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Old 13-01-2010, 07:22 PM   #1
ToCo
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Default John Bowe Driving Courses.

Hey guys, I have recently bought an XR8 and think it would be wise to have some defensive driving lessons and being 19 so do the parents. Been thinking about the John Bowe courses (Symmons Plains),
I would like to hear some opinions on what people have thought about their experiences if they have had this training.
I couldn't see any prices on the website either, if someone could help there, would be great. I am thinking about going for the Advanced Course.

Thanks.

Todd.

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Old 13-01-2010, 07:37 PM   #2
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Done them and loved them - it was not only fun, but it was great to learn real defensive driving and car control skills. It is the best way for you to learn how not to kill yourself in the car.
If you get the opportunity, do the high performance day at baskerville. Best day ever. Symmons plains is not technically difficult enough, so you don't get as good return on your money
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Old 13-01-2010, 07:49 PM   #3
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Thanks for that GTP, I just checked out the circuit, does look a bit more challenging that Symmons. Just trying to find the Driving courses, you wouldn't happen to have a link would you?
Pretty keen to do this now.
Thanks for the reply.

Todd.
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Old 13-01-2010, 07:54 PM   #4
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try this one
http://www.johnbowedriving.com/pages...l/default.aspx
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XA coupe 8.8sec @ 150mph http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...coupe+drag+car
BA GT-P for the shed
Mustang GT for the other half
E3 chubsport - fully fat (and slow), sitting there waiting for me to get sick of it and sell it.
BA XR6T for a daily
NT Pajero for the bush
XB 4 door project- swallows a BF xr6 turbo

My dad is a generous bloke. He gave away his dead car batteries free of charge....
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Old 13-01-2010, 07:56 PM   #5
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Feb 5 and 7 is the drive to arrive course. The hipo course is usually once per year, and is not up yet. perhaps call them to register interest
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XA coupe 8.8sec @ 150mph http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...coupe+drag+car
BA GT-P for the shed
Mustang GT for the other half
E3 chubsport - fully fat (and slow), sitting there waiting for me to get sick of it and sell it.
BA XR6T for a daily
NT Pajero for the bush
XB 4 door project- swallows a BF xr6 turbo

My dad is a generous bloke. He gave away his dead car batteries free of charge....
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Old 13-01-2010, 08:08 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GTP owner
Done them and loved them - it was not only fun, but it was great to learn real defensive driving and car control skills. It is the best way for you to learn how not to kill yourself in the car.
If you get the opportunity, do the high performance day at baskerville. Best day ever. Symmons plains is not technically difficult enough, so you don't get as good return on your money
I agree with GTP you cant go wrong
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Old 13-01-2010, 08:23 PM   #7
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I did the Holden defensive driving course that is at Pimpama on Gold Coast, and that was a bloody fun day in itself, so I can only imagine how good it could have been if we weren't hurling round the track in those death traps they call car.

Really, any one the driving courses that are offered are well worth.
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Old 13-01-2010, 08:23 PM   #8
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I did the Holden defensive driving course that is at Pimpama on Gold Coast, and that was a bloody fun day in itself, so I can only imagine how good it could have been if we weren't hurling round the track in those death traps they call car.

Really, any one the driving courses that are offered are well worth it.
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Old 13-01-2010, 08:29 PM   #9
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Cheers, I was looking on the site before but couldn't see the prices, found them now.
$235 is a pretty good price for Drive to Arrive. Was expecting a lot more.
Does the High Performance package involve all of the Drive to Arrive stuff too?
What would you suggest I do first?

Todd.
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Old 14-01-2010, 08:11 AM   #10
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I have done a number of courses, one of which was the John Bowe course at Sandown. The instructor got a phone call (mobile!) and basically abandoned the lectures. Was not impressed.

However, yes, do an advanced driving course. They should be mandatory.
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Old 14-01-2010, 09:15 AM   #11
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I’ve done the drive to arrive course and a few of the circuit courses.

You need to do the DtA course before you do the dedicated circuit courses.

For what it’s worth I thought that the DtA course I did was slightly better than the basic Murcott course.

The circuit courses are good and have helped me get better and more consistent lap times. I did find that I was better off providing my own lap timer and printing off a map of the circuit to record lines, turn in points, etc.
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Old 14-01-2010, 12:17 PM   #12
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A lot of the accredited courses can also help you out with insurance too - discounts for having done the courses etc.

I'm very keen to do some this yr.
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Old 14-01-2010, 05:57 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by b2tf
A lot of the accredited courses can also help you out with insurance too - discounts for having done the courses etc.

I'm very keen to do some this yr.
Would love it if I could get some discounts on my insurance, 2.5k was a kick in the pants for me haha. Will most likely book the Drive To Arrive course in the next week or so.

Todd.
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Old 14-01-2010, 06:10 PM   #14
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Did the Drive to Arrive last year and will be doing high performance this year, first experience was fantastic.

Last edited by FPV8U; 14-01-2010 at 06:24 PM.
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Old 14-01-2010, 08:22 PM   #15
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Like the others have said. It's well worth the cost of doing these courses. I've done the Drive to Survive/Arrive course at Symmons and had a blast. And also learnt a few different things.

Will be also looking at doing a Hi Po course later on in the year.
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