ARDS Instructors....
Discussion
I did it a few years ago. First you have to obtain a race license then preferably gain a bit of race experience (although I do know of schools that turn a blind eye if you take your license with them). Next step is approach some race schools with regard to working as an instructor, some will offer a scheme to get your ARDS license free of charge provided you work for them, others will charge you for the license before offering you work. Also once you get a license be aware there are a lot of other people out there with licenses and the pay is not brilliant so unless you want to do it for a little bit of spare cash think twice.
The simplest way is to go to your local race school and ask them. They generally look after their instructors and like to keepo them employed on a regular basis, but need to know whether you will do it full-time or just as an "extra" on especially busy days. They will assess you, check you can drive and talk at the same time (sound obvious!), and also that you have some empathy with whoever you are coaching. It is a very different thing coaching a member of the public on their first time out on a track, with all the family taking photos at the side, to coaching a novice racer / advanced racer. Don't assume you're good enough to do that for quite a time! But teaching someone who is out for a birthday present can be very frustrating for those who are capable of training to a high standard - you have to remember they are the customer and must have a great time. The best thing to do is think of something where they are capable of improving - say braking more firmly or turning in later than they normally woyld, then there is something you can praise them for. Try not to expect too much as they will go away disappointed, and that's not good for them or the race school.
Nuff said - it can be enjoyable, it can also mean a lot of standing round in the cold...!
Nuff said - it can be enjoyable, it can also mean a lot of standing round in the cold...!
Becoming an instructor is dead easy once you have completed a few races (Nat A license), if you go to the right places. Most schools will take you on if you can present yourself well and drive around a track without going off. You don't actually need to be particularly good behind the wheel, however basic lines, no erratic moments and your in.
If you go to Silverstone they run a pretty good assesment programme that is based on training as well as assesing suitability. If you genuinly want to take up instructing as a side line, I would suggest its the fairest if not the cheapest way in. At least you will have some foundations to your future and if you are not accepted at least you will know what to work on for next time.
The money is poor everywhere though, rates have stayed vitually the same for more than 10 years so you have to do it for enjoyment. If you can get in at Silverstone which draws instructors from all over the country from all levels of motorsport, you stand to learn a huge ammount about motorsport.
If you go to Silverstone they run a pretty good assesment programme that is based on training as well as assesing suitability. If you genuinly want to take up instructing as a side line, I would suggest its the fairest if not the cheapest way in. At least you will have some foundations to your future and if you are not accepted at least you will know what to work on for next time.
The money is poor everywhere though, rates have stayed vitually the same for more than 10 years so you have to do it for enjoyment. If you can get in at Silverstone which draws instructors from all over the country from all levels of motorsport, you stand to learn a huge ammount about motorsport.
Ive already got a Nat A licence and have been racing for 5 years so that side of it is not a problem. Im not too far from a few circuits such a donington, mallory and silverstone so I might give them a call and ask. Im really only doing for enjoyment and the chance to learn more. Extra cash is a bonus but not essential. Thanks all.
I've toyed with the Idea, I've gone out with a few people I know and talked them round a circuit. they seem to have enjoyed it and i think I actually learned quite a bit at the same time. Its interesting being in a car and analysing what it and the car are doing/going to do...
Simon, whats the cost of the assesment at silverstone..
Simon, whats the cost of the assesment at silverstone..
I took mine through 'Everyman' (you can contact them through Mallory Park) although I had already been instructing with another company although not having an ARDS Licence.
I raced for 4years, with wins, championship, etc. but to be honest that isn't the be all & end all when I took mine. After the initial chat to find out more about you i.e. how you will interact with the customers then you basically work the rest of the day with them alongside an instructor.
Nothing too difficult, but they are long days and you spend all day talking the same thing over & over again, so you have to be quite verbal & communicative... oh, and then there are the ones that think they know how to drive, don't listen and are a danger to themselves, the circuit and most importantly YOU!!!
On the other hand you can then offer your services for other 'racers' but you will need credibility and a track record of wins, etc. for it to be worthwhile.
Hope that helps...
I raced for 4years, with wins, championship, etc. but to be honest that isn't the be all & end all when I took mine. After the initial chat to find out more about you i.e. how you will interact with the customers then you basically work the rest of the day with them alongside an instructor.
Nothing too difficult, but they are long days and you spend all day talking the same thing over & over again, so you have to be quite verbal & communicative... oh, and then there are the ones that think they know how to drive, don't listen and are a danger to themselves, the circuit and most importantly YOU!!!
On the other hand you can then offer your services for other 'racers' but you will need credibility and a track record of wins, etc. for it to be worthwhile.
Hope that helps...
Graham said:
Simon, whats the cost of the assesment at silverstone..
Nought pence. You don't get paid for it either!!
You'll enjoy it if you get Steve Deeks as your "examiner"....
Is he stil there? I'll vote for everything that Simon said, as long as you're not one of these head in the sand people, you'll learn from working with other instructors.
If all goes to plan, I'm getting "back in harness" next year at Rockingham, subject to work availability.
I used to instruct with Simon at Silverstone, when we did Donington too.., and was on Thruxton's list too (that's a little tougher to get on, or it used to be).
Rob.
Oh Rob Rob Rob, Behind the times 
.
It changed about 2 years ago. There were so many instructors trying to join Silverstone and then do nothing for them that in the end a fee was charged. The "potentials" do actually get trained as well as assessed so even if you don't get through you will learn loads.
Thruxton supplies the giftmarket operating less days but more importantly they are pretty much fully organised from the start of the year with less instructors needed anyway. This means new instructor requirements are lower because you are sort of relying on regulars dropping out of dates and over subscribed dates to get your foot in.
. It changed about 2 years ago. There were so many instructors trying to join Silverstone and then do nothing for them that in the end a fee was charged. The "potentials" do actually get trained as well as assessed so even if you don't get through you will learn loads.
Thruxton supplies the giftmarket operating less days but more importantly they are pretty much fully organised from the start of the year with less instructors needed anyway. This means new instructor requirements are lower because you are sort of relying on regulars dropping out of dates and over subscribed dates to get your foot in.
You do surprise me!! Pay for being assessesssessessed. My word!
You know, nostalgia ain't what it used to be.
I know what you're saying about Thruxton - it took me a fair bit of begging and pleading to get on the list... though I was told "you're on the reserve list, so don't expect much in the first year" But the foot was in the door.
Rob.
You know, nostalgia ain't what it used to be.
I know what you're saying about Thruxton - it took me a fair bit of begging and pleading to get on the list... though I was told "you're on the reserve list, so don't expect much in the first year" But the foot was in the door.
Rob.
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