Performance Driving School Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

(Have a question not on this list? E-mail Leslie at dsinfo@rmcbmwcca.org)

Q. Must I be a member of BMW CCA to participate in the Driving School?
A. Yes. Driving school participants are required to be BMW CCA members. We are offering an option when registering for the driving school that includes a one year membership in BMW CCA.

Q. How old do I have to be to drive in Driving School?
A. 18.

Q. Do I need a helmet for Driving School?
A. Yes, if you do not have one, try hard to get one. All helmets must have a Snell foundation 2000 or newer certification sticker. Either the Snell motorcycle (M) or auto racing (SA) certification is acceptable. A limited number of helmets can be rented for $15 at the Driving School, but the fit may not be as desired and you may have to share. Bell Helmet's How to Fit Guide is an excellent reference on proper helmet fitting.

Q. Can I use my convertible, pickup truck or SUV for the Driving School?
A. Convertibles and cars with removable hard tops are only permitted with a full racing roll cage that has been pre-approved by the Safety Steward. Trucks, pickups, vans, minivans and SUVs other than the BMW X5, X3 and Porsche Cayenne are not permitted.

Q. What time should I arrive at Driving School?
A. 6:45 am.

Q. What time will Driving School be finished?
A. Around 6 pm.

Q. What is the Driving School schedule?
A. See the download page for a copy of the tentative schedule.

Q. How do I know if I am in the Driving School?
A. You can check your "My Events" page on the web to see your registration status (see the link in the top banner). You will receive an email confirming your credit card payment via the secure online shopping cart. You will also receive an email listing your car number and run group from the registrar about 12 days before the school. Both web registration and payment must be complete to secure your place in the school.

Q. If I have to cancel out of the Driving School, what do I do?
A. Reuse the registration page, or via the "My Events" page and click the "Cancel Me" link next to the green highlighted event entry. Contact the registrar for a late cancellation after registration has closed. Refunds ($150 per driver per day) will be mailed if registrar is notified May 20th or earlier.  No refunds after May 20th.

Q. What completed forms do I have to bring to Driving School?
A. Emergency Medical Form and Car Tech inspection forms are required. No forms, no drive! Also bring your student log book if you have attended our schools previously. If you will be bringing any minors to the track, minor waiver forms must be provided. If the parents or legal guardian will not be present, minor waiver forms must be signed by a parent/guardian and notarized.

Q. If I am on the wait list for Driving School, how will I know if/when I am in the school.
A. Registrar will contact you via email or phone.

Q. Can I pay by check?
A. We prefer that everyone pay online. If you are unable to do so, contact the registrar.

Q. What if I have a letter of credit or discount coupon for a club event?
A. Pay the full amount online and mail your coupon to the registrar (2026 S. Ironton Ct., Aurora 80014) for a refund check.

Q. This is my first driving school, how can I prepare?
A. Download and read the documents on the download page. Before leaving home, take all loose items out of your car that you will not need at the track.

Q. What should I bring with me?
A. Read the Driving School manual available from the download page for a list of what to bring.

Q. If it is raining, snowing, etc., will the Driving School be cancelled/postponed?
A. No, we hold the Driving School no matter what the weather.

Q. Can I bring the kids to Driving School?
A. Yes, however, bring someone who will be responsible for their welfare while you are on the track or in class. A parent or guardian must sign a Minor Waiver Form for each minor.

Q. Who is the registrar?
A. Leslie, the one pulling her hair out! Send her an e-mail if you have a question! She likes e-mail: dsinfo@rmcbmwcca.org

Q. What are the qualifications of the instructors?
A. Our instructors have extensive high performance driving experience and have demonstrated both technical driving skills and a ability to teach. Our instructors have experiences from a variety of driving events including club racing, advanced driving schools, open track days & autocross.

Q. Is passing allowed on the track?
A. Because safety is our first priority, passing is strictly controlled. C & D group drivers will not be allowed to pass during their first track session. Otherwise passing is only permitted in designated areas with plenty of room and only when the driver of the overtaken vehicle gives a "point-by" signal indicating they are prepared for another car to pass.

Q. How many cars are on the track at once?  Is it crowded?
A. We limit registration to ensure a good instructor to student ratio and to avoid a crowded track. Approximately 15 student cars will be on the track at one time. Instructor drive sessions may have 30-40 cars on the track.

Q. How are the students grouped into the on-track run groups?
A. The chief instructor is responsible for grouping students into the 4 run groups (A, B, C & D) based upon each student's prior experience at driving schools and other high performance driving history. Students can be moved between run groups during the day if it becomes clear to the instructors that they are not assigned to the most appropriate run group. Remember, our focus is on safety, learning and fun!

Q. Since I am an experienced track driver, may I drive solo on the track, without an instructor?
A. In general, the Rocky Mountain Chapter does not "sign-off" students to drive solo. We feel that having an instructor in the right-hand seat helps ensure safety - even if the student does not need guidance. In special cases, where an A group driver is being considered as a future instructor training candidate, he/she may be permitted by the chief instructor and driving school chair to drive without an instructor. However, even in these cases, an instructor will be observing that student one-on-one from the tower at all times.