racing game have anyhting to do with it.

The only time where video game might have been usefull was when I was on a mountain pass in the alps we had snow on the road and I lost the car, I barely got it back with countersteer and trottle control (it was an old car, so I had no traction control, esp or abs) and I do think that without playing video game I would probably have end up in a grass field.
 
Gran Turismo hasn’t just improved my driving, it saved my life.

OK maybe my life but for sure it saved my car.

About 10 years ago I went to work after an ice storm when I thought most of the ice had melted. Most had except of a few over passes, one of which I had to cross in order to get to work. Coming off of a ‘dry’ highway at highway speed and transitioning to a wet icy bridge caused my car to loose traction and go into a skid. My car at the time was a 89’ Ford Taurus with the V6 FF engine, not exactly a drift car or a Ferrari. I had been playing a LOT of GT3(?) at the time and instead of panicking or even thinking about what I was doing, instinctively reacted to the situation and allowed the car to drift instead of trying to correct the situation. Because of Gran Turismo, I drifted the 200ft of iced over bridge overpass until the car reached the dry highway on the other side, where I snapped the car back into line and continued on to work.

Over the years of game driving, I’ve noticed my reaction times are faster when I’ve recently played the game and slower when I let moths go by between playing. I’ve avoided numerous accidents because I can anticipate things before they happen and have much better understanding about driving dynamics and how a car handles.

The one down side of all of this is that highway speeds seem slow to me. Doing 55-70 MPH is yawn inducing.

I don't know if this link is going to work but here is the bridge:

Google map 183 to 121, Bedford Tx
 
I think I might be the perfect test subject here, let's get some background info here first. I'm 27 year old finnish male, I've played driving games fairly much since the original GT game, and finally got a wheel set (DFGT) in 2008 to play GT5 Prologue with. I upgraded the set to a G27 earlier this year and been playing driving games (GT5, rFActor, GT legends, RBR, iRacing...) a lot since, using the whole clutch/H-shifter whenever I could.
The thing is that I really haven't driven a real car, until very recently. I started the driving school in august this year, with my first driving lesson in early september. (Theory classes in august) I just today completed my training and passed the final test and got my licence. The thing here to mention I got the hang of the car very quickly, Once I got the general feel of the clutch, where it bites and such, I drove like I've done it always. Threshold braking, catching under- and oversteer, slalom, all that went so well that my instructor couldn't believe that I haven't driven a car before. We did a practice run few days before the test and I scored 94/100 points, when 60/100 is enough to take the test, 80/100 is a good driver and 90+ means you could give lessons about driving.

In conclusion, After getting the hang of things that games haven't taught me (mainly the feel of the clutch) I drove like I've done it for years, just like I've done driving in virtual reality. In general the driving feels nearly the same to me in real life and in GT5/other simulators, apart from the obvious (g-forces and the clutch)

In case someone wonder why I haven't taken the test earlier, it's because of monetary issues, the school made a 1700€ dent in my pocket. And will consume another 300€ in 6months to 2 years when I have to take the "2nd phase" test and get my permanent licence.
 
I ran off the shoulder yesterday, bent a rim and blew the tire.

so. no!

I am a professional driver though. Well delivery driver; i prefer to think of myself as an independent contractor. I do around 3000 miles a month usually. It's like a rally that never ends.
 
I think it depends on how individuals play GT5. There are those who use a DS3 controller with all aids on and those who use a wheel with foot pedals, foot clutch, hand shifter, and all aids off. Obviously the latter condition would have more real-life driving skills transferred from the game.

I don't think the game makes you a better DRIVER. I feel it makes you a better RACER. You learn how to operate different cars with their own individual characteristics, how to take racing lines, overtake safely, make decisions in split seconds, and find your weaknesses on the track.

Case in point: I earned all gold trophies in all of the game's karting events. After several good arrive-and-drive races at the local indoor karting place, I decided to sign up for a Monday night league (right after work) with three 35-lap races per night when I usually drive no more than 30 laps in any given arrive-and-drive night. I got schooled badly and out of exhaustion left the league halfway through the season. :dunce:

That experience taught me how much easier driving road cars with power steering is! It's actually what I like about playing GT5 online - I get mostly realistic races with easier wheel steering and a fraction of the cost. :gtpflag:
 
I'm not the greatest driver in either real life or GT5, but I think I've improved a bit since I got it on launch day.
 
In all honesty, I don't know whither or not GT had improved my driving skill, but it definitely helped me build courage when driving a car for the first time, making my first driving experiences more natural feeling.

