Mike Cooper DRIVERTUITION.COM  updated 24 June 17:16 GMT

The Driver Tuition Website

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Spend less on the car - improve yourself instead. Cheaper & more effective!

Mike Cooper Drivertuition - ONE OF THE ONLY UK Companies legally able to offer fully insured performance instruction on the road in our or your performance vehicle

AIG offers car insurance

Newly qualified driver or ADI? - CLICK HERE

What we provide: Bespoke intensive driver and rider training  - and from only £295 per full day's instruction on road or track. In these days where money needs to be spent wisely don't waste money on the car; spend it on yourself!

If you want to become a significantly better driver - read on. Whether you drive a racecar, own or are about to purchase a performance vehicle, or just want to drive more smoothly, more accurately, then what we offer will benefit you significantly. If you race or use your car at trackdays, we get you safer, smoother, quicker: We work extensively with race drivers and can help you find extra speed as well as smoother progress. Guaranteed. We have coached drivers in series including BTCC, DTM, Le Mans classic, Kuhmo, various sprint series.....

If you drive only on road, we make you calmer, smoother, safer, enable better progress and even save you fuel and tyres: Very simply the most cost-effective modification you will ever make to your car. BY changing YOU!

Hi Mike, Just to say I came third at our last outing, only 0.3 sec behind my team mate and I beat the rest in our class. Something must have rubbed off! Rgds B 24/6/09

Thanks for yesterday - great day. Knackered and so much to take in!  Will remember the GT3 overtake for quite a while!!! Let me know when your next 'ring trip is" TR May 09

"Thanks for Bedford. Seems so simple and obvious ...... shows you how you can get into trouble so easily if you don’t. I didn’t think I could transfer that to the road that easily but something like the 550 (Ferrari) with so much torque needs it," Track techniques translate across to the road.  May 09

"I was very glad of the training we did with you" - two of our clients returning unscathed from the Nurburgring, giving enthusiastic feedback on one of our special "ring" road preparation courses. Apr 09

 "Had a fantastic day and have already recommended your services on the Mustang Owners forum" Mallory Park April 09

"A pleasure to meet you and thanks for a great day of tuition! I'm thoroughly knackered mentally but have learnt lots!!" - Road day Megane R26 April 09

"Thanks a lot for yesterday - we had a great time and could not believe how much we learned - driving will now be a far more involved experience as we try to hone the skills we began to learn yesterday. Were totally knackered last night.  Coming down the hill at the end of the day was a great example of how much of a difference a quality drive can make - the young lad in the tuned up 2.0T Audi was giving it his all to try and put distance between us - loads of noise, black smoke and tyre squeal as we serenely followed and kept pace without a any fuss at all - only used 4th all the way down! Didn't seem to be able to loose the fella in the Fiat Panda though... (our 100HP Panda following the 225 Megane) Will continue to practise and hope we will be able to arrange another day some time in the future - maybe on the track with the M3?" Road instruction day Feb 09

We really do make a real and immediate improvement to your driving, or riding; we have significant experience in getting you to understand the idiosyncrasies and dynamics of high performance vehicles; we show you the glitches and transients in your drive that you have never noticed. These create problems. We take your understanding and appreciation of driving to a higher level; explain the physics; translate it to the drive.

There should be a swift, safe and effortlessly smooth flow to your drive or ride, whether you're on a race-track or road, in a racecar or on a motorbike. We observe the way you currently drive, analyse it and then guide you into making easily implemented changes to your drive. You spend a day with us; you improve; simple as that.

A COUPLE OF GOOD REASONS TO TAKE INSTRUCTION:   20 Sept 08: A well known UK track & the driver's first trackday. Car is written off whilst being instructed! Most instructors teach the track. We're more interested in the driver.     4 Oct 08: Just watching the corner onto the pit straight it was clear from the start that the guy was driving his EVO with more speed than understanding. I talked though what he was doing to a couple of our group. A short time time later car was very bent. Pity he couldn't have shared in the conversation. Instruction is cheaper than body shop bills....

