Driver Skills Australia - Defensive, Advanced and Four Wheel Drive Training

WELCOME

Welcome to the May 2009 Driver Skills Australia (DSA) newsletter.

DSA is continuing to expand operations and can now provide Defensive, Advanced and 4WD driver training in more locations then ever before. If you, your family or colleagues are looking for driver training please call (toll free) 1300 880 956 to discuss your requirements.

We also provide on-site training anywhere in Australia or overseas.

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO60149) DSA can provide nationally recognised qualifications when you successfully complete our defensive driving courses. DSA complies with guidelines set out by the AQTF (Australian Quality Training Framework).

The DSA website is constantly updated with the latest information including course dates, special offers and pictures from recent courses. Please visit www.driverskillsaustralia.com for more information.

Driving is an essential part of our lives and we remind everyone to take care and make each trip safe and enjoyable. There are some helpful driving tips available on the DSA website.

Until next time—Safe driving!

Mark Butcher

Driver Skills Australia

DEFENSIVE DRIVING NEWS

DSA has values the feedback from each driver that attends our course and have been able make minor improvements thanks to suggestions from various customers.

Our most common feedback is that the course is not long enough or that you want more hands-on driving. Given the time frame to deliver the training (usually 1 day), DSA suggest drivers complete the defensive course and then consider attending an advanced course in the following 12-24 months. This works as a refresher and is more hands-on then theory.

The DSA Defensive Driving Course can now include a nationally recognised qualification TLIC3607A Apply Safe Driving Behaviours . More units will be added soon. For more information please contact the office or visit the website.

If you did your course over 2 years ago or have changed vehicle recently it’s a good idea to attend another course so that you can refresh your skills and learn about the features of your new car. With ESP now available on more vehicles we encourage drivers to learn how it works. ESP works as a safety net in an emergency and although it wont prevent all crashes it should assist when we misjudge our entry speed into a corner or have to avoid an obstacle in an emergency.

DSA has a selection of 4WD Driving courses available. Whether your driving down the beach on your day off or working in a remote desert drill camp, DSA has a course that will give you valuable information and practical experience.

The one day introductory courses are suited to all drivers looking to gain experience and confidence operating over a variety of terrain. The course includes a theory presentation and then practical driving including the safe use of recovery equipment.

The 2 day 4WD courses are designed to cover advanced 4WD techniques and allow more time for practical driving. Check the website for more information or contact DSA for a quote.

DSA MOTORSPORT NEWS

Some of the DSA staff often spend their weekends driving in motorsport events. Here is the latest news from each driver.

Mark Butcher (Manager)— Mark has just commenced a rebuild on his 2001 Group A Subaru WRX Rally car in preparation for the 2009 Tasmanian Rally Series. The car will feature a new more powerful engine and a few other trick bits to make it more competitive on the slippery Tasmanian roads. The team will also be heading North in September to compete in the 2009 Repco Rally Australia—a round of the World Rally Championship. Want to be part of a World Championship event? Contact DSA to find out how. Sponsors and Crew required!

Amy Butcher (Office Admin)— Amy has only driven in two events but on her second outing she came home with a trophy for fastest female competitor at the Wynyard Sandblasting Sprint event in March. Beating 6 other female racers, Amy was very pleased with her performance and will hope to contest more club events either in the DSA WRX or her own VRX Lancer.

Gary Morgan (QLD Trainer)— Gary has recently completed a rebuild of his Subaru RS Legacy after a small disagreement with a fence in Targa NZ last year. Gary and car are soon back on the boat over to NZ for some more tarmac rallies. Gary will no doubt be a strong competitor after setting some very quick times in previous events. Stay tuned for updates, video and results.

Warren Phillip-Clarke (WA Trainer )— Warren was all set to tackle the 2009 Improved Production category at Wanneroo Raceway but has hurt his knee playing sport so is sidelined for the short term. DSA wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing Warren and his Subaru out there in the near future.

ADVANCED DRIVING

A DSA Highway Driving Course is now available for drivers looking at improving their car control skills at highway speeds (max 110km/h). Companies should contact DSA for more information on this course. It is an ideal course for drivers who have completed the Defensive course and wish to gain more practical experience.

DSA TRACK DAYS

Ever wanted to drive your car flat out in a safe environment? DSA Track Days allow you to enjoy your car while learning the finer points of car control.

DSA trainers will be available to provide advice and coaching. Numbers are limited to minimise waiting between runs and maximise the amount of track time.

Suitable for ALL cars—check the website for more information.

Sandown and Adelaide Track Days now available.

WA and QLD dates coming soon—register your interest now.

ULTIMATE ADVANCED DRIVING COURSE

This advanced driving course will include—

· Coaching by DSA / MB Motorsport Race/Rally Drivers

· Limited number of drivers to maximise track time and maintain a good trainer to student ratio.

· Theory session on advanced braking, trail braking, heal/toe, left foot braking, steering techniques, racing lines, understeer/oversteer and more.

· Practical session will use skid pans and race tracks to practice the above techniques.

· Plenty of time to practice the skills on a track. Course is a full day.

If you’re a club racer or just want to learn some of the finer techniques of driving this is the day for you!

Suitable for all cars and all drivers. Lunch included. Limited numbers so be quick.

· VIC-Calder Park Raceway-August 30, 2009

· NSW-Oran Park Raceway-September 16, 2009

· QLD-TBA

Cost—$395 per driver or $595 for 2 drivers booked at the same time.

*Note—some details may vary from state to state. Contact DSA for more information.