On road performance driving course

[Jex]

Do you know of and can you recommend any on-road performance driving courses? I started a course with Ride-Drive a few years ago, but the fuel pump on my car failed and if your car breaks down you still have to pay, because the trainer has given up his time, so that is fair enough.

I am shortly to start providing passenger experiences for a charity and although I am comfortable driving my car, a bit of training would probably be a good idea and Ride-Drive has stopped. I am in Cambridgeshire. Any suggestions?

[Superleg48]

You could do an Advanced Driving course with the IAM? "Performance" driving on the public road still requires respect for the speed limits, so I doubt there will be anyone out there offering to show you how to take your car to its limits safely - which by default would involve you breaking lots of laws. Advanced Driving training will give you the necessary skills to make progress swiftly and safely within the parameters of the law and teach you good roadcraft.

[anonymous-user]

Saddened to hear that RideDrive has closed. I did a course with Julian a couple years ago and it totally changed the way I drive my performance cars on the road. It's not about breaking the law - he's a traffic officer of 30 years - but how to experience some of the performance of your car without endangering yourself or other road users. Big difference between pressing on a bit when it's safe to do so and just taking chances. Was also fascinating to get his insight into what raises eyebrows on the road and what is generally allowed to pass. Of course it's just the opinion and experience of one guy but if I remember correctly he was police driving instructor for many years. A real petrolhead too - maybe see if you can contact him on his LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianesmith

[martinvantage]

Total car control might be worth a look. Not used them, personally though recommended.

[Drclarke]

I used Paul Ripley many years ago. He was very good indeed.

[Ferruccio]

thecook101 said:

Was also fascinating to get his insight into what raises eyebrows on the road and what is generally allowed to pass.

Some examples please??

[Jex]

martinvantage said:

Total car control might be worth a look. Not used them, personally though recommended.

Thanks - I had a look at Total Driving Control - looks very good, but pricey by comparison with Ride-Drive.