Defensive Driving Course

So after a long time of saying I was going to do my Defensive Driving Course, I finally got off my ass and did it. And boy oh, boy it was one of the best things I've ever done. A full day session from 9 in the morning till 4 in the afternoon. Theory session to begin with, but the fun stuff to end the day. Super informational and the practical learning is something that will stay with me forever. The instructors know what they're doing and are damn good at what they do. If they tell you brake harder, you damn well brake harder. As I found out after my first run. But by the end of it I was pushing 80km/h whilst turning in the wet and stopping only a few meters up the road. Both the scariest and most fun thing I've done in a long time.

My favorite was the last course having to swerve and stop next to an obstacle with very very little room and high speed. First run was 40km/h to get an idea of how exactly to do it, instructor instantly says, "Go faster..." So I did. Next run I was up between 60km/h and 70km/h and nailed it. After a quick tip from the instructor he had one more challenge. 80km/h. His tip was. "Turn, brake. Turn, brake." Simple, but utterly scary. The though of having to turn first at speed, in the rain with little room for error was daunting. But I trusted his judgement and it damn well payed off. Down into the scenario 80km/h turn in missing the first cone, braked. Slid sideways for a few meters before letting off the brake and turning the opposite way and straightening up right in the zone. I couldn't believe I had done it. Instructor comes over, "That was perfect." Word I wasn't expecting to hear at all. I had actually nailed it. Was one of the greatest feelings ever.

After the event I was itching for more. Fortunately there is more, a lot more. That was only the first lesson there was still much more. Next is the Lotus Skid Pan where I can either use my own Skyline or their Lotus Exige. And even more after that. If you haven't done one yet, I would very much suggest to do it. You learning some amazingly valuable skills that will stay with you forever. Plus its exciting, quick and something you definitely can't do on public roads. For more information on these packages search Paul Stokell's Driving Events. You won't regret it.