Defensive Driving is offered at all national events. Anyone planning to participate in Autocross, Performance Driving School, Acceleration, or Time Trials must complete this course or show proof of having completed the course within the previous twelve month period.
This event consists of four to seven exercises designed to help students learn more about vehicle dynamics and improve their driving skills. Most of the exercises are done at low speeds and are recommended for all drivers even those who do not intend to enter the autocross or track events. Each exercise is conducted on a course laid out using traffic cones that serve as pylons. During the exercises, students get a feel for how their car will react during emergency situations such as rapid evasive maneuvers. The emphasis is on turning and threshold braking. When possible, one of the exercises will be a skid pad to give students a chance to learn how to maintain control of their vehicles on slippery surfaces. The skid pad exercise will include practice in dealing with skids and slides.
An approved helmet is recommended but not required.
