Is there a driving school(preferrably in the southeast) that accepts convertibles in their school? A friend of mine was looking into getting some driving lessons for his Z3 and was having difficulties finding one to accept him. I will be buying a 2009 MINI convertible myself in a couple months and im also curious about learning how to drive it properly.

 

Most of them would probably have some cage/hardtop/helmet requirements. What about a school like Bondurant's or Skip Barber's where you use one of their cars? Sure it'd be more fun in your own car but a lot of the same lessons can be transferred to your car the next HPDE you go to.

 

Phil Wicks Mini Driving School allows convertibles. He has events in WV, TN, AL, and VA this year.

http://www.minidriving.com/default.asp

 

Yep ^. I did one of their events last year, and plan to do two or three this year.

Other options:
TurnOne Track Events at Carolina Motorsports Park (CMP) in South Carolina
DarkSide DE at Roebling Road
I also found a group that allows convertibles at Road Atlanta - but can't remember who and the site where I posted details is down right now.

 

Thanks guys! I live in SC so TurnOne and Darkside are close to home. Appreciate the info.

 

BMW Driving School is in SC

It is a little expensive.

 

Check mvptracktime.com. It's not exactly a driving school but I think they allow convertibles.

 

Hello from the Dark Side. I just thought I'd chime in, because we are a driver ed and do accept many convertibles. However, the convertible must have a factory installed rollbar - like a MINI, Boxster, Audi TT (I have learned that the Nissan 350Z convertible has a "design" rollbar - and not a functioning one -- so they are not allowed unless modified.) We also accept properly installed rollbars (have an old Miata to track?).

Our next Dark Side DE and Swap Meet will be at Roebling May 2-3. You are most welcome to join us.

 

just to clarify. at bmw driving school, you use one of their cars. bmwcca and scca do not allow mini cabrio's. the acceptable factory installed roll bar requirements state that the bar has to be close (sorry, i don't remember the exact distance) to the drivers/passengers head...which, of course, our are not. in the northeast/midatlantic, pda driving schools are held at lime rock, pocono, watkins glen, njmsc (thunderbolt/lightning), and monticello motor club...and they allow cabrios. http://www.pdadrivingschool.com/article.php?id=2

perhaps at some point, a cabrio specific thread could be made in the drivers ed forum...might even get stickied

 

oxtox, the last time I checked BMW does not allow any convertibles. As for SCCA they have very clear rules - in fact, I have to get a hold of them to see what they say about open cockpits.

Sounds like a nice plan for the Driver Ed forum. Shall we get one started?

 

i know that the rules of most good forums/mini communities state that if you think something is a good idea and propose it, you have just inherited the job. my problem is that i don't think i have the requisite computer skills to do it well. but, hell i'll try if y'all help me.

bmwcca roll bar requirements are the same as scca and DO NOT ALLOW CABRIOS (i am quite familiar with them as i was trying to find a way to run with my local mini mates at these events in '09). i am contemplating a removable roll bar, and have contacted several prospective fabricators....just not sure it's gonna happen in this economy, given i have other priorities. for those looking for "the rules" here you go.... see section 11 http://www.scca.com/documents/Club%2...Level1-PDX.pdf

 

Thank you. I was just going to contact some of my local Buccaneer's to see if they knew. I'm being told that the arm restraints are a thing of the past - and are now considered dangerous. I thought it was time to read up on it.

I hope you'll consider joining us. We have two MINIs signed up so far. It would be nice to see more.

 

P.S. Looks like arm restraints are still required - thank you for finding the rule book for me.
A seven-point restraint harness is recommended for all events. Arm restraints are required on all open cars including open Targa tops, sunroofs and T-tops. The restraint system installation is subject to approval of the Chief Technical and Safety Inspector.

What is funny, is I get quoted quite a bit - seems AutoXs have a different set of rules.... but we are neither a race nor an autox -- and we have a safety steward who is very particular

BTW - I see you are in PA - do you know every November we get "Jersey Ed" to come join us.... LOL

 

it is confusing

autox has completely different rules vs. pdx (drivers ed) vs. racing, etc

coming down in november makes sense...there's snow on the ground this morning and the top's been up too long! my all season's go on in november, and thank god, will be coming off soon!

i hear you guys got snow last night!?

 

I'm over in Bluffton - no snow yet - wasn't even frost. There was however a huge downpour followed by lots of lightning and thunder. It scares my pups. I woke up with them cuddle up against me for protection. A cute family scene.

 

It really depends on the group. Our local BMW CCA chapter allows cabrios in the novice group only and you have to pass a broomstick test.

There is a trhead on this already, see https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...cs-cabrio.html

 

PCA allows convertibles in many of their chapters. Many Boxsters run there. Like Gnatster said, need to pass the broomstick test so I hope you are not too tall.

 

Appreciate the info, guys! I dont think ill pass a broomstick test, too tall. Not looking to begin autocrossing just yet. I want some lessons before taking it out on the track. Ive been driving trucks all my life so this car will be a very different experience. It will be a while considering I dont even have a build slot yet(hoping to fix that next week). My friend with the Z3 was asking about lessons so I thought I would ask around here.

 

more info then....

no worries about the cabrio at autocross. completely stock cabrio is fine...no brooms to worry about. just go out and have fun!

the track is a different animal. there are different organizations (as you can tell) that run track events...and they have different "rules." this is where roll bar regs come into play.

lastly, having a friend with a z3 is perfect....as similar rules will likely apply. you will love your cabrio (even if it doesn't have a supercharger )

 

Check with Chris at www.BeaveRun.com . They have several varieties of HPDE to choose from and usually allow factory cabrios - don't know about the '09 yet, you'd have to check with Chris...