Driver Skills Benchmarks AND Driver Class Qualifications

Final decisions on driver class qualifications are made by the Chief Driving Instructor

Novice Benchmarks (solo driver qualifications)

Instructor approval is required to drive solo

• Knows how to adjust controls to the proper seating, mirror placement, checks helmet and seat belt

• Displays full knowledge of safety procedures and flags (knows the location of all turn stations, looks at all turn stations every lap, knows not to enter track without direction from pit out)

• Understands where the proper driving line is, starting to drive consistently from lap to lap, able to hit the apex reasonably consistently

• Inputs on steering, brake and throttle are consistently smooth

• Accepts instruction and has proper DE attitude

• Good vision (i.e.: looks far enough ahead and has reference points besides cones)

• Uses the full track

• Uses brakes appropriately (with consistent brake points and uses proper intensity)

• Has started to develop situational awareness (i.e. can recognize on their own when they are going miss the apex, too fast entry speed, early apex, etc)

• Can stay calm even in traffic, not easily flustered

• Understands passing zone rules

• Anticipates slower cars in front

• Does not tailgate, and is not overly aggressive

• Gives passing signals promptly, does not give or accept late passing signals

• Passes with good safety margins

• Exhibits good manners and consideration

• Knows how to utilize cool down lap, waves to workers

• Is safe to drive alone (even if not yet signed off)

Intermediate Benchmarks

Instructor approval is required to move from the Novice to Intermediate class

• Uses the full track consistently

• Very smooth inputs, especially braking

• Uses good ocular vision

• Carries reasonable momentum into corners

• Practices effective heel and toe braking/downshifting and doesn’t create a serious imbalance to the car where appropriate

• Demonstrates competent car control and recovery skills

• Prompt and courteous passing signals

• Good situational awareness (never misses a flag, anticipates slow traffic and calmly deals with fast traffic and close passing)

• Can recognize any errors consistently (i.e. early apex, missed apex, pinched exit)

• Understands/uses throttle steering

• Can drive most of a full 20 minute session consistently

• Should have wet weather driving experience, and know wet line, and be relaxed (and smooth) in the wet

Advanced Benchmarks

Senior Instructor and CDI approval is required to move from Intermediate to Advanced class

• Always uses the full track

• Very smooth inputs, brakes near threshold consistently

• Always uses good ocular vision

• Carries good momentum into corners with good slip angle

• Can use heel and toe braking/downshifting smoothly for most of a 20 minute session where appropriate

• Demonstrates good car control and recovery skills

• Prompt and courteous passing signals

• Great situational awareness (never misses a flag, anticipates slow traffic and calmly deals with fast traffic and close passing)

• Can anticipate any errors consistently (ie: early apex, missed apex, pinched exit)

• Understands/uses throttle steering to adjust car to apex

• Can drive most of a full DE day consistently