Re: 1st driving school

[Bill Bauman <flewbyu@xxxxxxxxxx>]

>I am going to finally do my first driving school in March. What should I
>expect? Is there anything I need to bring besides my car and helmet? To
>all those experienced in this field, please enlighten me.

Being a veteran of all of one driving school, I can share with you a list
of many things you should bring with you. It is by no means all inclusive,
and I'm sure many will have other things to add.

Tire pressure gauge
A way to put air into the tires
Windex & paper towels (so you can see!)
Driving gloves (can't hurt - helps counter sweaty palms)
Flat soled shoes (racing or other - I used boating deck shoes - great for
heel & toeing)
Plenty of water (you WILL get dehydrated if you don't drink a lot)
Basic tools
Fresh brake fluid (if you don't know how to change it, have it done)
Oil (just in case)
Your humility (this is not a joke)

Make sure you have you car teched by someone you trust. Listen to your
instructor. They know what they are talking about. If you don't know how to
heel & toe, don't think about learning it at the track - your mind will be
spinning as it is. Check you humility at the track gate - if you think you
can really drive, you're about to find you can't (probably - I don't know
you & you may be driving Indy Lights for all I know).

You didn't say what kind of car you have, but if it's a BMW, it's probably
WAY better than you are. This may sound foolish, but it's true. I still
can't believe how good my car was at Watkins Glen. It gave me even more of
an appreciation of how good BMWs really are.

Finally, get ready for a great learning experience & an awful lot of fun.
Oh yeah, be prepared to be exhausted by the end for the weekend.

Good luck!






Bill Bauman
'97 328is with sport pkg
BMWCCA 150616
Genesee Valley Chapter

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