Frequently Asked Questions
If your question is not answered in any of the following places, please contact us.
- on this page
- in the Driving School Manual
- in the How to Prepare for the Event
- in the Beginner’s Corner
Contact information:
Matt Johnson, Driving School Chair:
Chief Driving Instructors:
Driving School Committee:
Registration Questions
Q. Do I need to be a member of BMW CCA to participate in the Driving School?
A. Yes. Driving school participants are required to be BMW CCA members. Join us today!
Q. How do I register an Associate member for Driving School?
A. You will need to use the Associate’s account number instead of their member number. Learn how to find the Associate’s account number on this MotorsportReg help page.
Q. What is the minimum age to participate in a Driving School?
A. 16 years old, with a full and valid driver’s license (no learner’s permit). However, please see our Driving Events Manual for specific guidance for 16 and 17 year olds.
Q. Can I use my convertible, pickup truck or SUV for the Driving School?
A. Trucks, pickups, vans and most SUVs are not allowed. BMW SAVs (X5, X3, and other X-series) and Porsche Cayenne and Macan are allowed.
Convertibles are defined as cars with retractable soft tops and/or fully removable hard tops. Vehicles with integrated retractable factory hardtops are not considered convertibles for the purposes of our Driving Schools. Here is a summary of the requirements for convertibles by RMC BMW CCA and BMW CCA National:
- A roll bar or roll cage meeting the requirements in “Appendix 1 Roll Bars for Convertibles” in the BMW CCA National Manual.
- Five (or more)-point harnesses for both driver and passenger.
- Removable roof panels must be in place while on track.
However, please read our Driving School Manual which covers this topic in detail including the specific technical requirements.
Q. How do I know if I am registered in the Driving School?
A. You can check your “My Events” page in rmcbmwcca.motorsportreg.com to see your registration status (see the link in the top banner). You will receive an email confirming your credit card payment via the secure online shopping cart. You will also receive an email listing your car number and run group from the registrar about a week before the school. Both registration and payment must be complete to secure your place in the school.
Q. If I have to cancel out of the Driving School, what do I do?
A. Go to the “My Events” page in rmcbmwcca.motorsportreg.com and click the “Cancel Me” link next to the green highlighted event entry. Contact the registrar for a late cancellation after registration has closed.
Q. What completed forms do I have to bring to Driving School?
A. Your completed vehicle Tech Inspection Form is required at check-in.
If you will be bringing any minors to the track, you should bring the completed Minor Waiver Form (must be printed in color) as well. If the parents or legal guardian will not be present, the minor waiver form must be signed by a parent/guardian and notarized in advance.
Q. If I am on the wait list for Driving School, how will I know if/when I am in the school?
A. The registrar will contact you via email or phone.
Scheduling Questions
Q. What time should I arrive at Driving School?
A. 6:30 AM.
Q. What time will Driving School be finished?
A. Around 6 pm.
Q. What is the Driving School schedule?
A. Links to the schedule will be on the registration page at rmcbmwcca.motorsportreg.com.
Q. If it is raining, snowing, etc., will the Driving School be cancelled/postponed?
A. No, we hold the Driving School no matter what the weather.
Track, Safety, & Preparation Questions
Q. Do I need a helmet for Driving School?
A. Yes. If you do not have one, we recommend that you obtain one. All helmets must have a Snell foundation 2015 or newer certification sticker. Either the Snell auto racing (SA) or motorcycle (M) certification are acceptable. Current SFI 31.1 and FIA 8860 certifications are also acceptable.
SA2020 Helmets are available for rent when you sign up for the event.
Q. This is my first driving school, how can I prepare?
A. Download and read:
- Driving School Manual
- How to Prepare for the Event
- This FAQ
- Also, review our Beginner’s Corner
Before leaving home, take all loose items out of your car that you will not need at the track.
Q. What should I bring with me?
A. Please read through How to Prepare for the Event which discusses this and many more topics.
Q. How many cars are on the track at once? Is it crowded?
A. We limit registration to ensure a good instructor to student ratio and to avoid a crowded track. Approximately 15 to 20 cars will be on the track at one time. Instructor drive sessions may have 30 or more cars on the track.
Q. How are the students grouped into the on-track run groups?
A. The chief instructor is responsible for grouping students into the 4 run groups (A, B, C & D) based upon each student’s prior experience at driving schools and other high performance driving history. Students can be moved between run groups during the day if it becomes clear to the instructors that they are not assigned to the most appropriate run group.
Q. Since I am an experienced track driver, may I drive solo on the track, without an instructor?
A. Experienced drivers may drive in the A-Solo group with the approval of the Chief Instructor. Contact for further information.
General Questions
Q. Can I bring the kids to Driving School?
A. Yes, however, bring someone who will be responsible for their welfare while you are on the track or in class. A parent or guardian must sign a Minor Waiver Form (must be printed in color) for each minor.
Q. What are the qualifications of the instructors?
A. Our instructors have extensive high performance driving experience and have demonstrated both technical driving skills and a ability to teach. Our instructors come from a variety of driving disciplines including club racing, advanced driving schools, time trials, and autocross.