ARDS Test final check?
Discussion
Hello guys,
I'm not usually in this forum, I'm a Biker Banter fella but this year myself and a friend are racing in the MGCC championship.
I'm doing my ARDS at Thruxton on Friday and I just wanted to know if there's anything I need to do/remember/prep specifically before it? I know the flags, I've watched the DVD... anything else?!
Thanks,
Rich
I'm not usually in this forum, I'm a Biker Banter fella but this year myself and a friend are racing in the MGCC championship.
I'm doing my ARDS at Thruxton on Friday and I just wanted to know if there's anything I need to do/remember/prep specifically before it? I know the flags, I've watched the DVD... anything else?!
Thanks,
Rich
untruth said:
Hello guys,
I'm not usually in this forum, I'm a Biker Banter fella but this year myself and a friend are racing in the MGCC championship.
I'm doing my ARDS at Thruxton on Friday and I just wanted to know if there's anything I need to do/remember/prep specifically before it? I know the flags, I've watched the DVD... anything else?!
Thanks,
Rich
Hello fellow TT600 rider,I'm not usually in this forum, I'm a Biker Banter fella but this year myself and a friend are racing in the MGCC championship.
I'm doing my ARDS at Thruxton on Friday and I just wanted to know if there's anything I need to do/remember/prep specifically before it? I know the flags, I've watched the DVD... anything else?!
Thanks,
Rich
Just make sure you state on the written test, whether flag signals are "waved" or "stationary", the flag used for starting a race is the "national" flag, not a Union Jack.
Assuming you have driven on track before, don't put yourself under any undue pressure, just relax, & drive at a moderate pace, not qualifying laps, but a pace which the Instructor can see is "confident" without being dangerous. Do not put yourself in the situation where you risk going off track, or spinning, even if it means reducing speed slightly.
If by some chance you haven't driven on track before, driven Thruxton, or not had instruction before, I would definately book at least one hours, 1 - to - 1 instruction, prior to your test.
Hope this helps, and let me know who the in car instructor is that you have.
Howard
The MGCC championship is very friendly... what car/class/series are you racing in?
The ARDS test is not something you should overtly worry about, as long as (as ginettajoe says) take it easy and drive at around 8/10 pace as that will prove you are good enough to pass. As for the written test it is pretty much common sense, just make sure you also know safety car procedures well too as I had a question on that.
Good luck!
The ARDS test is not something you should overtly worry about, as long as (as ginettajoe says) take it easy and drive at around 8/10 pace as that will prove you are good enough to pass. As for the written test it is pretty much common sense, just make sure you also know safety car procedures well too as I had a question on that.
Good luck!
Thanks very much for the advice so far. I have not been on a track before, just covered a hell of a lot of spirited miles on some, uh, private roads. Actually, some of them were private, amazingly. Most of these miles (40-50,000) were in my MG Midget(s)! Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing teaching me bad habits!
I was told by the (EXTREMELY lovely and helpful) people at Thruxton that if I am a 'pretty competant driver', I should be absolutely fine on the test so didn't book a session - booking a lesson may be a bit late now given it's at 9am Friday.
We're entering the Midget/Sprite Challenge, Pete, with an Austin Healey Sprite. I've got my own modified MG Midget which I've owned for a number of years (and is actually quite a bit more powerful than the Sprite we've bought!) and me and a friend figured it was time to take the plunge and do some proper racing.
More recently whilst the engine has been out my Midget I've been driving a MK1 Golf which has thankfully put me back into the Front Wheel Drive mindset for the ARDS!
Going to read through the Blue Book this week again...
I was told by the (EXTREMELY lovely and helpful) people at Thruxton that if I am a 'pretty competant driver', I should be absolutely fine on the test so didn't book a session - booking a lesson may be a bit late now given it's at 9am Friday.
We're entering the Midget/Sprite Challenge, Pete, with an Austin Healey Sprite. I've got my own modified MG Midget which I've owned for a number of years (and is actually quite a bit more powerful than the Sprite we've bought!) and me and a friend figured it was time to take the plunge and do some proper racing.
More recently whilst the engine has been out my Midget I've been driving a MK1 Golf which has thankfully put me back into the Front Wheel Drive mindset for the ARDS!
Going to read through the Blue Book this week again...
