driving school in nj? [Archive] - Bimmerforums

sardil

03-21-2007, 06:11 PM

Click on HPDE on the top left and read. If that doesn't help out, here's a cut & paste.

What's an HPDE?
Today’s performance cars offer great handling and power, but their potential can’t be reached on your local streets. Overcrowded roads don’t allow you to take corners at a certain angle or off ramps at a brisk speed. Most drivers do not have solid knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of both themselves and their cars. So before you get in trouble or lose control of the car, its time to get some training. We’re not talking about the training that you got from your High School Driver Ed teacher or the driving instruction your Dad gave you in the family sedan. We’re talking about getting instruction on a racetrack with instructors that have experience driving cars like yours. They’ll show you the right way to enter a turn and how to brake properly while keeping the car in control — coming through it all safely.

http://www.pdadrivingschool.com/images/stories/20060804_pda_lrp_he4_0013_web.jpg It’s Not A Race

High Performance Driving Events are run as schools where no competition is involved. The intention is to teach you how to drive your car safely at high speeds. This is the best place to discover whether racing cars as an amateur or professional is right for you.

You will be separated into class groups based on previous experience — everyone has to be a novice at least once. Trophies are never awarded nor are times posted. Learning to drive fast and safely are the key objectives. High-speed events are an opportunity for you to drive your car at the speeds it was made for and under the safest conditions possible. The idea is to have fun while learning your car's abilities and expanding your own skills.

http://www.pdadrivingschool.com/images/stories/20060804_pda_lrp_he4_0465_web.jpg Qualified and experienced instructors are supplied to accompany you in the car at-speed. They start you slowly and allow you to progress at a safe, comfortable rate, with encouragement to improve your technique and confidence. Instructors want to make sure you get your money's worth — they also want you back, so they want you to have fun. It is not unusual for students to attend several different schools a year, especially if they are held at different venues. Improvement is always possible.

Our HPDE driving school sessions are usually held over weekends, and our schedule takes you to numerous, well-established tracks in the Northeast. The instruction strikes a realistic balance between classroom and track time in the driver's seat. If your long-term goal is to go racing, this is a good place to start to see if all-out racing is for you.

The thrill of driving a bonafide racing circuit is a great feeling everyone should experience at least once. It sharpens your awareness of the car and makes you a safer street driver.
A Few Ground Rules • All drivers must be at least 18 years of age, and must have a valid driver’s license.
• All drivers must sign appropriate insurance waivers. Your car must have a safety inspection which can be done by your mechanic or at the event by our staff.
• As an entrant, you assume all risks of damage to persons and property during the event, when driving your car.
• Long sleeves and long pants are required, and a driver's suit is optional. Driving gloves may help you get a better grip on the wheel.
• Helmets must be rated "Snell SA-2000" or better. Motorcycle helmets are not allowed. Helmets will be checked along with your car, and a tech sticker may be put on it.
• Most events will be run rain or shine, though fog may cause a delay.
• A schedule will be handed to every student. Most are followed closely, so count on the stated times. The schedule will list your group, classroom, and where to go. Keep the schedule with you at all times.
• Students may not take passengers on the track, except instructors. This is a strict insurance regulation.
• Anyone repeatedly driving in an unsafe manner or ignoring the track rules will be ejected from the event without refund.
HPDE School Prephttp://www.pdadrivingschool.com/images/stories/cobra.jpg

You will generally receive a confirmation letter or email about one month prior to your event date. The packet may include instructions about who to contact when you arrive, general information on area hotels, directions to the track, driving rules and flag usage, a tech form and information sheet, a medical information form, and a track map.

After paying the entry fee, a few basics are required of prospective students. You will need a helmet rated Snell 2000 or better, natural fiber long pants, and long-sleeved shirt. Nomex racing suits are not required, nor are roll cages, fuel cells, or other race equipment. As long as your car is equipped with the proper safety equipment, it is legal for driving schools or high-speed events.

Tech Inspectionhttp://www.pdadrivingschool.com/images/stories/bmw_vette.jpg

Once you arrive at the track, the safety or tech inspection should be a simple formality because you or your mechanic will have thoroughly inspected your car before leaving home. A tech sheet is provided online.

A special sticker is placed on a car after inspection to assure that the car has passed tech. Schools usually place a non-removable sticker on your windshield that can be scraped off after the event. A smaller sticker is also placed on your helmet, to show it has cleared tech.

Insurance waivers must be signed at the entrance to the track and at the registration area. HPDE officials will check again at the drivers meeting to ensure everyone has signed waivers. You must cooperate, as the insurance carrier backing the event requires this.

HPDE Tech Inspection List

1. Tires should have at least half of the original tread and no less than 3/32-inch of tread. They must clear the suspension and fender edges and be "S" rated (112 MPH) or better. Sidewalls must be in good condition with no foreign objects lodged in the tread. Plugged or patched tires are not recommended. No bias-ply tires are allowed.
2. Brakes must have at least 50 percent of original material. Semi-metallic pads are recommended. Brake calipers, hoses and lines must be undamaged. Rotors should be within specifications. Flushing lines with fresh brake fluid before each event is recommended. A minimum Dot 4 brake fluid is also recommended.
3. Steering should not have excessive play. Power steering should be free of leaks. Front-wheel drive cars should check CV joints for leaks, and CV joint boot damage.
4. Wheels must be free of cracks or damage. Torque wheel lugs must meet the proper specifications. No hubcaps or trim rings allowed.
5. Original seatbelts or race harnesses are required in good condition, with no cuts or frays, and mounted securely. Your passenger/instructor will also need belts and must match the driver’s belts. Shoulder harnesses are recommended.
6. Battery terminals must be tight, in good condition, and taped. The battery must be securely mounted and have no leaks.
7. Have at least one rearview mirror — two are recommended.
8. The engine compartment must be free of leaks, including antifreeze, fuel, and oil. A radiator catch can is required (factory containers are acceptable).
9. Trunk: Spare tires and jacks may be removed or securely tightened down.
10. No loose objects are allowed in the interior. Remove anything that could shift if your car is upside down. A fire extinguisher is recommended but not mandatory.
11 Window glass should not be cracked or broken.
12. The entire exhaust system must be in good condition and securely mounted. Most events do not allow open exhausts. Tunable mufflers are normally allowed and should not exceed 89db at Lime Rock.
13. Open cars/convertibles: Will require roll bars at certain tracks while others want the top up or down. Factory installed roll over bars are generally acceptable in the lower run groups.