Frequently Asked Questions

  1. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DRIVING SCHOOL AND A RACING SCHOOL?

  • The Drivers Coach (TDC), Performance Driving Academy teaches what is commonly known as High Performance Driver Education (HPDE) programs using your own everyday vehicle; Vehicles that you can drive on the racetrack on Sunday and go to work on Monday. 
    • Our Driving School 4 to 6 class programs (Beginners to Intermediate) are designed to focus on the foundations of vehicle dynamics and behavior that will be directly translated to safe, fun motoring for the street.
    • High Performance Driving School 8 to 11 class program take the driving school curriculum and add intensity capitalizing on the capability of the high performance design and equipment of your production car.
  • The Drivers Coach Racing Academy is a program for drivers with their production based race car specially prepared to compete in the SCCA, NASA, FIA and similar competition series.
    • The racing programs are designed to teach the fundamentals and advanced techniques to be successful on the track and in a racing environment.

 2. WHAT IS HPDE EXACTLY? 
  • Our High Performance Driving Academy program, commonly referred to as HPDE, is based on BMW Club & Porsche Club of America philosophy; a tiered level learning program designed to give street car drivers the opportunity to get on a race track. 

  • A typical day at the track entails having your car pass a simple safety inspection, attending your morning drivers meeting, getting out on track for three 20 minute track sessions, and attending a debriefing meeting after each session.
      
  • A TDC Coach is assigned to you for one on one attention and to guide you through the event.  You learn performance driving techniques, how to handle your car at its limit and set your own personal goals and not group goals. 

  • You can progress through the skill levels, based on your experience and performance, as quickly as you feel comfortable.  

  • Once you have completed the Advanced group you can continue on our Solo Driver Track Day Program or Racing Academy to get competition training, a racing license and compete in national Time Trials or Road Racing.

 3. DO I NEED A LICENSE TO DRIVE ON THE TRACK?
  • Yes, you need a valid and current Puerto Rico or USA drivers license (or the equivalent license from another jurisdiction). Holding a valid driver’s license is the basic level of qualification to drive in North America. TDC accept licenses from outside our jurisdiction provided they are in Spanish or English. A competition license is NOT required to participate in any of our programs.
  • If we were to allow people who are unable to obtain a valid drivers license onto the track, and there was a serious incident, we would be leaving ourselves open to litigation. 

 4. IS THERE AN AGE REQUIREMENT TO ATTEND
     The Drivers Coach have an minimum age limit of 22; however, younger drivers 17-21 years of age are considered with parental                            permission. Please give us a call to discuss and advise you with any specifics.

 5. WHAT IS THE COST OF ATTENDING?
  • There are variable costs for attending depending on the program package you choose; from 4 classes Beginners up to 11 classes Highly Advanced level. Consider that this is an Investment in knowledge and Intelligence and a one to one coaching service. We are going to teach you how to drive you car and not a rental car other driving school wants you to drive.  
  • TDC programs are very professional and good value compared to other driving schools in the United States. Please be sure to consider your ability and recognize the value of enrolling in a program that best fits your skill level at the time.  Please give us a call for a one to one advise to better identify your skill level, your goals and the right program for you.

 6. CAN I SHARE A CAR?
  • Usually this is a question about our rate structure.  To clarify the rates, all rates are per driver.  Drivers may drive multiple cars, providing each is suitably prepared and teched. We do not offer a reduced “sharing” rate.
  • Two drivers may also share one car, in which case will we put each driver in a separate run group so each driver obtains equivalent seat time.  

 7. DO I DRIVE MY OWN CAR?
  • Yes. The whole purpose of our programs is for you to develop the performance driving skills to drive safely and enjoy your car.
  • Please go to our Resources page for advise on safety and preparation.

 8. WHAT TYPE OF VEHICLES ARE SUITABLE FOR TRACK DRIVING?
  • Generally speaking, any modern sports car, sports coupe, or sports sedan is suitable for participation in road course or lapping events when properly prepared for the rigours of track driving. 
  • Preparation is the responsibility of the driver, including completion of a Tech inspection prior to each event.  See Mandatory Vehicle Preparation for more information. Please call us for SUV's or Convertibles. 

