The first of its kind in Australia, the Mclean Care and Deakin University joint project gives drivers to experience various driving scenarios in a virtual environment. Known as Hector VR, the simulator is housed in a cut-down Holden Captiva and is loaded with a virtual version of Inverell's streets. 

McLean Care is looking for eight people with drivers licences aged 60 years or older to test out the simulator. 

It is an opportunity for users to practice practice driving, test their skills and response times to see if they would pass certain elements of a 'real life' driving test and simply enjoy exploring a virtual world.

This is the third time McLean Care has called for recruits. The organisation says that as more people test the simulator, they can learn more about the improvements required to make sure the technology lives up to its full potential.

Hector VR aims to provide drivers with important information to help them make an informed decision about their driving in a completely private, safe and non-intrusive environment. With the support of trained staff, participants will become immersed in the experience of 'driving' a virtual vehicle through popular locations in Inverell, an experience that previously has not been possible.

This project has been funded through a grant from the Department of Health.

Please contact Katherine McKinlay, executive support, for further information on 672 173 64 or email Kathryn.McKinlay@mcleancare.org.au.