If you check my profile I might be a little biased on the Midget Challenge, but it is a great championship with lots of helpful guys (and occasionally girls) racing in it... good choice of championship to start in. Still regret selling my car for the championship, but needs must for money to try and race in more expensive championships... if you need any help then let me know.
I did most of my driving in an MG Midget when I took my ARDS test, and even though the test was in a 306 GTi-6 didn't pose much problems as you will be use to slow in fast out style of driving. I don't think you will need any extra lessons before the test, let us know how you get on.
I did most of my driving in an MG Midget when I took my ARDS test, and even though the test was in a 306 GTi-6 didn't pose much problems as you will be use to slow in fast out style of driving. I don't think you will need any extra lessons before the test, let us know how you get on.
untruth said:
Thanks very much for the advice so far. I have not been on a track before, just covered a hell of a lot of spirited miles on some, uh, private roads. Actually, some of them were private, amazingly. Most of these miles (40-50,000) were in my MG Midget(s)! Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing teaching me bad habits!
I was told by the (EXTREMELY lovely and helpful) people at Thruxton that if I am a 'pretty competant driver', I should be absolutely fine on the test so didn't book a session - booking a lesson may be a bit late now given it's at 9am Friday.
We're entering the Midget/Sprite Challenge, Pete, with an Austin Healey Sprite. I've got my own modified MG Midget which I've owned for a number of years (and is actually quite a bit more powerful than the Sprite we've bought!) and me and a friend figured it was time to take the plunge and do some proper racing.
More recently whilst the engine has been out my Midget I've been driving a MK1 Golf which has thankfully put me back into the Front Wheel Drive mindset for the ARDS!
Going to read through the Blue Book this week again...
Not sure who you spoke to at Thruxton, but they are probably taking it for granted that as you are looking to do your ARDS Licence, you will have had some experience in circuit driving, & consequently a competent driver.I was told by the (EXTREMELY lovely and helpful) people at Thruxton that if I am a 'pretty competant driver', I should be absolutely fine on the test so didn't book a session - booking a lesson may be a bit late now given it's at 9am Friday.
We're entering the Midget/Sprite Challenge, Pete, with an Austin Healey Sprite. I've got my own modified MG Midget which I've owned for a number of years (and is actually quite a bit more powerful than the Sprite we've bought!) and me and a friend figured it was time to take the plunge and do some proper racing.
More recently whilst the engine has been out my Midget I've been driving a MK1 Golf which has thankfully put me back into the Front Wheel Drive mindset for the ARDS!
Going to read through the Blue Book this week again...
To arrive on Friday, never having driven Thruxton, never having driven on track with some instruction, and assuming because you have driven a lot of "spirited miles", in no way prepares you for what lies ahead. If I were you, I would call Thruxton tomorrow, & see in which way they can help you, because unless you are one of the very, very few people who possess a natural talent, you will undoubtably struggle to drive in the required manner to pass an ARDS test.
If you want further advice, PM me & I'll forward you my number to give me a call, HTH Howard
It is possible to turn up and pass the ards, so whilst I would recommend a bit of 1-2-1 beforehand if you can get it. You can still pass without it.
The first time i ever ventured onto to a race track was for my ards at Silverstone in an Elise... and silverstone has a reputation for being the hardest... no track days or anything before hand.
The biggest thing to remember on the track test it dont push to hard and risk a spin or a wheel off the track as thats an instant fail.. I think the actual criteria for a pass is that you display an understanding of the racing line and are aware of traffic ( faster and slower). obviously if you pootle round the edge of the track at 10 mph you'll fail as well though, you do need to press on just not 10/10ths..
The written test is part flags and then part basic safety.. you need to know the flags 100% and the difference between a stationary and a waved flag. get one of those wrong and its a fail..
what flag can start the race is a common fail... hint ITS NOT the GREEN FLAG..
The other questions are safety related with a bent towards competition.. if in doubt go for what looks the safest option.
I might be at some of the Midget races with Dom ( Kawasaki green frogeye) so pop over and say hi..
cheers
G ( another BB refuge )
The first time i ever ventured onto to a race track was for my ards at Silverstone in an Elise... and silverstone has a reputation for being the hardest... no track days or anything before hand.
The biggest thing to remember on the track test it dont push to hard and risk a spin or a wheel off the track as thats an instant fail.. I think the actual criteria for a pass is that you display an understanding of the racing line and are aware of traffic ( faster and slower). obviously if you pootle round the edge of the track at 10 mph you'll fail as well though, you do need to press on just not 10/10ths..
