What is a Driving School and what does HPDE stand for?
Driving schools are recreational, non-competitive events held on twisty, and sometimes hilly, road courses. Often, an instructor rides along with the driver during all sessions on the track. HPDE stands for either High Performance Driving Event, or Driver’s Education, which I prefer.
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| A BMW M3, Porsche 911 and an Audi sedan during a driving school. |
Any safe, well maintained car will do. I’ve had students in economy hatchbacks, rental sedans, but mostly sporty cars. Most tracks don’t allow trucks, SUVs or minivans, however. If you've got a convertible, you'll need rollover protection, like an approved rollbar. Some tracks will allow cars with pop-up bars, like the Porsche Boxter. Check with the organization and the track before sending your registration fee.
Do I need any special equipment?
The only thing you’ll need is a Snell SA2005, or later, helmet, although some organizations do have loaners. I prefer full-face helmets. Buy a copy of Grassroots Motorsports magazine and check their ads for vendors like Discovery Parts www.DiscoveryParts.com Be sure to wear natural fiber long pants (some require long-sleeved shirts) and closed toe shoes.
How fast will I go and is it dangerous?
There are no speed limits. Anytime you drive your car, there is some element of risk. There are rules of the road while on the track to keep everyone safe. Having an experienced instructor with you really helps. In 100+ events, I’ve had no damage to my car or any other I've been riding in.
Will my regular insurance cover me at track events?
Although these are educational events and not competitions, most policies won’t cover you while on a race track. There are several insurance companies who will sell driving school/HPDE event insurance, if you wish.
Who puts on driving schools like you’re talking about?
Many organizations. Hooked on Driving www.HookedOnDriving.com puts on events at several area racetracks and is part of a national program. The National Auto Sport Association www.nasaproracing.com blends its HPDE program into their racing schedule. Many car clubs, like the BMW Car Club of America www.BMWCCA.org and the Porsche Club of America www.PCA.org and other clubs put on schools. Check your local racetrack websites for events you may attend in your own car.
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| Brad Pines instructing at a BMW CCA Driving School at GingerMan Raceway. |
At twisty and challenging road courses around the nation. I am fortunate to live in Michigan, which has three road courses. GingerMan Raceway is in South Haven, just about seven miles inland from Lake Michigan. A bit northeast of Grand Rapids is Grattan Speedway, in Belding, and Waterford Hills Road Racing is in the Detroit area near the Oakland Airport in Clarkson. Do an internet search for road course, or try www.trackpedia.com to find one near you.
How much does it cost?
It varies, depending on how many days the event runs, where it is (some tracks, like Road America, are very expensive to rent) and other extras, like lunch. Figure about $200-$400 per day. Open track days are less, but offer no in-car or classroom instruction and require track experience.
If you have another question, post it in the comments section, and I'll add the question and answer here.
Can't wait to meet you in the paddock,
brad
If you have another question, post it in the comments section, and I'll add the question and answer here.
Can't wait to meet you in the paddock,
brad
A driving school trains drivers on how to distinguish signs – but it is another thing to follow these signs and signals. You must always keep these signs and signals in mind to avoid any problem with the road officer or a problem with accidents.
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