ARDS test advice
ARDS test advice
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Discussion

m. toad

Original Poster:

38 posts

254 months

Wednesday 3rd December 2008
quotequote all
Chaps

I have my ARDS test at Silverstone on Friday and am totally unclear as to whether or not I need to do any preparation, other than having a medical and filling in a form.

Any advice on prep. or how to pass on the day would be very helpful!

cheers
James

chris_w

2,571 posts

288 months

Wednesday 3rd December 2008
quotequote all
Hi James,
did mine at Brands a couple of weeks back. The only real prep you need to do is learn your flags as you will be tested on most, if not all of those in the blue book and you need to be 100%.
Beyond that I'd advise watching the DVD (although we were shown it again just before sitting our test) although most of the non-flag component of the test is common sense and not really something you can specifically revise for.
With respect to the driving, the instructors will advise what they're looking for but generally it's good technique and awareness above speed. If you don't know the circuit, might be worth looking up some clips on YouTube to 'learn' it so you can focus on driving rather than wondering which way the circuit goes.
Good luck!
Chris

theturbs

949 posts

265 months

Wednesday 3rd December 2008
quotequote all

The assessor will not be looking for a masterclass in car control, nor for you to set the lap record. Put in a smooth, controlled drive showing an awareness of racing lines and what is around you and up ahead and you should be fine.

Oh and watch the Steve Deeks DVD loads of times, hehe.

Best of luck.

m. toad

Original Poster:

38 posts

254 months

Wednesday 3rd December 2008
quotequote all
theturbs said:
The assessor will not be looking for a masterclass in car control
shame - I was quite fancying a sidewaystovictory moment...

thanks for the advice, that all looks quite achievable - will let you know what happens!

JT

historacer

1 posts

217 months

Wednesday 3rd December 2008
quotequote all
Just make sure you do everything you are instructed to do,the instructor knows what he is talking about and needs to know that you are safe enough to be allowed out there and that you will not pose a risk to other racers.Enjoy your experience and good luck.

Simon Mason

579 posts

298 months

Wednesday 3rd December 2008
quotequote all
Know the flags, inside out, difference between waved and stationary as well, the rest is common sense stuff really.

As for the driving, number one rule is don't go off and use common sense in all situations above personal desires. No instructor likes failing drivers, it makes our life agro, so listen to what your being told and ask questions where you don't understand.

Thats all there is to it really. Enjoy and despite Mr Deeks tongue out watch the video loads.





m. toad

Original Poster:

38 posts

254 months

Wednesday 3rd December 2008
quotequote all
thanks again guys

Simon - you won't remember but you've "had" me a couple of times on trackdays, I used to work with Les Goble on racing...

btw, I keep meaning to thank you for some of the best advice that I have which was a posting you did years ago about using CR500s on Caterhams - I've ditched my Yokos and it's much nicer, if less grippy!

cheers
James

falcemob

8,248 posts

265 months

Wednesday 3rd December 2008
quotequote all
Know the flags and listen to what they tell you in the classroom as most of it will be the answers to the written questions.
Drive sensibly and not flat out on your assessment and good luck.

superkartracer

8,959 posts

251 months

Wednesday 3rd December 2008
quotequote all
m. toad said:
theturbs said:
The assessor will not be looking for a masterclass in car control
shame - I was quite fancying a sidewaystovictory moment...

thanks for the advice, that all looks quite achievable - will let you know what happens!

JT
Put one wheel off track and you fail, do everything they say and be very very aware of ALL car's around you.

Speed is not what they are looking for, you would have been better off doing this at Mallory as they like to fail people at Silverstone so they get the re-test money....

Ards is easy btw.

HTH

Regional

565 posts

250 months

Wednesday 3rd December 2008
quotequote all
Also be aware of who's around you, you don't seem like a beginner to circuit driving anyway.

I did mine at Combe a few years ago in the p*ssing rain and some guy in a formula ford was determined to take me out - every time he came past me he'd gas it up and spin right in front of me - kept me on my toes, he did it several times.

Simon Mason

579 posts

298 months

Wednesday 3rd December 2008
quotequote all
Speed is not what they are looking for, you would have been better off doing this at Mallory as they like to fail people at Silverstone so they get the re-test money....

Ards is easy btw.

HTH
[/quote]

What a load of Bol**x

If you knew how much it cost Silverstone to run an ARDS test in a Lotus Exige 260 around Silverstone you'd be questioning whether it was worth doing let alone encouraging people to come back!




superkartracer

8,959 posts

251 months

Wednesday 3rd December 2008
quotequote all
So why do they bother then? as that is a pointless business exercise, do they run it as a loss leader for the more expensive offerings?

Anyway

Why do they fail drivers also? on what is a very simple test? i've heard a fair few get failed, i feel it should be ALOT harder to pass, as one can jump right into a powerful single
seater and race the next day!!

He'll also save £150 over the Silver test. £395 v £249

One more thing :-) mallory has some cracking corners!! and not so much runoff...

SK-R