In our Car Control Program we cover key elements vital to improving your driving, such as seating position, steering technique, and vehicle dynamics. Exercises include vision, emergency braking, emergency avoidance and handling corners. The program also takes an in-depth look at typical driving scenarios encountered during inner-city driving and how to respond to them. After the new skills exercises, we finish the day practice time, including a slalom where the objective is to compete against yourself for consistency, challenging you to utilize the skills learned over the day.

Our Winter Skills Day is a special version of Car Control that offers winter driving specifics

Once you have completed a Car Control Course, we are ready to take you to the next level. A new challenge awaits. Our Road Skills courses represent the ultimate in improving your driving skills and mastery and understanding of your vehicle while driving. Skills that translate directly to daily driving and improve your ability to be a safer driver.

This next level of training takes you to a closed road course, the course curriculum is designed for true driving enthusiasts, covering every aspect of driving excellence. Elements specifically developed for this course include specific exercises dealing with ideal-line cornering, safe lane changes, and other skills that relate to your safety whether driving the freeway or scenic mountain roads.

This is road skills driver training NOT a track day or race school, it is an opportunity to apply Car Control skills and learn new skills at what approaches legal highway touring speeds in a safe controlled environment.

Road Skills Driving Courses require successful completion of at least level one Car Control Skills Course or approved alternate entry level course within the last 24 months.

For those who complete the Road Skills level of BMW Car Club of BC driving schools, a new challenge awaits. The third level Advanced Skills Training course represents the ultimate in mastery of every aspect of your vehicles capabilities.

This level of training is held on a closed road course, the course curriculum is designed for true driving enthusiasts, covering every aspect of driving excellence. Elements specifically developed for this course include specific exercises dealing with ideal-line cornering, safe lane changes, and other skills that relate to your safety whether driving the freeway or scenic mountain roads.

This is driver training, NOT a race school or track day, it is a specific opportunity to work on additional Road Skills and learn new skills at what approaches legal highway touring speeds in a safe controlled environment under the guidance of skilled professional instructors.

Advanced Skills Driving Course requires successful completion of at least two Road Skills Courses

Work on your driving skills and attitudes with a specific Winter Skills school, a full day session packed with fun and excitement, suitable for all drivers. This special version of our first Car Control course brings together the fundamentals of confident, safe driving in an exciting session designed to allow you to explore the limits of vehicle control that apply to winter driving using the wet skid pad.

This is a special Winter Skills version of our Car Control program which is part of our graduated programs for drivers.

The Winter Skills day is packed with both opportunities to learn, and FUN while you are doing the learning. Instruction is provided for us by the skilled professionals at Driving Unlimited who also teach for BMW, Mercedes., Mazda and several other manufacturers.

There is no better way to explore skid control, over and under steer and slip and slide that can happen on wet slippery winter roads in a safe controlled way under the supervision of a skilled instructor.
How will your car react? How will you react when the road is slippery?
How does the stability control and ABS affect things. This course lets you find out on a large flat course in a safe environment.

This session is available to both members and non members, and a BMW is not required to attend and learn valuable safety skills. Bring the daily driver car of choice. An excellent program for long time and new drivers alike.

In our Car Control Program we cover key elements vital to improving your driving, such as seating position, steering technique, and vehicle dynamics. Exercises include emergency braking and rear wheel skid control. The Driving Skills Challenge days are meant to provide the enthusiast with a full day of skills practice with minimal waiting around for your turn. Limited instructor feedback coaching and guidance will be available, but as mentioned this is not intended as an entry level session.

Although not a prerequisite, it is recommended that participants have taken a Car Control Course before tacking this session.

for more information on our Driver Training programs please contact us at:

by email: schools@bmwccbc.org
by phone, contact our club registrar: Rolf Drommer at 604-671-5843

 BMW Car Club of BC - Driving Schools Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What does the cost of the schools pay for?

A. The fees pay for our instructors, site rental fee, and a catered lunch if so specified. The fee also includes any needed facility and liability insurance costs the club incurs.

Q. How hard will this be on my car?

A. If your car is in good well maintained working order, the event will not harm your car. Depending on your tire and brake combination, you may find a bit more wear on your tires and brakes than the equivalent number of regular kilometers would incur.

Q. What do you mean by street legal?

A. It means your car needs to meet the requirements as set out in the Motor Vehicle Act for a motorized vehicle that is allowed to be licensed and driven on public roads in BC. This includes acceptable tires and tire tread, proper ground clearance and legal modifications, as well as noise limits. The car must be licensed and insured for daily driving. Temporary paper day plates are not acceptable.

Q. Why do I need a helmet for some of the courses?

A. It's a safety issue for the schools at Mission, and PIR to have a helmet on at all times while on the road course facility.

Q. What if I don't have a Helmet?

A. We will have a limited supply of loaner helmets for the Road Skills course events, so be sure to let us know if you need one or not. No loaner helmets supplied for Advanced Skills days.

Q. How fast can I go on the track?

A. Our events held on the road course at Mission are not a racing event! It is also not an event to see how fast your car can go. We do not push anyone to see how fast he or she can go! The purpose though is to learn skills and control of your car in similar situations as you might find in highway driving. You only drive at the speeds you feel comfortable with, which generally are within the limits you would find posted on the highway.

