BMW Car Club
 of British Columbia
BMW Club Driver Training
 Advanced Driver Training Programs for Enthusiasts - 2012 Preliminary Date Information
BMW Car Club of BC
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Advanced Driver Training for Enthusiasts
 Club Schools Overview of planned programs and dates for 2012
 Events by Month
 January 2012
 February 2012
 March 2012
 April 2012
 May 2012
 June 2012
 July 2012
 August 2012
 September 2012
 October 2012
 November 2012
 December 2012
Car Control Courses
Apr 1 - Car Control
July 15th - Car Control
 
Nov 6th Winter Skills Day
Skills Challenge Days
January 29 - Skills Day
March 11 - Skills Day
May 6 - Skills Day
June 10 - Skills Day
July 22 - Skills Day
Sept 16 - Skills Day
Oct 21 - Skills Day
Road Skills Courses
Road Skills - date 1 TBD
Road Skills - date 2 TBD
Road Skills - date 3 TBD
Advanced HPDE Days
Advanced Days [tentative]
Advanced - date 1 TBD
Advanced - date 2 TBD
Advanced - date 3 TBD
Cancellation & Refunds Contact Info Course Locations FAQs
©1998-2012 BMW Car Club of BC
updated Dec 04, 2011 Please note: Noise and safety restrictions apply at all our driver training events.
 | Driving Schools Overview | Car Control | Skills Challenge | Road Skills | Winter Skills | Advanced HPDE | Dates and Registration Links page |
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 2012 Advanced Driver Training Program Calendar & Registration Links
All BMW Car Club of BC Driver Training Programs require registration and prepayment of fees. This can be accomplished using the secure on-line registration and payment services offered by Karelo that we have incorporated into our site.
The system accepts most major credit cards, and can quickly and securely process your registration and payment.
 Please Note: All 2012 dates are subject to facility booking confirmations and may change
 
top  January 2012

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Date Event Details Registration Link
Jan 29 Dancing with Cones - Skills XL Slalom Day January 29, 2012 Pitt Meadows
Yes, we are starting in January with an XL - Super Sized Skills Day
So, what is this XL - Super Sized deal. Well, for those that have been to a Dancing or Skills Day before, you need to know that another 1100 by 250 ft of pavement have been done. After some stagging and equipent area, that means nearly double the size of facilty to map out a course on for you to have fun with. Nearly double the course layout without paying double. Sort of like a Super Sized or XL meal deal, but in this case more pavement and fun for you. Only catch is it costs us more, so we have to add some to the fee, and need to come close to selling out the spots. Hopefully the regulars will want to come out and play.
A full day of 'dancing with cones' and of Skills practicing and challenge fun for BMW Car Club of BC members and other car enthusiasts who have previously taken a Car Control session. This is basically a full day of skills practice on a slalom course with Driving Unlimited instructors on hand to cover important basic safety skills and provide feedback and coaching.
 
Driving Skills Day Course Includes
 Catered On site Lunch
 Professional Instruction by Driving Unlimited
 Full day session limited to 30 Participants
 Course Fee $200 [$190 for valid members]
  Yes, it costs more, but you get nearly double the course size
Register and pay for Jan 29, 2012 via Karelo
Sign up early to avoid disappointment
op  March 2012

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Mar 11 Dancing with Cones - Skills / Slalom Day March 11, 2012 Pitt Meadows
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Apr 01 Car Control Driver Training - April 01, 2012 Pitt Meadows
 
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May 6 Dancing with Cones - Skills / Slalom Day May 6, 2012 Pitt Meadows
  
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June 10 Dancing with Cones - Skills / Slalom Day June 10, 2012 Pitt Meadows
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Date Event Details Registration Link
July 15 Car Control Driver Training - July 15, 2012 Pitt Meadows
July 22 Dancing with Cones - Skills / Slalom Day July 22, 2012 Pitt Meadows
top  August 2012

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top  September 2012

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Date Event Details Registration Link
Sept 16 Dancing with Cones - Skills / Slalom Day Sept 16, 2012 Pitt Meadows
 
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Date Event Details Registration Link
 
