Our Story
Brief history of EDS
The founders began the journey in 1996 with a mission to train drivers at all levels specific to industry demands. In 1998, they pioneered integration of virtual-reality simulation into training activities that presented advanced learning to trainees in a learning environment. After partnering with leading simulation manufacturers, they separated ties and began Excel Driver Services in 2001.
Our experience is a testament to our success in the training of over 130,000 drivers since 2001. The knowledge of research conducted in diverse conditions has enabled us to diversify from standard hands-on and lecture trainings to new online and simulation training programs. We integrate curriculum throughout our different branches of operation which include training, manufacturing of advanced training equipment through Sim-Tech, and reporting through Drive Prodigy™. The result is a seamless integration to our students as well as our corporate clientele.
Landmarks
1996 – Premiere Custom Training was founded by Jason Emery and Roy Emery as a CDL training company
1998– Premiere pioneered integration of virtual-reality simulation with hands-on training across the US for advanced training, analysis and research
1999 – Premiere merged with I-Sim, a driving simulation manufacturer
2000 – Premiere/I-Sim acquired by General Electric. Jason and Roy created curriculums to serve multiple industries, specifically tailoring curriculum development for CDL Drivers, Law Enforcement and Oil Field applications
2001 – Jason and Roy determined the vision for conducting training differed from the acquisition, and founded Excel Driver Services (EDS) to continue the mission set for Building Better Drivers. This included a partnership with FAAC, a different simulation company. Mobile training services trained in multiple states that continue today.
2003 – Excel Driver Services separated from FAAC, and opened several campuses in CO, WY, ND, TX,NV and LA.
2005 – Excel added live Skid Truck training in several states for advanced learning of drivers in rollover prevention and winter driving for light-duty and heavy vehicle applications.
2006 – 2007 – Excel Driver Services was awarded contracts for US Air Force in 3 states to train behavior-based learning program and analysis, presenting in Washington the different approach titled “Solution-Based Driver System” wherein 3,000 personnel was trained using simulation and behavior-based models. USAF recognized a dramatic drop in fatalities, crash data and injury. During this time, Excel developed its own in-house simulators for training to increase capability.
2008 – Expansion incorporated into training in over 30 states with remote training and campuses. Partnering began with community colleges in 3 states.
2009 – Simulation Technology was founded and started joint discussion and partnering with Excel Driver Services
2009 – Simulation Technology focused on First Responder simulators for Law Enforcement and Fire/EMS industries.
2009 – After initial training for USAF, EDS was awarded another training contract for 1,500 personnel due to initial success in 2006-2007
2010 – Excel Driver Services began training New Hire Orientation classes, conducting a large variety of certifications in OSHA, Health and Safety services.
2011 – Research continued in creating seamless integration in the Oil Field industry, providing multiple contracts with fortune 50 companies in 36 states.
2012 – New Omega™ series truck driving simulator created for training commercial vehicles.
2013 – 2015 – Excel continued to develop products and services to industry served.
2016 – Excel developed Drive Prodigy™ as a continuation of research and development to create a platform that could reduce subjectivity in learning and simplify reporting services for all clientele. Diversification became a priority in multiple industries resulting in work with municipal entities, OTR and LTL, Construction and military clientele.
2017 – Sim-Tech added School Bus Genesis simulator. Excel completed the acquisition of Simulation Technology with immediate overhaul of service platform to more modern graphics and capabilities, to include integration into fully Virtual-Reality (VR) options for different products.
2018 – Drive Prodigy™ learning management system released for paperless training and recording
2019 – Development of Predictive Analytics to aid students in skills and behavioral characteristics with programs that develop drivers with different learning styles.
2020 – Sim-Tech enlarges manufacturing center due to demand in production.
2021 – National Crane Simulator designed for clientele to be incorporated with driving systems. Implementation of complete on-line ELDT curriculum requirements in Drive Prodigy in all states within the US.
2023 – Multiple new simulators released for transit and fire industry with deliveries throughout the nation. New programs for AAMVA Modernization requirements met for new standards in CDL Testing and Training
2024 – Follow us to see what we’re doing!