 9. ARE THERE PREREQUISITES FOR ANY OF THE PROGRAMS?
  • For Track Days, you need to be a Solo Driver and that requires the 6 class High Performance Intermediate level program with us. If you are a BMW Club or PCA Solo Driver you only need a quick check drive to be signed off by one of our Coaches.  
  • For The Drivers Coach Racing School you need to have the 8 class High Performance Advanced Level program.  
  • Please give us a call for a one to one advise on which program best suits your needs.

10. IS LODGING and EVENT REGISTRATION PROVIDED?
  • No. But for your convenience and as part of our hospitality services we will do for you all the hotel bookings and Club Event registration which you will refund to The Drivers Coach. For a list of available hotels near the tracks, go to the Resources section. 

11. HOW LONG ARE THE PROGRAMS?
  • The Drivers Coach programs range from 4 to 11 event class programs.

12. HOW MUCH TIME IS SPENT IN THE CLASSROOM AND ON THE TRACK?
  • A 4 hour classroom sessions is done at The Drivers Coach Main Office two weeks before going to the track. 
  • At the track, you have 100% track time for behind the wheel class and runs approximately from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday or Sunday.

13. WILL MEALS BE PROVIDED AT THE PROGRAM?
  • Yes. TDC provides water and non-alcoholic refreshments for event participants. It is important to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. If you prefer other beverages, please bring your own. No alcoholic beverages are permitted in The Drivers Coach Paddock and Pit Area. 
  • For lunch, Dely style sandwiches as well as fruits and snacks are provided for event participants.  We plan quantities based on the number of registrants, so if you plan to have a guest please let us know 72 hours in advance.  Tracks concessions may be open.  Special needs are the participant’s responsibility.  You are welcome to bring your own food. No BBQs or other open flame devices are permitted in the paddock.

14. WHAT ABOUT ACCIDENTS, AM I LIABLE FOR VEHICLE DAMAGE THAT MAY OCCUR DURING THE EVENT? 
  • Yes. You are responsible for damage. 
  • Although body contact accidents are rare in the HPDE program, the risk of accidents can be reduced by always maintaining a two car distance from driver in front of you and driving within your limits in a manner appropriate for track and weather conditions. 
  • Some auto insurance companies do not cover damages to your car during school (HPDE) or similar driver education track events. Check the list of "exclusions" in your own personal auto insurance policy for this information. 
  • While we have an excellent safety record at The Drivers Coach, taking your street or race car onto a race track is not without inherent risks. You will do so on your own responsibility and liability. There is no insurance coverage for property damage or bodily harm through The Drivers Coach.  
  • Please go to Resources and read additional Insurance section. 

15. ARE HELMETS AND GEAR PROVIDED?
  • NO. Helmets, head socks, racing suites, gloves or racing shoes are not provided. Please go to our Driver Resources section for information on vendors. 

16. CAN I USE A DOT HELMET?
  • NO.  The DOT standard  (meaning United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #218) is considered to be lesser than current Snell Memorial Foundation standards from both functional and compliance perspectives. With respect to function, the DOT standard was developed in 1972 and remains virtually unchanged except for a minor revision to the testing process in 1988; whereas the Snell standard is revised every 5 years and is continually evolving based on new information on how to prevent brain injuries. With respect to compliance, Snell independently tests samples of each and every helmet design before providing certification, and then performs ongoing spot-checks of each helmet design throughout its production life; whereas DOT rules allow companies to certify their own helmets, and NHTSA tests only 40 sample helmets a year for compliance.  During the years 2004-2008, NHTSA found 28% of so-called DOT-approved helmets failed performance testing.  More information comparing helmets certification standards is available here http://www.smf.org/docs/articles/dot as well as here http://ultimatemotorcycling.com/motorcycle-helmet-standards-explained-dot-ece-22-05-snell/.  Actual NHTSA helmet test results can be found here http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/testing/comply/fmvss218/index-doom_04-25-2013.html.
  • Frankly, we don’t want you to risk wearing a sub-standard helmet at our events. FOR YOUR FIRST CLASS AND WHILE YOU RECEIVE YOUR NEW SA HELMET WE MAY ACCEPT M CLASSIFICATION HELMETS. Please give us a call for a one to one advise and approval.