Oct 21 Dancing with Cones - Skills / Slalom Day Oct 21, 2012 Pitt Meadows
top  November 2012

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Date Event Details Registration Link
  
Nov 4 Winter Skills Car Control Driver Training - Sun Nov 6th  at Pitt Meadows
A full day of Car Control Skills focusing on Winter Specific Skills and exercises. This course is taught by Driving Unlimited and covers important basic safety skills followed by the opportunity to practice them.
Winter Skills Course Includes
 Catered On site Lunch
 Fully Qualified Professional Instruction by Driving Unlimited
 Full day session limited to 24 Participants
 Course Fee $205 [$195 for valid members] price includes taxes
Register and Pay for Nov 04 via Karelo
 
Sign up early to avoid disappointment
Cancellations and Refunds
 BMW CCBC Driver Training Program Cancellation/Refund Policy
Eligibility:
Eligibility: For Car Control and Skills Challenge Courses - open to persons at least 16 years of age and holding valid, full or learners or novice drivers license are eligible to register and participate in the BMW Car Club of BC Car Control Driver Training Program. Parental consent form required for under 19.
Eligibility: for Road Skills and Advanced Skills
For Road Skills courses - open to persons 19 years of age or over with full class valid drivers license (no learners or novice license allowed) are eligible to participate in BMW Car Club of BC Roads Skills Courses once they have completed the required Car Control or Road Skills prerequisites.
For Advanced Skills courses - available to quailifed persons once they have completed at least two required Road Skills courses as prerequisites and have been signed off by our instructor group. [must be 19 years of age or over with full class valid drivers license (no learners or novice license allowed) and must have completed at least 2 Road Skills courses or have been signed off by our instructor group based on previous qualifications. A driving programs resume may be requested. You also need your own helmet.]
 
Vehicles: Our program is one where you bring and drive your own vehicle. Vehicles must be fully licensed and insured, street legal, and in safe operating condition [tires, brakes, suspension etc], as well as meet noise* limits. We do accept convertibles in our Car Control, Safety Skills and Road Skills courses, but they are usually not allowed in Advanced Skills Courses depending on the car and configuration.
*Noise limits: Please note, that even though Mission runs very loud drag races, normal events such as those we operate come under noise restriction rules [also applies to Pitt Meadows]. Cars cannot exceed 90db. at 50' from the track/course area.
 
Cancellations and Refunds [regular programs]

1 If, for some reason, a registered participant is unable to attend the scheduled course date of the Program, the registered participant may be entitled to a refund minus processing fees of their registration fees, subject to the following conditions:

  30 days or more prior to course date    Full refund less processing fee specified for event (min. $2.50)
  22 to 29 days prior to course date    90% refund less applicable processing fee
  15 to 21 days prior to course date    75% refund less applicable processing fee
  10 to 14 days prior to course date    50% refund less applicable processing fee
  10 days or less prior to course date    0% refund (see 2 below for additional exceptions)

2. No credits or refunds will be given for cancellations received 10 days or less prior to the course date on Car Control and Road Skills Courses. A 20 day prior to event no refund policy normally applies to Road Skills courses. A 30 day no refund window may apply to certain Advanced Skills programs such as PIR Advanced Skills. (Exceptions apply if we can resell the vacant spot)

3. All cancellation requests must be confirmed in writing (email to schools@bmwccbc.org or fax to 604-945-4761) by the registered participant and will be subject to the refund policy outlined in Section 1 above. Registered participants who do not attend the Program on their scheduled date are responsible for the entire registration fee.

4. The BMW Car Club of BC reserves the right to cancel any Program dates without notice and will, in such event, make a full refund of any registration fees. No liability is assumed by the BMW Car Club of BC for changes in the Program dates, contents or venues.