The written test is part flags and then part basic safety.. you need to know the flags 100% and the difference between a stationary and a waved flag. get one of those wrong and its a fail..
what flag can start the race is a common fail... hint ITS NOT the GREEN FLAG..
The other questions are safety related with a bent towards competition.. if in doubt go for what looks the safest option.
I might be at some of the Midget races with Dom ( Kawasaki green frogeye) so pop over and say hi..
cheers
G ( another BB refuge )
untruth said:
Howard,
I was under no assumption, just pointing out where I am at right now and my level of experience. I thank you for your feedback and I will certainly give them a call tomorrow and see what they can do for me.
Thanks again, very kind of you.
Hi Rich, It can be as Graham says, but firstly the Silverstone South circuit which he is likely to have been tested on, is neither as long, as fast or as technical, and secondly, although it does have a fairly poor pass rate reputation, much depends upon the instructor. I have had numerous people who have failed there, yet they have been "faultless", and in no way should they have been failed. On the other hand, I had someone who had failed at Thruxton, & came to Anglesey (Old Circuit) and spun twice, although it was extremely slippery that day. I gave him the benefit of the doubt, retesting him later in the day, for him to crawl round at an unacceptbly slow pace, because he was afraid of spinning again. I had no alternative other than to fail him. He had won a complimentary drive in the Uniroyal Beetle Fun Cup which was at Oulton Park the following weekend, ...... the fact he had never been round Oulton Park, and would be out with 30 odd other cars, would have been an absolute recipe for disaster!!I was under no assumption, just pointing out where I am at right now and my level of experience. I thank you for your feedback and I will certainly give them a call tomorrow and see what they can do for me.
Thanks again, very kind of you.
I'm sorry if I come across with a negative attitude, or underestimating your ability, but knowing what the reality of doing your ARDS licence is, try if possible to have some prior tuition. It will be beneficial in the long term.
Regards, Howard
Good luck with your test; I passed mine a couple of weekends ago & although it's abit of a sweaty palms day - the sense of relief & achievement was enormous at the end.
A fellow p/h, Simon Mason gave me some great advice prior to my test - he can be found at various places on here; he may even pop in to chat & make contact. Basically as Joe mentioned, for the exam know the difference between waved & stationary flags, effects of oversteer/understeer on the car, effects of heel/toeing on the car. Rest is commonsense.
For the driving part, be sensible through the corners then hammer it on the straights. But don't spin - instant failure. It's 5-8 laps of extreme concentration but mainly just showing that you are safe on the track & amongst other cars.
Good luck!!
I did my test on Silverstone South Circuit (though this is back in 2001) and it was a very damp day. I did the first three laps on the normal racing line and then the instructor/examiner started to teach me wet racing and for the next 3 or 4 laps we drove round practising the wet racing line, it was a thoroughly great experience and has always helped me driving in the wet since. Though I would point out I have been sprint and hill climbing for the 5 years beforehand so it wasn't my first time on track.
I understand what ginettajoe says about requiring tuition and it always is a good idea to get some, but if you have good understanding of racing lines and car control then you should pass without any issues so don't overly worry if you can't get some.
I understand what ginettajoe says about requiring tuition and it always is a good idea to get some, but if you have good understanding of racing lines and car control then you should pass without any issues so don't overly worry if you can't get some.
You'll love the Midgets, I raced in the series the last two years. This year I'm hoping to get out often (I want to do the full calendar as the circuits this season are excellent), but will be limited for a while as my girlfriend's been made redundant. Will definitely see you at the races as I'll be there to watch and help out.
I took the ARDS test at Thruxton two years ago, my first time driving on track. Passed without trouble, but some people that day had failed. Listen carefully to the information you're given as they will give the answers you need, using wording that will help match the answer. The test I think has been updated since I took it, but this will still hold true I expect.
Driving on the circuit, be smooth and fast. I had trouble with having 5 gears (had driven cars with only 4 the majority of my driving career), kept putting it in 5th rather than 3rd going into the last complex as I was concentrating more on turning than which gear in the unfamiliar car I was selecting (the last bit you build a lot of speed, which I was unused to then), was a bit silly but about as silly as being told to learn/practise with 5 gears when I was going to race a Midget with 4.