17. WHO WILL BE MY INSTRUCTOR?
  • The Drivers Coach provides only the best race-proven instructors.  Our instructors have the proven skill and experience coupled with the unique ability to communicate it to you.  Instructors are assigned by the Chief Coach and will vary from program to program.

18. CAN I BRING A GUEST / SPECTATOR TO THE PROGRAM?
  • Yes,  participants are welcome to bring a preregistered Guest for an additional $12.00/day. The Guest can join us for all meals and beverages at hospitality lounge.  
  • Guests are required to report to the The Drivers Coach Hospitality Host for guest wrist band and registration immediately upon their arrival to sign the same waivers as drivers and crew. 
  • Guests will not be permitted to ride or drive with participants, please see below. If your proposed guest is a MINOR, please see below.  Note that your guest may be subject to gate fees when major events are going on elsewhere on-site (not within our control).

19. ARE MINORS PERMITTED?
  • NO. Their is simply to much risk going on. No exceptions please. 

20. ARE PASSENGERS PERMITTED ON THE TRACK?
  • Passengers and Guests will not be permitted to ride or drive with participants; however they may be permitted to ride with The Drivers Coach instructors during certain segments. Please contact us in advance to discuss possibilities. 

21. WILL THERE BE FUEL AT THE TRACK?
  • Fuel is available in Salinas Shell or at Puma Gas Stations only 5 minutes away. 
  • Be warned to fill up as you CAN NOT leave the Track and re-enter at any time. 
  • TDC will have a limited supply of 93 octane gas at $1.50 per gallon up charge. 

22. WHAT IF IT RAINS DURING THE PROGRAM?
  • All programs are run rain or shine.  Rain actually adds a positive training element to any program.
  • There are a few exception to the ‘events will run rain or shine’ rule and the CCCPR Club which runs the event has the last word on stopping and resuming the event. CCCPR will stop temporarily if there is lightning in the area, and the event will resume when lightning has cleared or temporarily if there is a deluge and significant standing water on the track, making it unsafe to run.

23. WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?
  • Helmet, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and a camera.  Smiles and lots of fun are on us!!
  • Go to Resource for Safety & Preparation. 

24. WHAT TYPE OF ATTIRE IS APPROPRIATE FOR THIS PROGRAM?
  • Comfortable clothing is key;  Short or long sleeve shirt and long pants. Proper shoes must be worn with your feet completely covered, narrow design is best.
  • In Racing Schools you will need a racing suit, gloves and shoes.  Always consider the weather. Please go to Resources page for vendors and product information.

25. AM I ALLOWED TO BRING A CAMERA OR VIDEO CAMERA?
  • Yes, or for a small fee we can provide you with our Motorsport Photographer/Videographer with Go Pro HD Cameras and hand you a professionally edited video and HD digital quality pictures. Pictures and an in-car video of your laps can be a valuable teaching tool and great souvenir of your driving experience.

26. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
  • Be prepared – for a life changing experience and feel good adrenaline rush!! 

27. WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT TERMS, CREDITS AND CANCELLATION POLICIES?
      You will sign and be given a copy of TDC service contract detailing all terms of service. But in general; 
  • All prices are final and non-refundable at the time of purchase. Payment of 50% of total price of Program at contract signing and the remaining 50% is paid 60 days before the end of the scheduled program date. 
  • Is important to schedule and make reservations of all program dates at registration. 
  • We do not offer refunds if TDC is ready, willing and capable of carrying its part of the contract. TDC pays their instructors and support team-based on reservations for scheduled classes and we have to pay them even if Student or Solo Driver do not show up.  Therefore, we do not credit student absences or cancellations to reservations unless made 30 days before the appointment. If not, a $100.00 cancellation fee will be charged. Its required for the student to send the cancellation by email to drivingschoolpr@gmail.com or a text message to 787-647-0180. You will be charged $100.00 for the cancellation fee if you try to cancel your class "BTW" or Track Day with less than 30 days. In consideration of the time and dedication of our instructors and team, there will be no exceptions to these rules. 
  • Reschedule of cancelled classes can be done a soon as next available slot opening. Student has to reschedule and finish the program no later than 60 days after original completion date.   
  • TDC does not allow to transfer classes between students.
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