However, when it comes to translating my GT5 experience to the real world, no, I really don't think I can drift a Honda Insight if I tried.

GUMP07
Yea I have a perfect driving line going to Walmart in my Suburban now. Shaved 3 tenths off last nite.
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:lol:
 
Anyone claiming the "game" which happens to be intended to be a simulation of real life driving is not any help... is absurd.

I started playing GT4 with a wheel a few years after getting my license, so my interest in race techniques came prior to the GT gaming, particularly my interest started by driving in snowy/icy conditions, which in Canada is something you need to get adapted to quick as a driver. Having to be super careful eventually started leading me to playing at the limits, having fun on lifeless snowed over roads/parking lots (nighttime) and then taking the "findings" and transferring that to wet conditions.

Driving average powered cars at the limit in the rain is definitely still the most fun you can have as far as "pushing the bounderies" on public roads as it really doesn't require high speed, making a possible consequence very low as far as injury, vehicle damage is at higher risk but that's where you learn to maintain the utmost attention. No I have never came off the road or clipped a curb, I almost can't believe I haven't for all the "crazy" yet highly calculated stuff I've done. (NO I have NEVER put others at risk - thank you)

Anyway, when I finally did start playing GT 4, I realized how cool it is to play a "sim". So now with GT5's improved physics and wheels like G27 or T500RS (which I own), it obviously brings a close enough experience to real life vehicle behavior, and I can completely connect.

I know there's a bunch big PC Sim boys that find my statement laughable cause iRacings physics a supposedly light years ahead, but honestly, at the moment I don't care. I've had extensive experience for the last 12 years driving every single drivetrain layout at limit (yes even RR - Porsche), have done numerous mods and and suspension upgrades to different cars, so I could care less what someone thinks that I use GT5 as a "tool" to keep sharp.

Racing is all about muscle memory, long periods of top concentration and quick reaction, even a seasoned racing driver will tell you that a small break can make you rusty. So all you punks who think it's only a game that's got nothing to do with real car balance.. I urge you to get a grip.

Now all that said, I'm not implying GT5 is perfect, I do believe that 2 or 3 PC sims are a more accurate physics experience (and I will join eventually), but it's good enough! Minus the aggravating physics online of course. GT6 COULD get very very close... I'm praying. Should be fun.
 
From the time I started playing GT1 to now playing GT5, my skills as a driver have definitely improved. In terms of the real-life benefits however, they seem unnoticeable, but I do feel that playing sims such as GT5 do enhance your spatial awareness behind the wheel.
 
AUSnicko9
playing sims such as GT5 do enhance your spatial awareness behind the wheel.
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Yeah, and, the physics aren't as worth it. I can still spin my Hyundai Accent in real life, but, never spin an FF car in GT5. Ever. Something's broken.


Stupid downshifts in wet weather at the maximum-grip-level. "Oh, yeah, I'll just accelerate... No power? Nothing? Downshift... wait, too much weight on the front?! NO! Hey, look, I didn't hit anything.


But, my spatial awareness is improved. I even notice that I'm using GT5-taught tricks in iRacing, and in real life driving. The spatial awareness factor counts for something.
 
I would like to think so. I had obtained my DFGT about a year and a half before I started actually driving and 2 years before I got my license. I feel it gave me a head start on throttle control and smooth breaking. The main thing I believe it has impacted is my reaction time. I have avoid 3 accidents that were due to other drivers not paying attention to others on the road in the past 4 months.

I'm not going to claim I'm a great driver because I have been in an accident, though also due to another drivers mistakes(it was a fender bender and the driver infront of me punched it in reverse at a red light). My only previous driving experiences before obtaining a my DFGT were go karts at Boomers/Funworks (put-put, arcade, and karts) and once when I was 13 I drove a 1970's chevy pickup in the arizona desert.

Cutting to the chase, it has helped me with little things here and there that have come in handy while driving. So yes, I believe it has improved my driving.
 
Driving IRL has made be a better driver in the game. I have a better understanding of what Im doing and how its going to react.

NFS however makes me a worse driver IRL, listen to that decat roar.
 
another_jakhole
About 90% of people don't use it online. Kaz's words. They can check those things.
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Alot of people dont use it because it was implemented terribly. If they did something like grid 1 then heavy damage could me turned on but the rubbish we have now is not worth using:tdown:

And its a yes/no kinda thing for me like yea i turn corners more smoothly but i learned that from driving on tracks in real life so its a win win situation i guess
 
I don't buy in to racing games make you a better driver. The only thing that will get you to improve is putting in the hours behind the wheel.

