American Truck Simulator’s v1.55 update adds Truck Driving Proficiency module

Following a two-week open beta period, American Truck Simulator’s v1.55 update is available to download now on PC.

ATS is enjoying something of a purple patch, with developer SCS Software recently revealing an Iowa DLC map pack will be released on the 10th of July, with a Route 66 Rework project and drivable cars also in the works.

However, v1.55 brings several improvements to the conveyancing sim now, including a new game mode, revamped trucks and several other improvements. Check them all out below.

Driving Academy: Truck Proficiency Module

The headline feature of v1.55 is the new ‘Truck Driving Proficiency’ module for the game’s Driving Academy mode.

This adds a series of far more challenging driving missions to ATS, with a tiered list of rewards available for fulfilling the most difficult test criteria. Drivers need to follow the prescribed route and avoid making collisions to get the highest scores.

Handily, tutorial videos are also available to demonstrate how to complete each fiendishly difficult task.

Nebraska DLC updates

Owners of the Nebraska DLC will now be able to experience an expanded map, thanks to the addition of US-20, US-75 and US-81 highways.

As well as a new town, Laurel, the update also brings a new truck stop, a weigh station, and several new landmarks – all for free.

Truck updates

Two trucks receive a spruce-up in v1.55, with the fifth-gen Freightliner Cascadia and Kenworth T680 gaining new options and visuals.

The Freightliner gains a paintable aridam and sun visor, with new interior options and blind spot sensors enhancing realism. 

The Kenworth, on the other hand, gains more customisation options, including 52″ Mid-Roof and the 76″ High-Roof cabin variants, with seven new chassis configurations. 20 interior variants are also available, split between Diamond VIT and Vantage trim levels.

Seven Cummins X12 and X15 engine types can also be picked, with the Kenworth now compatible with all DLC paint jobs.

Players who own the Farm Machinery DLC will also be able to haul the new windrower cargo type. The free addition comes in two colourways and takes advantage of the game’s new cargo system.

In terms of truck visuals, US-based company FlowBelow’s aerodynamic parts are now paintable, so players can match the drag-reduction aids to match the overall design of their truck.

Visual updates and quality of life changes

Custom city intros have been added for the New Mexico cities of Farmington, Las Cruces, Roswell and Santa Fe. The mail screen has also been given a cleaner look thanks to a two-column layout. 

The graphics settings menu gains handy screenshots to demonstrate visual options in action, while a ‘my location’ hotkey snaps to your location instantly on the game map.

A new Steam achievements system has also been implemented for v1.55, with changes made to some existing in-game challenges. The full changelog for v1.55 can be found below.

Are you enjoying the new Truck Driving Proficiency module in American Truck Simulator’s v1.55 update? Let us know in the comments below.

American Truck Simulator v1.55 changelog

Gameplay

• Driving Academy – Truck Driving Proficiency
• Map Improvements – “My Location” Hotkey

Map

• New additional content for the Nebraska DLC – US-20, US-81, US-75 & the settlement of Laurel 

Vehicles

• Fifth Generation Freightliner Cascadia Update
• Kenworth T680 Update
• FlowBelow Painted Parts
• Farm Machinery DLC Update 

Visual

• Custom city intros for New Mexico DLC
• Mail UX redesign
• Options QoL Improvements – Graphics settings visualisation

Other

• Steam achievements update with text and icon improvements
• Save manager improvements
• Asynchronous loading

Source: SCS Software