Under 17 Car Club
Discussion
Much appreciated, thanks! I'm after an insurer who'd do 1 day cover for the event itself. I'm waiting on the full joining instructions, but the next available date is not far off, & I'd like something in place asap. My insurer, one of the big names, doesn't offer that kind of product, although the lady (girl maybe 
) knew what I was talking about, as her dad joined when she learned to drive. She explained he'd taken the risk himself, which I appreciate is an option, but if there's a cost effective method of covering then I'd like to check it out.
I'm guessing you enjoyed it, then? What kind of things did you learn about?
) knew what I was talking about, as her dad joined when she learned to drive. She explained he'd taken the risk himself, which I appreciate is an option, but if there's a cost effective method of covering then I'd like to check it out.I'm guessing you enjoyed it, then? What kind of things did you learn about?
I just twigged I did mention I'd add some comments after March 1st.. 
2009...
I can heartily recommend the U17CC: the guys who organise everything, make it all tick along & put up with the inane questions & dumb driving (that's the parents, not the kids) such as RFN above, are true stars. I have an idea that the amount of work involved in making everything so slick & look so easy must be immense, & it's all done with a smile & a friendly face.
My lad got to Grade 5, which he's chuffed to bits with; we're taking things steady (other commitments & geography are limiting factors), & hopefully he'll get at least another grade this year: we're not busting a gut to get to Grade X, anyway, it's all putting him in a better place for when he finally hits the road proper. The opportunity to have a bit of street cred with his mates is never missed, so it's helping him build overall confidence; & I've had to think about things I haven't given much consideration to for a very long time, which is always valuable. I would say, don't under-estimate how much energy it takes - the round trip + the on track driving really can take it out of you, even allowing for my less than ideal learner car. But, the speed at which youngsters learn is truly awesome (in the old sense of the word!) & a real pleasure to be part of. In an ideal world, everyone would learn to drive this way...
2009...I can heartily recommend the U17CC: the guys who organise everything, make it all tick along & put up with the inane questions & dumb driving (that's the parents, not the kids) such as RFN above, are true stars. I have an idea that the amount of work involved in making everything so slick & look so easy must be immense, & it's all done with a smile & a friendly face.
My lad got to Grade 5, which he's chuffed to bits with; we're taking things steady (other commitments & geography are limiting factors), & hopefully he'll get at least another grade this year: we're not busting a gut to get to Grade X, anyway, it's all putting him in a better place for when he finally hits the road proper. The opportunity to have a bit of street cred with his mates is never missed, so it's helping him build overall confidence; & I've had to think about things I haven't given much consideration to for a very long time, which is always valuable. I would say, don't under-estimate how much energy it takes - the round trip + the on track driving really can take it out of you, even allowing for my less than ideal learner car. But, the speed at which youngsters learn is truly awesome (in the old sense of the word!) & a real pleasure to be part of. In an ideal world, everyone would learn to drive this way...
I'm not sure what the position is right now, but I understand the numbers are limitied: I'd click on the link on the website asap, tbh! http://www.under17-carclub.co.uk/index.shtml
Hi Folks, time for another update: year 3 for us, the car's holding up well, & my nerves are pretty much settled! I understand there are some spaces left for 2011, so http://www.under17-carclub.co.uk/ here if you're interested, we highly recommend it!
Thanks, yep, he's getting the hang of it, it's more forgiving than I thought it would be: I figured he'd want to learn about rwd at some stage, so why not now, & strangely, he's not a fan of his mums 156; can't get comfy apparently! There was briefly a second at Combe on Sunday, a purple coupe, although it disappeared after lunch though.
Edited by MarkwG on Thursday 24th February 08:45
There was a very nice 147 in a burgundy colour doing the rounds last Sunday: I have to confess, the only battle damage I've picked up was my own fault, not Andrews: the fuse for the rear sensors blew & I tagged the rear bumper on an oil drum litter bin 
- four weeks into a new paint job...
serves me right for not checking properly.
- four weeks into a new paint job... serves me right for not checking properly.Welcome to 2013 & so time for a review of 2012.
Eldest son started the year as a Grade 4. We've visited Castle Combe, & Long Marston & a new venue, Bovington in Dorset, so covered some miles in the old war horse. He got Grade 3, which has brought up his confidence level &, thanks to the generosity of the club, he's driven 3 or 4 different vehicles each time out, ranging from a Meriva, an MX5 Hard Top, lots of Fords, an S2000 to Range Rovers, Disco's, & a 7 1/2 ton truck. He also won a raffle prize of a passenger ride in a McLaren MP4-12C, which I'm insanely jealous of...he's been around (& around!) the skid pan at Castle Combe & spent a day with the 4X4's at Whitecliffe. Magic Day was superb, some fantastic cars & throughout the year the club raised a lot of money for http://www.teenagecancertrust.org/
All in all a fantastic year, really hoping next year is as good & hopefully we'll see Kinky Junior at Combe in mid February!
Eldest son started the year as a Grade 4. We've visited Castle Combe, & Long Marston & a new venue, Bovington in Dorset, so covered some miles in the old war horse. He got Grade 3, which has brought up his confidence level &, thanks to the generosity of the club, he's driven 3 or 4 different vehicles each time out, ranging from a Meriva, an MX5 Hard Top, lots of Fords, an S2000 to Range Rovers, Disco's, & a 7 1/2 ton truck. He also won a raffle prize of a passenger ride in a McLaren MP4-12C, which I'm insanely jealous of...he's been around (& around!) the skid pan at Castle Combe & spent a day with the 4X4's at Whitecliffe. Magic Day was superb, some fantastic cars & throughout the year the club raised a lot of money for http://www.teenagecancertrust.org/
All in all a fantastic year, really hoping next year is as good & hopefully we'll see Kinky Junior at Combe in mid February!
Just bumping this to add...January 2015 & eldest has a full licence first go, with 3 minors! He's over the moon, & all down to the dedication of the Under 17 Car Club team, & his "on the road instructor", Judy, who was very surprised at how little she needed to do - which speaks volumes about how good the club is. On to son #2 in February then...
http://www.under17-carclub.co.uk/ for this years schedule
http://www.under17-carclub.co.uk/ for this years schedule
andy_s said:
What a cracking scheme, spot on; no venues in sunny Jockland though....
Sadly not as yet - furthest north would probably be Long Marston in Warwickshire. However, we have people travel down, including one dedicated instructor who I think drives down from Cumbria...! Always on the lookout for new venues though, so who knows 
Kinky said:
Sadly, it looks like we'll not be able to renew this year. Too many clashes with football
It's been a long time since I started this one!
Number 1 son now 18, & this year achieved his driving licence with very little effort & Grade 1 at U17CC. Well worth it, & now number 2 is on his way, grade 4 on the same day. Number 1 is searching for a) a part time job so b) he can run a car so he can marshal for the club next year, & get his IAM grading sorted too.
Number 1 son now 18, & this year achieved his driving licence with very little effort & Grade 1 at U17CC. Well worth it, & now number 2 is on his way, grade 4 on the same day. Number 1 is searching for a) a part time job so b) he can run a car so he can marshal for the club next year, & get his IAM grading sorted too.
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