No matter how good a racing game is , it's still massively different to driving on public roads and traffic coming at you. If anything they can make young drivers worse as they get over confident and make stupid mistakes.
 
Spagetti69
^Where do you drive? I'm not going near the place.
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Haha Central California, I don't recomend even coming close to the area because we also have some of the worst air quality. Plus there is nothing to see here anyway. Unless you want to see El Capitan, then you have to go through the area
 
badger_mk2
Driving IRL has made be a better driver in the game. I have a better understanding of what Im doing and how its going to react.
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Ya it definitely works that way around too, which is why I think most of the top drivers have better understanding due to their experience behind a real wheel. The are always exceptions of course, but I've come across VERY few guys under 18 that show true mature yet aggressive driving.
 
Playing the GT series gave me an appreciation of weight shifting, and balancing a car through a bend. It has certainly made my driving smoother when negotiating a series of twisty bends, of which there are many where I live, even within our strict 100 km/h speed limit. Looking well ahead, and therefore planning ahead; giving yourself time to think, basically. Being aware of the often random behaviour of other motorists; not always so easy. No turning signals in GT: apparently some folk don't think them necessary in real life either.
 
Waster3000
Playing the GT series gave me an appreciation of weight shifting, and balancing a car through a bend. It has certainly made my driving smoother when negotiating a series of twisty bends, of which there are many where I live, even within our strict 100 km/h speed limit. Looking well ahead, and therefore planning ahead; giving yourself time to think, basically. Being aware of the often random behaviour of other motorists; not always so easy. No turning signals in GT: apparently some folk don't think them necessary in real life either.
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I want a bumper sticker that says "Hey, looks like your turn signal is broken". Thats one of my biggest pet peeves.
 
Waster3000
Playing the GT series gave me an appreciation of weight shifting, and balancing a car through a bend. It has certainly made my driving smoother when negotiating a series of twisty bends, of which there are many where I live, even within our strict 100 km/h speed limit.
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Try iRacing, then we'll discuss weight transfer. :lol: I've down-shifted mid-corner hundreds of times in GT5, no problem. But, when I did it in real life, I spun the Accent (too much weight on front tires, none on rears... spun) and in iRacing; blown motor, off-track, unlucky stuff.


But, yes, 100 km/h is Canada's speed limit, too. It's also seemingly close to the top speed of the Accent. :scared:
 
Better driver?

Yes and No. In terms of knowing what a car can do or not do, yes, I find I can control a drift, apexing, aquaplaning, trail-braking, etc, a lot better since I began playing the GT series.
In terms of forgetting sometimes that I'm not on a race-track, and that the AI in front of me are actually real people, no. :lol:

When I hear my kids scream, "Daaaad!!! This isn't GT5!" I have to gather my senses and drive like a 50 year old is supposed to drive; slowly and fully aware of my insurance premiums.
 
It actually taught me how to refine car control during wet weather. Instead of slamming on the brakes like other yahoos during a fishtail, I learned to steel my balls and steer and out of it.
 
I've been driving a long time before GT5 came out so I have to say no. My RL driving experience has helped me in GT5 I think, especially on snow courses. I really wish there were more of those. To this day I still love hopping in a car and playing in the snow. Wish I still had a RWD just for that.

Overall though my years of playing GT games before I started driving has helped I guess. Not to mention it gave me a better understanding of gear selection so I only had to learn about footwork when I started driving a proper manual.
 
Not GT5 for me, but the first one sort of helped me, mostly with braking techniques and learning about weight distribution. A lot of people I know brake through the corner, whereas I brake prior to entry and hold speed through...a key thing to know in the winters up here if you don't want to end up in the ditch. :p
 
MrMelancholy15
... I've down-shifted mid-corner hundreds of times in GT5, no problem.
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Too true, that! Many a time I've banged it down a gear when it looks like I'm running wide, yet the car sticks like glue... Still, the basic principle is there. Naturally I take a lot more care when driving on the road; I don't tend to run the inside two wheels over kerbs, for example... :sly:
 
Well I am 14 years old and i bought my G27 Wheel and after like 2weeks off just driving around I asked my mom if i could test her car in real life (in safe area, gravel field) and nice as my mother is we went to the gravel field and she let me test and just becouse I had driven my G27 i didn't kill the car once! I drove around and it was just plain simple! REALLY HELPED ME WITH LFS AND GT5!
 

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