New Driving Skills Academy opened at Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone

The course will be co-hosted by TV presenter Vicki Butler-Henderson and supported by Red Bull Racing F1 driver, Mark Webber, and will inculcate the values of safety and driving among the participants. The course aims at providing a formal, but fun, environment for young drivers where they will have the opportunity to understand how engine performance and chassis dynamics affect their car's handling and how the driver's actions are essential in keeping it under control at all times. Designers of the course believe that having confidence in your own ability and that of your car is key to tackling modern traffic situations successfully. So The Driving Academy course provides participants with a unique opportunity to gain a sound knowledge of the principles of car control around the specially designed test tracks, plus tips on how to avoid potential road hazards in advance and thus deal with them more efficiently - or better still, avoid them completely.

Starting from the 22nd of August this year, the Driving Skills Academy courses will take place on Saturdays and will be structured into four modules; Practical, which deals with understanding one's car's handling characteristics on low grip surfaces; Theory, where a leading driving expert instructs the participants on the principles of advanced driving techniques; Human Performance, which lets the participants test their reaction speed and vision in a state-of-the-art sports science lab; and Assessment, where the participants get to drive a Porsche 911 around the Handling Circuit alongside a Driving Consultant.

While some may believe such a course to be excessive and not particularly useful for driving in everyday conditions, no one can contest the fact that better knowledge of one's own and one's car's abilities will go a long way in creating safe, responsible and confident drivers. Maybe some Indian auto company should think of starting such an academy in this country as well.