Car control training for new driver

[oniznorb]

My daughter will be learning to drive soon.

Is there any benefit in leaning the basics of car control on a closed circuit before she starts driving on the road?


I know there are a few places that do this. Can anyone recommend one in the midlands?

[ScottishSamurai]

I'm planning on doing something like this once I pass.

I wouldn't say she needs it before she goes on the road, let her learn basic car controls as it is very very doubtful she will be in any extreme situations whilst on L plates and she will hopefully understand/benefit from it more after she passes.

[RobM77]

Yes, there are benefits, but to be honest I think time and money is better spent on advanced road tuition as it's more likely to reduce her chances of having an accident (start with Pass Plus of course), especially in the UK outside of the winter months. The problem is that a lot of advanced coaches are extremely anal and obsessed with driving technique for obsession's sake, and even blinkered towards common sense and logic when it comes to driving safely. Ask around and find a good advanced coach and you should be fine - Cadence do good courses for example. The one thing to think about is whether such a course would be wasted on her whilst she's still perfecting everything learnt on the basic test - maybe give it a while?

Car control probably becomes more of a factor once we get towards winter, so maybe look at doing some skid pan sessions as the nights draw in? I'd definitely start with roadcraft though.

Edited by RobM77 on Sunday 9th May 15:19

[mini me]

I have Completed several of these courses as part of my job requires it. I would say it is a very usefull way to understand a vehicle on/ over the limit and how to deal with that, without having to find out on tree lined pedestrian strewn road. I would say, however, that there is very little point in undertaking one of these courses until you have a licence and already understand the basics of the road/car control. It would be fun but o think you need some experience on the road before you can appreciate the importance of the track type training in the real world.

[mini me]

I work there and spend most of my time on the track. 70 is about the limit through the banking say 80 if you are in a decent car and feeling brave. The back straight is quite longish though. Not really The best place for a Supercar ride in my opinion mind.

[MikeDH]

You can do a Young drivers course at Silverstone.