Advanced Driving Course (Leinster Driving Campus) - Review

Glowing

Hi all,

I was given a present from my hubby of a skid-pan & advanced driving course combo in Leinster Driving Campus for Christmas, and used it today

http://www.leinsterdrivingcampus.ie/skid-combo.html

Just thought I'd write a quick review of my thoughts and what the day consisted of in case you were intersted in something similar for yourself or a loved one.

I've been driving about 8 years in total - since I got my MX5 last September, I've been conscious of the back end spinning out and my ability (or lack of) to deal with this safely. This, in addition to the low temps we've been having and icy roads, black ice etc, was looking forward to a bit of practice in a controled environment, and constructive criticism of course

Anyway first thing this morning was a session in a Yaris with ABS practising emergancy braking at a certain point and swerving to avoid a series of cones across the road. It was rather scary at first trying to convince my body to keep accelerating when all I wanted to do was brake, but was a real eye opener to actual braking distances, and handling the car when emergancy braking from 75+ kmh to 0 in a few meters. Got about 8 or 9 runs at this, and by the time we had finished, felt really comfortable with how the car handled in this situation. Quite exhilerating actually :pac:

Next thing was a session in a water logged skid-pan. I know most of you would say 'oh just do a few donuts in a car park' and I'd agree with you. But I really did value the instruction and guidance here, and of course saved my tyres This was really fun, and after about 30 mins and my arms torn off myself, I was chatting away and coming out of double skids without even thinking twice - I had done it enough that it was second nature - which is exactly what one would want in this situation! Very very worthwhile excercise!

After a lunch break, I had the advanced session in my own car for 2 hours. The 2 hours was broken up into an analysis of my driving, practice of better habits and techniques, observation, defensive driving etc, then a 'test' as such where my driving was critiqued and faults marked to come up with a final 'score' as such.

I would have considered myself a reasonably competent and confident driver (thankfully the instructor had the same idea!) - but of course had picked up bad habits over the years. I was however extremely bad for over-accelerating (explains why my petrol consumption was through the roof!) and had other smaller issues with coasting, over-reliance on engine braking etc. It was really really great to have an objective instructor to point this out to me, and to help me improve my car-handling and observation, and to give me a million small pointers to help my fuel consumption, gear changing and observation.

If you compare my driving at the start of the 2 hours with the end, there is a noticable difference in my attitude (not so rushed anymore!) and observation, my gear changing is now smooth as silk (due to not over-revving the engine LOL). I've got better observation on roundabouts too (I tended to rush through them where it was drilled into me to take my time), and I have a deluge of tips and hints to reduce my fuel consumption. At the end I only got 2 faults so got a 'Gold cert' - I should be able to get a reduction on my insurance now, yay!

Anyway, I know there are going to me mixed reports on this course, many of you will think that all this stuff can be read in a book and it's a waste to spend the money. I personally thought it was extremly worthwhile, I think (with some conscious practice not to fall into old habits), it'll have a positive affect on my driving (and bank account!) in the long run and hopefully make me a safer driver. The instructors themselves were great, relaxed and informal but very informative btw. Thumbs up from me!

P.S The poor instructor was BEAT into my car, he was 6'3 and had to fold into 3 to fit into the passenger seat, teehee.

Neilw

I was thinking of giving the course a go myself.

Was it the 225euro course you did?

Glowing

Neilw wrote: »

I was thinking of giving the course a go myself.

Was it the 225euro course you did?

Yep - on the link I gave you - 225 euro (which doesn't go far on car repairs )

Axe Rake

Congrats glowing!!

Was thinking of doing this course myself some time.
Interestingly the website doesn't mention anything about getting a cert upon completion of the course.

Since you did get the gold (:D), with which insurers is it valid?

Thanks and well done.

Glowing

Aww thanks Axe_Rake.

They told me that Asgard or 'First Ireland' brokers will recognise their course. I plan on getting a quote, and if it's lower than my current insurance, I'll haggle with my current insurers.

They said they'd be happy to send out letters to the insurance companies if necessary.