Setting the correct Field of View (FOV) in City Car Driving (CCD) is often the difference between a claustrophobic "toilet roll" view and a truly immersive learning experience [5.5, 5.13]. This review breaks down how the FOV impacts realism and the slightly technical path to perfecting it. The FOV Experience: Realism vs. Playability
In a simulator designed for training, FOV is everything. Most players find the default camera settings too restrictive for checking mirrors or judging distances at intersections [5.5]. The "Fish-eye" Trap:
Increasing FOV too much can lead to "stupidly big" perspectives where the edges of the screen distort, making you feel faster than you actually are [5.9]. The Benefit:
A properly calibrated FOV allows you to naturally scan for traffic density and behavior, which is the core strength of CCD [5.1]. How to Adjust FOV Unlike modern racing sims like Assetto Corsa EVO
where you can adjust seat position and camera distance via a clean in-game menu [5.29], CCD requires a bit more legwork: Direct Control: You can use the scroll wheel
during gameplay for quick, temporary adjustments to your zoom level [5.30]. Permanent Tweaks: For a deeper fix, players often edit the cameras_common.xml file located in the game's directory ( \data\gamedata\cars\ city car driving fov
). While some users report mixed results with this method in newer versions, it remains the standard way to force a wider perspective [5.13, 5.30]. The VR Alternative: If you have the hardware, CCD supports
, which bypasses traditional FOV issues by giving you a 1:1 natural head-tracking experience, significantly boosting confidence for learners [5.6, 5.11]. The Verdict City Car Driving
remains a "very positive" tool for mastering basic road skills [5.26], but its camera system shows its age. If you're on a standard 1080p monitor, you'll likely feel the need to tweak the FOV immediately to get closer to a real-life driving feel [5.5, 5.13]. Quick Tip: If you're using a steering wheel, ensure you enable Force Feedback
in the advanced settings to match your visual FOV with physical resistance [5.28]. Are you planning to use City Car Driving for actual license prep or just for casual cruising?
Because City Car Driving is a simulator (used in some driving schools in Russia and Europe), it tries to replicate 1:1 scale. There is a mathematical formula to find your exact FOV. Setting the correct Field of View (FOV) in
Set your seat position (Camera angle) so that the windshield header (the top of the window frame) is just above your natural eye line. You want to see the sky, but not the roof liner. Your FOV should allow the left A-pillar to hide the left mirror completely; you should have to turn your virtual head slightly to check it. This trains "shoulder checking" discipline.
For the majority of City Car Driving users on a standard single monitor, set FOV between 65° and 75°. This provides:
Always fine-tune FOV through active driving tests, not static observation. A correct FOV reduces accidents in the simulation and builds better habits for real-world driving.
Report prepared by: Driving Simulation Optimization Unit
For further help: Consult CCD’s “Camera and View” section in the user manual.
If you have a racing wheel, lower the camera height. You want to see the top of the dashboard and the hood. Do not use FOV to see the speedometer. Use the digital HUD for speed. Sacrificing road view to see the needles is a rookie mistake. Part 2: The Science of Calculation (How to
Out of the box, City Car Driving ships with a default FOV that feels surprisingly narrow. For players coming from arcade racers like Need for Speed, this might feel normal. But for anyone with a racing wheel sitting at a desk, it is immediately disorienting.
The default setting pushes the camera too far back and zooms in too tight. The result? Your virtual steering wheel looks massive, taking up half the screen, while the car’s A-pillars (the frames around the windshield) are completely invisible. You feel like you are floating somewhere behind the driver’s seat, looking over their shoulder.
This creates two massive issues:
Setting your FOV to 90+ degrees feels fast. You see the entire dashboard, both windows, and the rearview mirror. However, it introduces "fish-eye" distortion.
Your city car driving fov will be limited by your hardware.