No matter what your level - maybe you race, you want to improve your heel and toe technique, carry more corner speed, brake later, understand your car setup. Hillclimbers, you want to be inch-perfect, avoid loss of momentum, want to understand true turn-in points. Has anyone ever taught you how to really look at a corner - surely it's obvious? You've just done your ARDS but you've left feeling there's got to be more to it than that?

SO: What effect does adding throttle have on tyre-wheel slip angle? Does it matter? Which do you move first on a gearchange, hand or which foot? Does it make a difference? How tense is your right forearm on a gearchange? Anyone ever told you what you are really doing with the car when you drive it a bit quick? Like introducing a rotate into the car on the up-change. And that's just a tiny part of what's going on IN the car. We'll tell you everything you never knew you were doing. And that's before we start looking at managing the environment we are about to take the car into...

Pick up the 'phone and have a chat with us....

There's no set agenda. We spend time with you, your driving/riding improves significantly: Road or Track. Simple. No pressure, no test, no failing.

We organise one-off events, can handle logistics to visit almost any circuit or venue you wish and will facilitate almost whatever driving scenario you care to do. For this reason we have some very satisfied major clients.  You tell us what your aim is; we provide an effective solution. From race drivers to footballers. With a client base in the UK, Europe, and now the States and even Russia we go the extra mile to help develop your drive.

Who do we cater for? Everyone who comes to us is provided with the training that they themselves desire. As an example, our recent clients have included track sessions in their own vehicles (M3 V8, Audi RS4, Elise series 2 and Exiges seem to have been popular choices recently - even a Shelby 500 Mustang!) and our M3s, road sessions in cars varying from Renault Clio R27 and Megane R26, Civic Type R, BMW V8 M3, Z4M, 993, 996 and 997, 360 & F430, S-class Mercedes and a varied mix of tuned cars from a very quick EVO to a little MX5. From the Lake District to Germany: And from performance car hire companies, to Radical racers to very nervous motorway drivers.

Typical feedback from a recent client - "Hi Mike,  just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you for yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and your company and would be keen to organise another driving day over the next few months. As we discussed, I was aware of some of my driving flaws (not as many as you kindly pointed out!) but didn't have the knowledge as to what I needed to do to improve these. What I found really pleasing about yesterday was that often it was only small adjustments or simple technique changes that you showed me which predominantly ironed these out. I have really taken on board your tips and advice and already I am slowly starting to notice a change in my driving style, smoothness and overall awareness. Thanks again."

Photo - Nurburgring training session - June 2008

There's a significant amount of information on these pages, giving examples of what we do. But, if you have any queries, just ring, text or email. Tel/Text on 07947 198 957. Call on 01925 211 944, Email on enquire@drivertuition.com

Whether in car or bike we can provide advanced training to meet your needs.

Whether high performance Porsche or Ferrari or a humble hatchback we give you a  very powerful insight into what you ask of the car and the road in your drive. We look at how you position your car, how you consider your risks, balance the vehicle on power, under braking or through corners and how each of these aspects can be developed further. It's a very interesting day; driving, watching, evaluating: Tiring but satisfying!

As RoSPA Advanced Instruction diploma instructors, as well as fleet/DSA certification, our instructors take you to IAM advanced or RoSPA advanced Gold standard, or above. Whether you want certification or not at advanced level, the choice is yours. Your instructor for the day also has significant performance and track experience, enabling you to understand what you are asking of the car in terms of vehicle dynamic loadings. This takes the day above normal advanced instruction.

If you want to take your own driving or riding to an advanced level without the tests - great. We always support improved standards.

"That makes things so much easier I can't believe I  wasn't doing that before" - a client discussing a technique just demonstrated (24 Nov 06)

OPTIONS FOR OUR ADVANCED COURSES INCLUDE tuition in you CAR, a front wheel drive hatch or our 300BHP+ BMW M3.

