OBT VXR8 Fun for 16yr Old
Discussion
Hi Guys,
Just had my first run out with the Pistonheads (Scottish) Forum members yesterday and it was a great day, well organised and a great selection of cars.
I had 4 young lads with me in the car, my 19yr old & 16yr old sons with two of their pals. For the on-road drive I only let my own 19yr old drive it and he did ok with this being his first open road run in it and got a few nice overtakes in - he is not a natural driver and has to work hard at it but can be very good at times when he is fully focused and he learned a lot from the day.
As a result of what we do, my youngest has been driving since he was 9yrs old and at 12yrs old was capable of reaching triple figures in our Golf GT TDi on private ground and beating experienced drivers over a timed, coned, manoeuvrability course. You would imagine he is daft on cars and can't wait until he can start driving on road early next year. That said he wasn't sure about going for a run with his dad and brother in the car all day - he loved it and was amazed at the variety of cars and driving. reckons it was best day out he has had in a while . . . . . . . and that is before I took them to private ground to let all four of them drive the VXR8 and push it a little with the ESP on and OFF !
This was off road on private ground which was dry - Got them all up to reasonable speeds to experience the power of the car with various nought to whatever mphs as well, then from about 20mph at a nice hairpin bend allowed them to push the car several times with ESP on to feel how the car was still going to kick out slightly before correcting itself and then the fun continued by switching off the ESP and doing the same . . . . . . it let them see just how the car can surprise them and then learn how to bring it back in under control again.
My personal highlight was the first time my 16yr old drove it without the ESP to the surprise of his older pal in back seat who while giving some verbal input, let out a 'girly shriek' after being as 'cool as' beforehand. Then it had to be the first 180 degree turn my 16 yr old did by total accident when he let it go a bit far . . . . . he then realised what he had done and said can I try that again but to do a 180 turn. I let him and he mastered it really well with excellent control for his 1st proper attempt (missed it on video but got another one where he drives on after completing it).
The young lads in the car took away a good bit from the day and the offroad bit at the end was a reality check for them (with one pal really surprised as can be heard in his comment on vid)and they realise how easy the car control can get away from them even in the dry and just how much of the road the car can take over even at low speeds. I have stressed the importance of going to a track or private airfield to get moore fun from their driving.
I know we are always going to get the 'shouldn't be letting younger drivers drive such powerful cars' brigade but I've heard it before and it is not going to change my thoughts!
We did get that bit of fun on the phone video camera and it can be seen here www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEcB7q2Epsc
Just had my first run out with the Pistonheads (Scottish) Forum members yesterday and it was a great day, well organised and a great selection of cars.
I had 4 young lads with me in the car, my 19yr old & 16yr old sons with two of their pals. For the on-road drive I only let my own 19yr old drive it and he did ok with this being his first open road run in it and got a few nice overtakes in - he is not a natural driver and has to work hard at it but can be very good at times when he is fully focused and he learned a lot from the day.
As a result of what we do, my youngest has been driving since he was 9yrs old and at 12yrs old was capable of reaching triple figures in our Golf GT TDi on private ground and beating experienced drivers over a timed, coned, manoeuvrability course. You would imagine he is daft on cars and can't wait until he can start driving on road early next year. That said he wasn't sure about going for a run with his dad and brother in the car all day - he loved it and was amazed at the variety of cars and driving. reckons it was best day out he has had in a while . . . . . . . and that is before I took them to private ground to let all four of them drive the VXR8 and push it a little with the ESP on and OFF !
This was off road on private ground which was dry - Got them all up to reasonable speeds to experience the power of the car with various nought to whatever mphs as well, then from about 20mph at a nice hairpin bend allowed them to push the car several times with ESP on to feel how the car was still going to kick out slightly before correcting itself and then the fun continued by switching off the ESP and doing the same . . . . . . it let them see just how the car can surprise them and then learn how to bring it back in under control again.
My personal highlight was the first time my 16yr old drove it without the ESP to the surprise of his older pal in back seat who while giving some verbal input, let out a 'girly shriek' after being as 'cool as' beforehand. Then it had to be the first 180 degree turn my 16 yr old did by total accident when he let it go a bit far . . . . . he then realised what he had done and said can I try that again but to do a 180 turn. I let him and he mastered it really well with excellent control for his 1st proper attempt (missed it on video but got another one where he drives on after completing it).
The young lads in the car took away a good bit from the day and the offroad bit at the end was a reality check for them (with one pal really surprised as can be heard in his comment on vid)and they realise how easy the car control can get away from them even in the dry and just how much of the road the car can take over even at low speeds. I have stressed the importance of going to a track or private airfield to get moore fun from their driving.
I know we are always going to get the 'shouldn't be letting younger drivers drive such powerful cars' brigade but I've heard it before and it is not going to change my thoughts!
We did get that bit of fun on the phone video camera and it can be seen here www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEcB7q2Epsc
Hi,
Thanks for the constructive feedback.
Nothing ridiculous being done in the car and it was definately road safety based. Slowed to about 20mph then some acceleration about the apex of the curve.
Last I looked at papers or news headlines and stats for young drivers having crashes or coming a cropper in some form or fashion, they are, in the main, when they have passengers in the car. it does make it more of a learning experience for all concerned and they can experience each others good or not so good points.
My thoughts anyway for what some may think they are worth.
Thanks for the constructive feedback.
Nothing ridiculous being done in the car and it was definately road safety based. Slowed to about 20mph then some acceleration about the apex of the curve.