Q. What if it rains?

A. This is one of the best driving experiences you can get, other than on ice. We will not and do not cancel the event if it is or will rain during the event. Students gain a lot of knowledge from this type of driving condition. Besides, rain is a normal BC thing.

Q. Can I have someone ride with me on the track?

A. Normally No. It is a learning course, and because we want to ensure the learning process works, only students with instructors can be on the course. Instructors can take other students out as well. In all cases full liability releases need to be completed.

Q. What should I bring along?

A. Clothes for both cold, warm and hot driving conditions. Rain gear and gloves. Drinking water. Dressing in layers is smart. A very warm jacket is good too. The mornings can be chilly and or wet. A sealed container to keep your belongings dry. You will be removing everything from your vehicle that can slide around and cause issues.  Knowledge of the reading material you should have received or downloaded. 

Q. Does it cost me anything to pay on-line?

A. No, it does not cost extra. You pay the advertised fee due for the event. However, you may have to create an account with the current service being used.

Q. Why are some events on weekends and others on weekdays?

A. Pitt Meadows lets us book on weekends, but access to Mission on weekends is rare due to their race schedules, so we are left with mostly weekday choices.

Q. Who do I contact if I have any questions?

For more information on our driving schools program
please contact us at:

by email: schools@bmwccbc.org
by phone, contact member services: Rolf Drommer at 604-671-5843

General

  It is important that both you and your vehicle arrive at the event well prepared and in good condition. We also want you to leave the same way but with the addition of a huge ear to ear smile on your face at the end of the day.

  By making sure that both you and the car are properly prepared, there won't be any surprises for you, or the rest of the class.

  The BMW Car Club of British Columbia and Driving Unlimited want this to be a fun experience and a little preparation by you before hand will make it that much more pleasurable.

Car Preparation

Please note: Upgrading your car is NOT required for a driving school.
That said, your car should be in safe running order, and ready for a fun day, so...

One of the most important things is not to be distracted while trying to learn.

  Remove ALL loose items from the interior of the car that can move around. Cassettes, CD's, bags, umbrellas, etc. should be taken out so they do not become flying missiles. Empty the door pockets, and make sure there are no loose items in the glove box and the back seat.

  Remove all loose items from your trunk that are not secured. Again, this is to prevent them from becoming a potentially harmful object or a distraction.

 Check tire condition and pressures and make sure all tires are properly inflated to the recommended level on the door jamb label for your car in fully loaded condition. If in doubt, you can probably safely inflate you tires to 40 psi in all tires. This will reduce the side flex in the tires. The ride will be firmer but you will have a more sensitive feel of the road through the steering wheel. Make sure that all your tires are in good shape including the spare. We have no way to help you inflate under inflated tires at the sessions. Arriving with more air in the tires to start means you can let air out and adjust once you are at the session.

  It goes without saying that your brakes need to be functioning properly. If you have brake issues, you are not only unsafe for the road, but also unsafe for our courses. Pad wear warning lights and other brake warning lights should not be ignored.

For winter skills sessions and session on rainy days, it is wise to make sure your wipers work properly. It is also wise to make sure your windshield is clean and provides and unobstructed view for you.

  Make sure that all fluids are at correct operating levels and that there are no parts or items in the suspension, braking and steering that require repair. Inspect to make sure the battery is secure. If in doubt have your mechanic check your car brakes and suspension parts for suitability. In most cases good stock running order will be just fine, especially for the Car Control Schools. Remember, the Motor Vehicle Act requires your car be in proper working order to drive on the roads. If you are in doubt about your cars condition, the club will can recommend a Dealer or repair shop that can help you with a safety inspection for your vehicle.

  Arrive at the event with a full tank of fuel. The nearest gas / fueling stations are several km from the session locations.

Driver Preparation

  As you know BC has wonderful quickly changing weather. Depending on the weather forecast, bring the appropriate clothing. Just as in camping hiking or sports, consider layering your clothing. If it's going to be wet bring extra socks and shoes and rain gear so you'll stay dry. You will enjoy the day much more if you're comfortable by having the right clothes. For dry events, head protection from the sun (including sunscreen and UV Block) is advised and sunglasses are a must, as is a clean windshield both in and out.

  Road Skills events (at Mission) require that a helmet be used. The helmet should fit well and have a Snell 95 rating or better. A limited number of loaner helmets are usually available.

  Be prepared to drink plenty of fluids during the day to prevent dehydration. We do not have drinking water at the sites, so plan on bringing your own. The adrenaline will be flowing at a good rate and you will be come thirsty. We recommend at least a litre bottle of water, and if you prefer tea or coffee as well.

  Depending on the event venue, you should be prepared for lunch. In most cases, our schools include an on site catered lunch that includes some vegetarian alternatives. If you have special food needs, you may have to make your own arrangements. You WILL be hungry. If you are going need to leave the facilities for a meal, don't linger. By not holding up the others, everyone will have more runs and learn more.

  Try to arrive promptly, at least 15 to 20 minutes before the designated start time. This will allow you time to sign the obligatory Liability Waiver, remove any loose articles from the car, walk the course and generally relax before the class begins.

  After the event, drive carefully. You WILL be tired, and probably quite unaware of how much adrenaline has been pumping through you system during the day. Plan to go to bed early that night because your body will want some rest from the days events.