5 All refunds will be credited to the Visa or MasterCard used in the original purchase.

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Contact Info
 BMW Car Club of BC - Driver Training Schools Contact Info

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

Instruction for the BMW Car Club of BC Car Control Driver Training Programs is provided by the qualified professionals at Driving Unlimited

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Course Location Info
 BMW Car Club of BC Driving School Locations
Car Control Driving Schools At the British Columbia Driving Center at Pitt Meadows Airport -  Access via Harris Road and Ford Road in Pitt Meadows
click on image for printable PDF
The purpose built driver training facility is currently 250' x 1100' of freshly paved airport runway quality asphalt and has it's own paved access road.
From Vancouver:
Go east on Hwy 1.
Take Exit 44 United Blvd.
Keep to right.
Follow signs for United Blvd.
Off Ramp will lead to light at United and Mary Hill Bypass.
Go straight. You are on Mary Hill Bypass.
Stay to right.
Road will end at T and bear right onto Hwy 7 (Lougheed).
Drive over Pitt River Bridge.
Turn right at third traffic light after bridge (Harris Rd.).
Turn right at third traffic light (Ford Rd.).
Go to 3 way STOP (Baynes Rd. and Pitt Meadows Airport sign).
Stay on Ford Rd. for about 1.1km and turn left at the British Columbia Driving Centre sign.
Drive in access road to site.


From Surrey:
Go west on HWY 1 and cross Port Mann Bridge.
Take Exit 44 and stay left.
Follow signs to Hwy 7 East.
Merge onto Hwy 7 and get to right immediately.
Take exit onto United Blvd 7B South.
Turn left at second traffic light.
You are on Mary Hill Bypass.
Stay to right.
Road will end at T and bear right onto Hwy 7 (Lougheed).
Drive over Pitt River Bridge.
Turn right at third traffic light after bridge (Harris Rd.).
Turn right at third traffic light (Ford Rd.).
Go to 3 way STOP (Baynes Rd. and Pitt Meadows Airport sign).
Stay on Ford Rd. for about 1.1km and turn left at the British Columbia Driving Centre sign.
Drive in access road to site.
  
Road Skills Driving Schools Mission Raceway Park Just off the Lougheed or Hwy 11 access to Mission
From Vancouver head east on Hwy 1 to Abbotsford to the Hwy 11 exit. Take Hwy 11 north through Abbotsford and cross the Fraser on the Mission Bridge. Just after crossing the river you'll see signs that direct you to Mission Raceway Park
Advanced Sessions Mission Raceway Park Just off the Lougheed or Hwy 11 access to Mission
PIR with DU Advanced Sessions Portland International Raceway, Portland Oregon USA
Portland International Raceway is within the city limits of the City of Portland and is located just west off from the I-5 Freeway (exit 306-B), about 6 miles west of Portland International Airport, 2 miles south of Vancouver, Washington and about 3 miles north of downtown Portland.
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Frequently Asked Questions

 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. You will notice many events have a member fee, and a non member fee. [non members are charged a day pass fee to participate in some paying events.]

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

Instruction for the BMW Car Club of BC Driver Training Programs are provided by the qualified professionals at Driving Unlimited

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Preparing for a Course
 Preparing For A BMW Car Club of BC Driver Training Session

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.

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Email List
 BMW Car Club of BC - E-Mail News List - Driver Training Info

Keep informed on upcoming sessions and Driver Training News

We have created a news mailing list that you can subscribe to for more info on Driver Training Programs news and updates.

This is a targeted list, we don't send out spam, just news updates on our upcoming Driver Training sessions. Use the subscription link below to add your email address to the list.

   

Join the BMW Car Club of BC - Driver Training News List today

   
BMW Car Club of BC email and news list privacy policy:
The BMW Car Club of BC recognizes and values the privacy concerns of it's members. This news list is offered as a service to our members, and is intended to keep members informed of upcoming club events of interest to our members. New members will be automatically added to this list, however, you can choose to unsubscribe at any time.
We do not sell or loan out our membership list or email lists. We do plan on publishing a club members directory, but will only list what members feel comfortable with. If you have any privacy concerns, please respond in confidence, and we will try to help meet your concerns.
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  The electronic mail addresses listed on this web site are for official BMW Car Club of BC business only, and are not intended for commercial use such as Unsolicited Commercial Email, also known as SPAM or junk email. Inappropriate use of the email addresses on this web site will be considered theft of service.