[We are fully comprehensively insured for any full  licence-holder to experience M3 performance on road and to instruct in your car, whether a Fiesta ST or a 360 Modena)

There is a whole range of skills under the heading of "advanced" driving. Some people want to feel more comfortable on busy roads, to remove the nervous apprehension they feel on the down ramp of the motorway; some want to perfect the art of heel and toe or double declutching. Others want to be able to drive their car, perhaps like the high performance Porsche GT3 here, better, smoother, to drive more confidently. For some the last thing they want is a test. For these people the Institute of Advanced Motorists -IAM - or RoSPA approach may not be ideal.

Whether a confident or nervous driver, experienced or just passed, what we offer is a very open approach to improvement in driving. If you want to take your driving to a higher level we help get you there. IAM pre-test or RoSPA tuition sessions always available. Check the advanced section for course information. Also, we can reduce your insurance premium on your performance vehicle. Talk to us about discounted insurance deals on performance cars when you take one of our Roadcraft courses.

Dave giving Porsche 911 GT3 track instruction around Oulton Park in a clients vehicle

Roadcraft - the police driving manual - forms the basis for all of our advanced driving tuition, though our teaching always maintains a flexible, pragmatic approach

Track and Performance driving options?

With us your will find flexibility the name of the game. On- road driving or racetrack tuition.  Use either your own vehicles or, depending on the venue, one of ours. This can be from half a day upwards. For track opportunities we utilise trackday slots with a range of organisers, but actively support Jonny Leroux at Bookatrack and Graham Clarke and his colleagues at RMA.

We typically use the E36 BMW M3s, as below. for our instruction, as they provide enough performance to be interesting but are benign enough to accept less than ideal inputs. We also have Porsche 993 and 996 GT3 for fast laps around some of the quicker circuits. Vehicles depend on venue and suitability but we also do many sessions in clients' own cars. 2009 cars have included Porsche 996 & 997, Honda NSX, AMG Mercedes, Megane R26R, Mitsubishi Evo X and many others. For special events we can also provide drives in Ferrari 360 , Lamborghini Gallardo and various other exotica.

You get to properly drive the car with expert instruction: No mapped-out two laps around an airfield or sitting next to someone trying to scare the whatsits out of you. Nor do you sit around for half a day waiting for your 6 minutes of "Ferrari experience". We teach you for 100% of the time; learning whilst at the same time enjoying yourself. You may find it tiring, but also exhilarating! You won't find small print limiting you to "6 miles of track driving" as you will on certain "experience" sites.

Renault Clio Trophy at Three Sisters - Lancashire

In a typical day's track instruction you will be actually track driving under instruction for anything from 40 to 70 laps, depending on the circuit. That's a lot of improvement time!

BMW M3 at Bedford Autodrome

Whether racer, would-be or nervous "trackdayer", the gift-for-the-spouse or just an enthusiast, this is far more effective than spending money on your car. It really does work well and you WILL NOT be disappointed. And the advantage it gives you stays with you when you change cars. Come and learn the most effective way to brake and turn in to a corner so that the car does all the work for you, where to work the car and where definitely not to. It's all very interesting.

A typical shared two person trackdays provides each of you with around 30 driven and instructed laps - that's around £12 a lap: Pretty good value compared to the experience days where on some you only get 2 or 3 laps. And you learn so much that you can take away from the day.

A wide range of instruction options are available - ring for details as we offer very bespoke driver training. Check out the performance section. It's worth a look. For car groups we can offer an instructor to be with you for the day to share amongst your drivers.

Paul taking instruction around Donington racetrack

Recent client comments

"We've just added 15 mph to our corner speed in the FQ340" - AJ

"Thanks again for yesterday – I have been grinning all day!" - OJ

"I've taken tuition a dozen times or more before at different circuits and, simply put, learned more today than all the others put together. You presented some really interesting ideas that make a significant difference. The greater understanding of the physics of the drive that you presented was particularly beneficial, as was the psychology lesson!!  The amusing part was your assessment regarding the car setup - my race engineer reckoned you must have been secretly sitting in on our debriefing from last week. Please advise availability for future sessions. Again, many thanks. -## Aug 08

"You described so calmly and accurately the errors that guy in the M3 we passed was making on your demo drive. It's such a shame he put the car on the roof before we got a chance to talk to him" - Donington Jul 08, where instruction is cheaper than a new shell.

