[tomwright]

After three of driving (clios) in finally got myself a "sports" car (MCS).

I would consider myself an above average driver as i have a background in motocros so am a bit of a petrol head. However im sure i would get an aweful lot more out of my new car if i improved my driving technique.

In your personnal experience did you find that it came with experience or is there something that i could do?

[GR33NIE]

It come with experience with me, day after day I drive in different situations. Im not saying im the worlds best driver, everyone has their faults but I think over time you improve.

Ever look at people and think How on earth did you pass your test??? They are either fairly new drivers or people that dont drive alot in mixed situations, different roads etc

[Richard Crofts]

Advanced driver courses are available. Also sessions with trained race instructors are invaluable. There are some tracks that even use MINIs to train people. Check out the tinter web for such places doing MINI experiences.

I would suggest signing up for a track day and taking your car and having a bit of a practice with it. If you give it plenty of breaks and are careful you'll have a good day and you won't have too much to pay out as the brakes and tyres will survive OK if your careful. It will give you a chance to push the car a little and not harm other drivers and probably be OK yourself.

[coded2112]

Has anyone on here had any experience of the one to one type of advanced driving session, such as HPC or the like? If so how good are they?

[Robboc]

Since having my Cooper S I have found that the best technique for getting the best driving experience is to rev the nuts off it, honest. Power low down is pretty crap, but get it up to about 3500 rpm and she pulls like a good'un. Definately improves the experience for me.

Must admit I have thought about taking and advanced drivers test as I believe you get cheaper insurance, but I dont think there is anyway they would give me a certificate

[snid]

Instruction is definitely the key. I'm in the states, so I cannot say what would be available over there. But here, the BMW Car Club of America puts on some exceptional driving instruction events and track days. I'm heading off to another one later today, in fact.

The thing to look for for a first instructional event is one that is not run on a race track. Find one where they have wet skidpad (skidpan over there, right?) excercises and such. On the track, people get grumpy when you spin your car. In a parking lot with a wet skidpad, they want you to spin. As an instructor told me "the racetrack is a lousy place to learn car control".