Biggest tip on the practical side is they will expect you to do the same thing each time round, so concentrate, and like others have said it's not qualifying laps. So look for the same braking point/turn in points, drive the lines that the instructor will show you and be in the same gear for the same corner each time. Check the mirrors too, as they did have some fast cars out on test when I was there and it's nice to have a bit of warning before they blast past (but the instructor should be helping you with this).
They understand that it's a test to check you're safe and it's a chance for them to make certain you know the flags etc. before you enter a race.
And don't think that because all the cars will be Midgets that one or two won't go flying past at what seem like an unachievable speed the first few times you go out!
ETA - don't drive like an idiot on the way home after you've passed!
ETA again -
meant light-heartedly
I took the ARDS test at Thruxton two years ago, my first time driving on track. Passed without trouble, but some people that day had failed. Listen carefully to the information you're given as they will give the answers you need, using wording that will help match the answer. The test I think has been updated since I took it, but this will still hold true I expect.
Driving on the circuit, be smooth and fast. I had trouble with having 5 gears (had driven cars with only 4 the majority of my driving career), kept putting it in 5th rather than 3rd going into the last complex as I was concentrating more on turning than which gear in the unfamiliar car I was selecting (the last bit you build a lot of speed, which I was unused to then), was a bit silly but about as silly as being told to learn/practise with 5 gears when I was going to race a Midget with 4.
Biggest tip on the practical side is they will expect you to do the same thing each time round, so concentrate, and like others have said it's not qualifying laps. So look for the same braking point/turn in points, drive the lines that the instructor will show you and be in the same gear for the same corner each time. Check the mirrors too, as they did have some fast cars out on test when I was there and it's nice to have a bit of warning before they blast past (but the instructor should be helping you with this).
They understand that it's a test to check you're safe and it's a chance for them to make certain you know the flags etc. before you enter a race.
And don't think that because all the cars will be Midgets that one or two won't go flying past at what seem like an unachievable speed the first few times you go out!
ETA - don't drive like an idiot on the way home after you've passed!
ETA again -
meant light-heartedlyEdited by JP_Midget on Monday 9th February 11:40
Edited by JP_Midget on Monday 9th February 11:42
I did my test at Thruxton a couple of years ago so can probably offer some advice.
They want you to pass and will do eveything they can to make sure you do but the guy who I went out with for the theory part said he neeeded to feel happy going out on a circuit for a race or test session knowing you're on the same track at the same time.
You can't get the flags wrong - if you do, you fail. The other questions are laughable but I think you can get one wrong.
For the practical, the instructor will drive you round for a few laps showing the lines and explaining what he expects - pay attention, especially as you've not driven on any circuit before (let alone Thruxton). Then it's your turn, anything that isn't black is out of bounds and that includes the kerbs - you have to notch two good laps out of four I think and will have a couple to get the feel of things.
You'll be out with the experience day crowd (who are a pain in the arse) and probably driving a Mazda 3 MPS unless they've changed the fleet. You need to plan your overtakes, my instructor made me talk through whether I was going to pass or not (they don't all do that) which, combined with pouring rain and hesitant punters on a day out made it a nightmare and much harder than, say on a track day. You should be easily the fastest moving cars on the circuit just don't dive down the inside of anybody - save that for later in the season
Have fun and good luck!
They want you to pass and will do eveything they can to make sure you do but the guy who I went out with for the theory part said he neeeded to feel happy going out on a circuit for a race or test session knowing you're on the same track at the same time.
You can't get the flags wrong - if you do, you fail. The other questions are laughable but I think you can get one wrong.
For the practical, the instructor will drive you round for a few laps showing the lines and explaining what he expects - pay attention, especially as you've not driven on any circuit before (let alone Thruxton). Then it's your turn, anything that isn't black is out of bounds and that includes the kerbs - you have to notch two good laps out of four I think and will have a couple to get the feel of things.
You'll be out with the experience day crowd (who are a pain in the arse) and probably driving a Mazda 3 MPS unless they've changed the fleet. You need to plan your overtakes, my instructor made me talk through whether I was going to pass or not (they don't all do that) which, combined with pouring rain and hesitant punters on a day out made it a nightmare and much harder than, say on a track day. You should be easily the fastest moving cars on the circuit just don't dive down the inside of anybody - save that for later in the season
Have fun and good luck!
Alright, so thanks for everyones wonderful advice and help - I don't think I could have done it without all this! I did my ARDS test today at Thruxton and passed! Read on, slightly nicked from another forum post I made!
