Lotus driver training course

[Tim Netherton]

Just booked up at a driver training course at the factory at the end of September.

Anybody here been on one?

Any comments please if it's any good or not.

[wendyg]

Did one of the Driving skills courses - one-to-one tuition with Alastair McQueen, last year. Fantastic fun and learnt a lot. I'm confident I progressed from poor to merely mediocre! I was absolutely knackered by the end of the day, and could barely move the day after, though. Given the choice of doing it again, I'd probably opt for one of the small group courses - bit more chance to recover between drives.

Only one minor criticism, my course was on a Friday, when the factory shuts early. By the time we got to the canteen for lunch there wasn't much left, and what there was, was pretty bad!

Have fun!

[VFX]

Did the course about 3 years ago.

Great day and enjoyed every minute. It made me realise exactly what the car can do and gave a little idea of how to do it.

The only problem is that when the trainers take you through the various parts you realise how little skill you have!

Enjoy!

[Marsh]

There on the 14th August - can't wait. Will give you the low-down on my return

[skinner]

Doesn't 500 notes seem rather excessive in comparison to a 1st Lotus Day?

I post this only to guage the reaction of those that have been to Hethal as I am about to book my 3rd Walshy experience and want to know if the difference is really worth it.

[Tim Netherton]

Thanks guys - yes I think the price is a little on the high side (actually £400 with owners club discount) but I've not visited the factory before so it'll be good to see where it all happens.

[steff]

Expensive but you get to thrash their cars.

[VFX]

Just as a matter of interest, when I did the course it cost in the region of £250 which was very reasonable but its poularity seems to have upped the price.

One thing worth nothing is that if you attend the course you qualify for 10% of Lotus Esteem (AON) insurance.

[albutch]

I've tried both Lotus and Walshy training days and each have plus points.

Andys tuition style is great for me. He explains everything very well and nothing is rushed. Very flexible day to accomodate different levels of experience.

The facilities at Lotus are obviously better, use their cars and try under and oversteer on the wet cirle. Also get two 20 minute sessions on the full Hethel track!

For continued driver training 1stLotus is better value for money IMO but I wouldn't have missed the day at the factory.

[Tim Netherton]

Thanks VFX for reminding me about the insurance discount with Esteem (AON) - I started a policy with them in May so should save a few bob come re-newal time!

I'll let you all know what I think about the course at the end of Sept.

[Marsh]

Worth checking if the factory will be open when you visit. If it is a Saturday I would have thought not. I very much wanted to see around the factory, but was told there just isn't time on the driver training days - you would need to book onto one of the 'Elise Experience' type days - more the corporate entertainment type thing (around £100 I believe but far less track time).

[bogie]

For driver training time wise you cant beat 1st Lotus for VFM and you learn loads (on my 6th day next month)

The Lotus course is great because you are on the Hethel track and in someone elses car...but its 3-4x the cost

up to you really - ideally Id do one day at Hethel for the experience and then 3-4 at 1st Lotus...it would be the best £1000 upgrade you could spend on your car...and it will stay with you forever