CBT to bike test 33 BHP licence,  unlimited licence DAS, Intensive, Instructor courses

Bikes  Click on the link for motorbike training to take you to the dedicated rider training website. With a full range of residential motorbike training courses from CBT to test, Direct access DAS bike courses, motorbike hire and pre-booked tests there is an option for every learner biker. A full range of motorbike training course options available. For motorcycle training enquiries only telephone the office on: 01254 698907,click on the link, or complete the online booking form .

"If it's good enough instruction for an ex-World Superbike Champion it should be pretty OK for you too"

 "Residential bike training courses for all levels of experience"

For women drivers and  lady drivers

Female Drivers: Unlike some establishments there is no gender bias to our instruction. We have had many lady drivers and riders as clients who really value the straight, non-patronising approach we take: In fact some of our very best drivers on track and road have been ladies, young and not so young!

"I never realised before how much the braking can affect cornering "  - MK - Feb 06

 (talking about her progression from braking to turn-in)

If you want a day improving your skill or driving style, perhaps learning to drive a performance vehicle you have recently acquired, then talk to us; or you fancy taking your car on track, without wanting the environment to be in any way threatening or pressurising; again, call us. You will really enjoy your day/session.

Mel - first instruction lap around Donington Park

Tel/Text: +44 (0)7947 198 957 - If Voicemail -as we're usually busy driving - please leave a message & include when you want us to ring you back.

Karina helmeted up for her first laps around Donington Park circuit

 If you've just passed your driving test why not consider taking further training, such as a passplus or advanced driving course....

When you pass the DSA driving test this means that you have reached a certain, safe standard, assessed on a standard DSA test route. If you haven't reached this standard yet, click here. Once you have reached the test standard most people stop taking instruction and think they just need practice. But, you can only practise what you know; yet there's so much more to know. Modern Formula 1 drivers constantly take instruction - even Kimi has taken hours and hours of tuition this season - and we ourselves at drivertuition.com always take any chance to gain further experience and knowledge of driving when the opportunity arises. So, don't presume you're too capable to learn.

 If you're a newly qualified driver passplus makes a lot of sense. 40% of drivers in their first year have an accident. Don't be part of this statistic; take a passplus course, where you will widen your understanding of roads, vehicles and traffic dynamics.

Learners NEED instruction on motorways. Always insist on a course with practical motorway instruction.

The picture to the right is of a car that was once someone's pride and joy. It's a horrible picture, but a real insight into what happens when it all goes terribly wrong. Taken on the M60, a dangerous stretch of road and one that we use on our PassPlus route - and make no excuses for- it shows just what can happen even in clear conditions: A full licence holder, holding a qualification that requires no training for motorways.

To the left, same motorway, different day, another fatality. Our police and fire colleagues meet inexperienced drivers every day of the year.......

Currently, motorway driving is neither taught nor assessed as part of the current driving test, which is simply ludicrous. Take one of our passplus or advanced courses, which are individually tailored to suit every driver we teach, and gain some invaluable experience and knowledge. Click here for more details.

"People who put their car in that position must be stupid" - KR May 06, after her eyes were opened to the risks on motorways

Remember PassPlus doesn't require a test and can give significant discounts with many insurers - check out the insurers who support this course on the PassPlus page.

The overriding aim with all our driver or rider training courses or exclusive events is to provide quality tuition and a memorable experience, but at a fair price. You get professional instruction, we get results. We give 100%. The only catch is that we ask you to do the same. We want enthusiastic drivers. This doesn't mean good. It doesn't mean perfect. It means you want to get the most out of the day(s). You want to improve; A bit like us. We want the next course to be better than the last: And that needs you to work as hard as us. 

If you fancy learning to drive better, give us a ring. We provide a personal, professional but friendly service that can be tailored to whatever you need. Wherever it takes us, from one end of the country to the other, or overseas to the European circuits, no problem.