As you know, it was my first time I've ever been on track, and it was an odd one as I was advised both to NOT GO WITHOUT LESSONS and also to NOT WORRY ABOUT LESSONS from here and elsewhere! I spoke to Thruxton about all this and they assured me I'd likely be fine, especially as the day we did today was specially arranged due to weather and so there was only ONE other car out on track and plenty of time to work on stuff if there was any problems. Less traffic made it much easier to concentrate on the task at hand, and I only had one over take and one overtaking of someone else.
I was driving the Mazda3 MPS, which is some ungoldly powerhouse of 2.3 litres and turbo. Pretty awesome little beast though.
The guy took us for a ride round the track, and I sat in the front passenger seat clinging to it for my dear life, quietly wetting myself. I'm sure someone who's been in a modern round a track at speed would laugh, but as someone who drives an MG Midget and a 20 year old Golf, as well as a very fast motorbike (but generally quite gingerly!), never seen 120-130 in ANY vehicle - never mind as passenger on a track - it was somewhat of an experience for me!
(did the theory bit, yadda, yadda, easy)
Took the car out myself with him and got myself up to quite a pace, probably 'too much' for my comfort with the track and car but it was very hard to gauge what was appropriate as the car felt invincible to drive and was very much a 'false sense of security'. Was slowly weened off my 'sawing' of the steering wheel ("do you ride a bike mate? yeah I can tell!"), when I finally realised that it didn't fight with me every split second like a Midget would on a corner, or a bike for that matter. Turns out, no need to do countersteering on a car! Just let it glide.
Anyway, he complimented me on my eye for racing line and brake points etc, pointed out that I was in 5th not 3 (what is with these newer gearboxes where you don't have to STIR the porridge to find a gear? disappointingly simple!) and said I was tense. Yes, I certainly was!
Much more 'prepped' for what it's like on course now and understand it better. We'll be taking the Sprite out on track in March time so we can get a better idea of how that handles on track, get as much practice in of track time.........
Yours, dearly, a very novice 'racer' with a brand new license!
As you know, it was my first time I've ever been on track, and it was an odd one as I was advised both to NOT GO WITHOUT LESSONS and also to NOT WORRY ABOUT LESSONS from here and elsewhere! I spoke to Thruxton about all this and they assured me I'd likely be fine, especially as the day we did today was specially arranged due to weather and so there was only ONE other car out on track and plenty of time to work on stuff if there was any problems. Less traffic made it much easier to concentrate on the task at hand, and I only had one over take and one overtaking of someone else.
I was driving the Mazda3 MPS, which is some ungoldly powerhouse of 2.3 litres and turbo. Pretty awesome little beast though.
The guy took us for a ride round the track, and I sat in the front passenger seat clinging to it for my dear life, quietly wetting myself. I'm sure someone who's been in a modern round a track at speed would laugh, but as someone who drives an MG Midget and a 20 year old Golf, as well as a very fast motorbike (but generally quite gingerly!), never seen 120-130 in ANY vehicle - never mind as passenger on a track - it was somewhat of an experience for me!
(did the theory bit, yadda, yadda, easy)
Took the car out myself with him and got myself up to quite a pace, probably 'too much' for my comfort with the track and car but it was very hard to gauge what was appropriate as the car felt invincible to drive and was very much a 'false sense of security'. Was slowly weened off my 'sawing' of the steering wheel ("do you ride a bike mate? yeah I can tell!"), when I finally realised that it didn't fight with me every split second like a Midget would on a corner, or a bike for that matter. Turns out, no need to do countersteering on a car! Just let it glide.
Anyway, he complimented me on my eye for racing line and brake points etc, pointed out that I was in 5th not 3 (what is with these newer gearboxes where you don't have to STIR the porridge to find a gear? disappointingly simple!) and said I was tense. Yes, I certainly was!
Much more 'prepped' for what it's like on course now and understand it better. We'll be taking the Sprite out on track in March time so we can get a better idea of how that handles on track, get as much practice in of track time.........
Yours, dearly, a very novice 'racer' with a brand new license!
Edited by untruth on Friday 13th February 18:03
untruth said:
...when I finally realised that it didn't fight with me every split second like a Midget would on a corner...
I got told off for that at a Jonathan Palmer day very recently while driving the JP1, the midget does teach you a few bad habits Well done on the pass... bank balances and girlfriends watch out
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