Last I looked at papers or news headlines and stats for young drivers having crashes or coming a cropper in some form or fashion, they are, in the main, when they have passengers in the car. it does make it more of a learning experience for all concerned and they can experience each others good or not so good points.
My thoughts anyway for what some may think they are worth.
I think it is a good idea.
Most driving instructors teach the learner how to pass the test, not how to drive on the open road. The introduction of the Theory Test seems to have removed more of the "Driving" skills from the learning process, leaving "technical skills" to be the priority.
Most will agree that passing your driving test and getting your first car is when you really start to learn how to drive.
I would much rather see youngsters find how quickly limits, of the driver and vehicle, are hit off the road than in front, or behind me, or my kids, on the road.
If this changes the behaviour of the new/young drivers once they are on their own is yet to be seen.
The earlier they start and the more experience before they are let loose on the road, the better, I say.
Most driving instructors teach the learner how to pass the test, not how to drive on the open road. The introduction of the Theory Test seems to have removed more of the "Driving" skills from the learning process, leaving "technical skills" to be the priority.
Most will agree that passing your driving test and getting your first car is when you really start to learn how to drive.
I would much rather see youngsters find how quickly limits, of the driver and vehicle, are hit off the road than in front, or behind me, or my kids, on the road.
If this changes the behaviour of the new/young drivers once they are on their own is yet to be seen.
The earlier they start and the more experience before they are let loose on the road, the better, I say.
Trailermasher said:
I think it is a good idea.
Most driving instructors teach the learner how to pass the test, not how to drive on the open road. The introduction of the Theory Test seems to have removed more of the "Driving" skills from the learning process, leaving "technical skills" to be the priority.
Most will agree that passing your driving test and getting your first car is when you really start to learn how to drive.
I would much rather see youngsters find how quickly limits, of the driver and vehicle, are hit off the road than in front, or behind me, or my kids, on the road.
If this changes the behaviour of the new/young drivers once they are on their own is yet to be seen.
The earlier they start and the more experience before they are let loose on the road, the better, I say.
+ 1 ....well put Most driving instructors teach the learner how to pass the test, not how to drive on the open road. The introduction of the Theory Test seems to have removed more of the "Driving" skills from the learning process, leaving "technical skills" to be the priority.
Most will agree that passing your driving test and getting your first car is when you really start to learn how to drive.
I would much rather see youngsters find how quickly limits, of the driver and vehicle, are hit off the road than in front, or behind me, or my kids, on the road.
If this changes the behaviour of the new/young drivers once they are on their own is yet to be seen.
The earlier they start and the more experience before they are let loose on the road, the better, I say.
007 VXR said:
Trailermasher said:
I think it is a good idea.
Most driving instructors teach the learner how to pass the test, not how to drive on the open road. The introduction of the Theory Test seems to have removed more of the "Driving" skills from the learning process, leaving "technical skills" to be the priority.
Most will agree that passing your driving test and getting your first car is when you really start to learn how to drive.
I would much rather see youngsters find how quickly limits, of the driver and vehicle, are hit off the road than in front, or behind me, or my kids, on the road.
If this changes the behaviour of the new/young drivers once they are on their own is yet to be seen.
The earlier they start and the more experience before they are let loose on the road, the better, I say.
+ 1 ....well put Most driving instructors teach the learner how to pass the test, not how to drive on the open road. The introduction of the Theory Test seems to have removed more of the "Driving" skills from the learning process, leaving "technical skills" to be the priority.
Most will agree that passing your driving test and getting your first car is when you really start to learn how to drive.
I would much rather see youngsters find how quickly limits, of the driver and vehicle, are hit off the road than in front, or behind me, or my kids, on the road.
If this changes the behaviour of the new/young drivers once they are on their own is yet to be seen.
The earlier they start and the more experience before they are let loose on the road, the better, I say.
Bit like the French allowing their kids to drink wine at an early age prevents the binge drinking we have later on n'est pas
Edited by paulg390 on Tuesday 13th October 22:58
Slightly off topic - but is the sort of thing you've described above available as a normal 'lesson' for anyone via your company?
Over the past 18 months I've been steadily manouvering myself financially into a monaro or more likely vxr8 purchasing position.
Despite having driven a monaro vxr before I am, frankly, very worried at going RWD with that much horsepower.
I'm no driving god and the many ways RWD can catch you out unawares is a real issue for me.
Being able to get a bit of hands on tutelage, especially in the car I'll likely end up buying!, would be ideal!
If this is do-able can you drop me a pm with costs? Or let me know if I just contact your company direct.
I'm over in Edinburgh so the trip would be well worth it
Have to say so long as all this was done responsibly I don't see an issue. If I, as a 30 years old 'experienced' driver am aware enough that a RWD (of any power) car can catch me out and I have no idea at all on how to a) avoid it b) correct in a safe manner then learning at any age is good.
Over the past 18 months I've been steadily manouvering myself financially into a monaro or more likely vxr8 purchasing position.
Despite having driven a monaro vxr before I am, frankly, very worried at going RWD with that much horsepower.
I'm no driving god and the many ways RWD can catch you out unawares is a real issue for me.
Being able to get a bit of hands on tutelage, especially in the car I'll likely end up buying!, would be ideal!
If this is do-able can you drop me a pm with costs? Or let me know if I just contact your company direct.
I'm over in Edinburgh so the trip would be well worth it
Have to say so long as all this was done responsibly I don't see an issue. If I, as a 30 years old 'experienced' driver am aware enough that a RWD (of any power) car can catch me out and I have no idea at all on how to a) avoid it b) correct in a safe manner then learning at any age is good.
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