ARDS Test

[MikeW]

I have got my 'go racing' pack from the MSA and know I need to pass the above to get my National B license. But where do I go for this? or is Silverstone the only place. Who else has done the test and am I likely to need some one to one tuition to pass? I am sure a guy in the 750 series said he had done his at Three Sisters. Also what sort of cost is involved.

 

Thanks

 

Mike

 

Edited by - MikeW on 29 Jun 2002 19:25:46

[Graeme Smith]

Hi Mike,

Most circuits will do an ARDS course, Three Sisters included. Near to you, I think Mallory and of course Silverstone do it. Probably Donington as well. Its a standard fee - around a £150 I think. If you've done any trackdays, you should have no problems with the practical side of the course - just don't be too cocky. Spinning the car will get you a fail; driving a bit too slow won't. Read the Blue Book well and use your common sense for the written test. Its actually fairly obvious but watch out for trick ("which of these is NOT...) questions. Need to get 100% on the safety (flags, etc.) section (but can always retake the second paper for another fee).

[ECR]

Mike

 

I did mine at Mallory. If you need any help just ring me.

 

Ex Chairman Roger

[MikeW]

Roger

Thanks, I will try Mallory first as at least I have some experience of driving there. Will give you a ring when I have something booked to get some advice. Fingers (and everthing else) crossed by late Wednesday I will no longer be searching for a car.....and summer and the racing season is not over.

 

Mike

[Gridgway]

did mine at Silverstone last year. The morning was the 'instruction' and the afternoon the test.

 

I did it in an oh so slippery elsie in the wet and ahem span twice in the instruction. I was so determined to not spin in the test, I was accused of going too slowly!!! Had a complete twit of an instructor though!

 

Graham

 

Edited by - gridgway on 30 Jun 2002 22:30:42

[Graeme Smith]

I've heard you can get interesting cars to do your ARDS in at Mallory - D-type jags etc

 

I think getting a "twit" as an instructor is standard practice. I had some gnarley old GP driver who spent the whole test shouting at me to make me brake to the apex of the hairpin. I now realise its a good technique, but at the time I was just trying to pass my test...

 

Top tip, if they ask if you can heel and toe, say yes but not in this car - the peddles are too far apart. Worked for me!

[Mark Giles]

oops confused.gif

 

Edited by - mark giles on 1 Jul 2002 09:41:27

[Mark Giles]

Also don't be surprised if the 'idiot' instructor rips your driving apart, trying to get you to come for more instruction. I got shouted at for not holding onto the steering wheel hard enough!! It was quite hard in an air-con, leather seated 306.

 

Here's another tip - do your test at a circuit in intend racing at, that way the instructor will show you the correct lines.

[stevefoster]

I tried Brands and was put off by the "you need to come for

serveral days training" and they couldn't actually give me a date ... not very clever.

Tried Truxton. Much more down to earth and was booked in less than a couple of weeks.

 

Learn all the flags off by heart. The rest is common sense.

You drive so slowly around in a leaning, yawing heap of a road car that the lines on the circuit are almost impossible to decern.

Well that's my excuse...

Once ala 7 it's go, go, go, go, GO and the lines just flow.

 

Steve

My racing pics hereid=red>

Hants (North) and Berkshire area club site

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