If you want a specific location and want us to take care of the logistics that is no problem. Just give us a call. We cater for track sessions all over the UK and into Europe. This bespoke aspect of our training is valued by many of our clients.

And our clients include some of the most prestigious companies and individuals out there.....

Drivertuition hosts an event at the Nurburgring for journalists and TV and media chaps. Launch of the new Project Gotham Racing 4 game on the XBOX360 October 2007.

We have journalists, Microsoft staff, PGR4's designer and PR company JCPR Edelman staff on hand, all provided with the option of driving around the grüne hölle for real!

Our friend Sabine Schmitz, as ever, lends a hand and is a willing interviewee for the video guys.

ABOVE: Mike Cooper, explaining to our journalist friends what we're looking for in the drive,  before we can hit the track. Here Mike is discussing how the weather around the Nürburgring can seriously change the track conditions, with its significant altitude variation around the track - 334m or 1000ft!

First, above, on to the roads around the Eiffel mountains to practise some basic positioning and steering skills. Bike may be riding on the right but we're looking for best position for the hairpin ahead.

LEFT. With bike and car available, just like in the game, the Nurburgring can bite. Here the track's just closed as the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Game over is for real here!

Sabine Schmitz, the renowned Nurburgring expert and driver of the Nurburgring taxi, about to give me some useful pointers around the  Nordschleife - the 'ring. It all helps us keep ahead of the game, and give value to our instruction to you, our customers. See performance section for tuition options on driving the Nordschleife - the original  Nurburgring circuit.

(If you visit the Nurburgring, with us or independently, you can't do better than stay in the Hotel Am Tiergarten owned by Frau Schmitz, Sabine's mother and excellent host. Am Tiergarten has rooms which overlook the circuit and, with the Pistenklause bar and restaurant attached (adorned from floor to ceiling with racing signatures, pictures and artifacts from every racer you can think of) it definitely has to be visited.) For Nurburgring track tuition please see the performance section of our website.

Our customers range from just-passed 17 and 18 year olds to 40K mile business people. We give tuition to trackday heroes or motorsports wannabees, but also train nervous motorway drivers and help them to remove their fears.  If you have a need or desire to improve any aspect of your drive, in whatever field of driving, we can help to facilitate that need, in a way best suited to you. Whether you want to learn to double declutch, cadence brake, or just drive in a safer, more flowing style, come and talk.

Thanks for visiting and drop us an email to tell us what you think.

Regards

Mike Cooper ADI, ADI Fleet, IAM, RoSPA Gold and Diploma - advanced instruction , B.Sc Physics, Postgraduate teaching certificate,  ISO 9002 assessor

Quick lap in a Seat Leon Cupra - don't make the presumption that the Porsche 911 GT3 RS was catching up!!!!

We use many tracks in the UK e.g. Donington Park, Mallory Park, Oulton Park, Cadwell Park for our driving instruction in our vehicles or yours

Some previous event photos

Above: Action at Donington Park in the Seat Leon Cupra with a demo drive by Mike Cooper.

Left at the Nurburgring - more driver training - this time Dave Robinson is taking instruction from  Sabine Schmitz! It's a hard life but someone has to do it...

Right - Toyota F1 testing at Spa Francorchamps at the end of an RMA trackday.

Some very recent customer comments...

"...could never figure out what I was doing in corners that made the car feel so wrong. Now I understand. " - client comment Dec 07

"The car ( 07 reg Nissan 350Z) felt like it needed a suspension upgrade before today.

This afternoon it's now so much nicer a car to drive I really like it the way it is!" Oct 07

"I've crashed my last three cars. Now, I realise why!" - Dec 07

For all enquiries please ring (or text) +44 7947 198 957

As we are often running driver training courses at racetracks all over the country or in Europe we may not always be able to take all calls. So, it would be great if you could leave a voicemail or text message with contact number and your enquiry - we WILL always get back to you as soon as we can. Many thanks

If you have any comments or observations about our website please drop us a line. We aim to be informative and helpful and will always happily advise if you have any questions - we don't try and sell you what isn't appropriate. We would rather advise you on what's best for you.

Mike Cooper