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Post by Mike Strong on Jul 16, 2007 21:20:37 GMT
Greetings
Got my ARDS course up at The Hill on Thursday.
A couple of questions to those who have taken it recently:
- I take it the written part of the course is based on the "racing" section of the blue book with a bit of common sense thrown in.
- Also, is it multiple choice or a waffle fest?
- Do I need to turn up in my race gear or do I just need my helmet?
- Which cars do they use? The Seats?
Cheers.
Mike
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Post by andrew on Jul 16, 2007 21:38:39 GMT
when i did it in 2005 the written part was on flags and basic rules and common sense. As far as I remember it was all multiple choice. Just need a helmet but they will provide you with a used sweaty one if you prefer  They had MG ZRs when I did it but the seats seem to have been the replacement for them so i expect so. |
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Post by Blair on Jul 16, 2007 21:46:44 GMT
I done mine in May and got a SEAT Leon Cupra, very nice car to drive, even on the wet day I sat it.
The written test I sat the flags were described (ie slippery surface), and you had to state which flag it was, ie Red / Yellow striped etc. The second part is simple multiple choice questions, which to be honest are nigh impossible to fail.
Above all, good luck !
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Post by Mike Strong on Jul 20, 2007 20:43:28 GMT
Well, I completed the "course" and have sent off for my license. All questions correct and a "pass" on the track. Note to self: take off those Caterpillar boots and wear your race boots you trumpet!  SEAT pedals are rather light and lack "feel" (or they do wearing Caterpillars!) but ARE attached to a very very nice FWD car. If I ever feel the need to get something a bit slower; I'd get a SEAT Leon Cupra.  Anyway, back to the "course". Value for money and a worthwhile test of one's abilities? No. Not even close. No disrespect to the excellent Duncan Vincent and Ian Milton but spending £260 (not including the cost of my Go Racing pack from the MSA) to prove I'm not a Brain Dead Looney (technical term!) is not on. No quibbles with the academic side of things - although some of the questions/answers are still as ambiguous as they were in 1992! The main problem was having to share the track with "Mr Joe Public" doing their Single Seater and/or Legend Experience. I got exactly 1 clear lap. Every other lap was either compromised by a slow "Mr Joe" at some point on the lap, or had to go slow through a corner as there was a stuck car (Clark's). It's great to see so many people enjoying themselves up at Knockhill; but the ARDS participants should be guaranteed a clear track - even if it means waiting for an extra hour or two. I could have been "that Looney"; but I'd have to be Mr Bloody Alpha Looney And Then Some to have shown it with the opportunities available. OK, rant over. Amusing anecdote? Oh, did Ian Milton try and persuade my to race Minis or what???  LOL!!! |
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Post by Blair on Jul 21, 2007 0:35:52 GMT
I'd agree that perhaps it's a shame joe public is allowed out on track at the same time. My test day there were folk going off in the single seaters everywhere and legends doing crazy things, like not letting me pass !! Some people get out on track and think they're Hamilton/Raikkonen/ even Schumacher right away !
The fee is steep but I doubt it's much cheaper at any other circuit.
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mblur
Midfielder
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Post by mblur on Aug 8, 2007 20:45:18 GMT
I found Joe Public a bit of a riot.. bigest pain was the cones that prevented taking an inside at Taylors, Scotsman or Clarke's but hey ho.. Legends would zip off up the straight and then my instructor was happy to get close and overtake either side, making it my responsbility to make sure a) I was clear in Joe's mirrors or be aware that they may not have been looking. First cpl of laps and it was all go to have some fun from there. Wished I could have some more time.
It was wet - Cupras very good fun if a little safe and could only go 8/10ths as I reminded myself it was about hitting my marks, being smooth and not getting out of shape rather than lap times. Didn't stop some fun, got a good report and generally a fun outing.
Can't wait to heat those boots properly next time.
what series you doing?
Best rgds
Jon
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Post by aland on Aug 9, 2007 18:39:52 GMT
who is doing the instructing at KH these days, Think Jonathan Adam was on the roster and isnt Paul Luti an qualified instructor as well??
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mblur
Midfielder
Posts: 61
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Post by mblur on Aug 10, 2007 22:51:06 GMT
Forrest Jr took my written.. young Scott took my driving section.
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