More often than not, the purchase of a car, new or used, has the owner asking in their heads what they would like to do to the car to improve the user experience. Except for a few people, car owners often look to personalize their vehicle. Some think of upgrading the in-car entertainment system while others look to improve the performance of the vehicle. Others go for racy-looking car graphics or add-on body parts. But sadly, what is most often overlooked is the upgrading of the owner in terms of being able to drive better. Sure, a lot of us went to driver ed to ensure that we passed our tests and get that driving permit. Beyond that, very few think of improving their driving skills, or expect to improve over time their on road experience. But what we’re talking about is being a safer driver, whether it’s being able to anticipate potential road hazards ahead of, or even behind, us or being able to take that complex curve confidently at speed. If you don’t know what is an unsafe practice or not, no amount of driving experience will improve on your ignorance.

A driver who has gone to a performance driving course is a better, and inherently safer, driver. Instead of just slamming on the brakes in a panic situation, training will have taught you to steer away from trouble. Or in slippery conditions, an educated driver will know the limits of adhesion and know how to counter-steer and use the brakes better in the event of a skid.

There are several driving schools that will teach you the different aspects of driving. If you are not into high performance driving, a short course in defensive driving will teach skills that may one day save your life and those who ride with you on a regular basis. And even non-sports cars can be more enjoyable to drive if the driver knows the elements of heel-and-toeing, reading road surfaces, left-foot braking, tackling complex curves, and the combination of other skills that make even underpowered vehicles enjoyable to drive. Read the rest of this entry »