[chenry]

As part of my 340i purchase through BMWFS I received a one day voucher for a driving class at BMW (It was roughly a $900 value as I recall +/- ) along with a two night stay at the Embassy Suites in La Quinta CA. I realized that I could switch the voucher to the teen driving school which is what I did - my son is 17 been licensed for about 5 months now and I figured this would be a better use of the voucher vs Dad going around cones (although I do look forward to that in the near future)

Anyhoo we are about a 90 min drive from the school so that makes things much easier for us vs having to fly in etc...

Just curious has anyone here put a child (or themselves I suppose) through the teen school? If yes - your thoughts?

TIA!

[joshvt]

I am interested to hear the responses. I have done the car control class in Spartanburg, SC twice. Last time I was there they were pitching the teen driving school and making some compelling points. We have twins who are permit eligible in about 6 months. And while they won't be driving bmw's, I'd love for them to understand how to steer into a skid and basic car control skills that I started to learn at 15 when my dad turned me loose in an old Chevy in a snowy parking lot. I also understand they do hands on experiences that demonstrate the dangers of distracted driving. I was impressed when I did the car control class and have to think the teen driving school would be good for them. That said, it is expensive so I'd also love to hear if anyone else has sent their kids and has an opinion.

[eluded]

That's a great idea and after he completes the course you should let him take the 340 out, all alone.

[chenry]

Should have added no BMW for my son - I'm hoping that this class will allow him to better control the fury....that is....the 140 HP, CVT equipped - 2018 Toyota Corolla that will be coming his way in the next couple months (as long as he continues to demonstrate smart decision making behind the wheel of his current hand me down from Auntie beater 2003 Mazda Protege)

**EDIT** make that 132 hp

[CJ421]

I think that sounds like a great idea, letting your son do the class - he'll definitely learn something about car control and safety. Most people have no idea how to handle a panic situation. The stuff you learn in these classes is a lifetime skill.
I have done some BMW CCA track events and everything I learned on the track is applicable on the street, I believe I'm a much safer driver than I was before.

Charles

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Both my grandchildren have been through the one in Greer SC. Great program.

[chiefneil]

The Tire Rack Street Survival school is probably also a good one to consider. I've been hoping to send my daughter to one but they're never in my city. I did a couple of "safety schools" with the BMW CCA Golden Gate chapter many years ago and they were both educational and a ton of fun - I understand the tire rack program is an outgrowth of those club safety schools.

Anyway, let us know how the experience at Thermal goes. I'm more curious what you're going to do all day - do you hang out there, or just drop your kid and come back later? Just wondering in case I run out there with my daughter some day. My daughter learned how to drive in my old 2002 330i, but is now happily puttering around in a ~130hp Mini Cooper. Of course she constantly talks about how much she misses the E46 (as do I!)

[BEM-S4]

I didn't attend in SC but there was a teen session going when I was there. Kids looked like they were having a blast and instructors told us they do actually learn a lot and it's money well spent. More than a few parents have called up thanking them and saying junior avoided trouble as a result.

[chenry]

Originally Posted by eluded

That's a great idea and after he completes the course you should let him take the 340 out, all alone.

Believe it or not he prefers buzzing around town in his low key Mazda to any of my cars - all of which he has a standing offer to take anytime. This is in sharp contrast to his Dad (cough cough) that grabbed the keys to his Dads BMW anytime he could....

[chenry]

Originally Posted by chiefneil

I'm more curious what you're going to do all day - do you hang out there, or just drop your kid and come back later? Just wondering in case I run out there with my daughter some day.

It's just drop and go....as I understand it, there isn't even a place to watch if you wanted to. That aspect of the experience surprised me in that I would very much like to be a spectator that day.

Thermal is rather close to Palm Desert - where I have relatives so for me - lunch with family and maybe a round of Golf - plenty to do in Palm Desert for a day even if you're solo for the eight hours or so.

I'm hoping he has time to snap some pics for us - I'll also ask him to write a little review for the forum

Only problem with all this is - now my 13 year old knows what she'll be doing in 3 years or so - so won't be as much of a surprise for her :-)

[chenry]

Originally Posted by CJ421

I think that sounds like a great idea, letting your son do the class - he'll definitely learn something about car control and safety. Most people have no idea how to handle a panic situation. The stuff you learn in these classes is a lifetime skill.

My thoughts exactly -

[chenry]

Originally Posted by joshvt

I'd love for them to understand how to steer into a skid and basic car control skills that I started to learn at 15 when my dad turned me loose in an old Chevy in a snowy parking lot. I also understand they do hands on experiences that demonstrate the dangers of distracted driving.

Totally agree and yes you're right they put the teens in real world experiences that I think will leave their mark (in a positive way) for a lifetime - it's certainly not about going fast it's about understanding how to handle a car in real world dangerous situations along with the impact of distracted driving etc...

They also have a "day 2" teen which we are not doing - but may put on the calendar for next year depending on how this goes

[XKxRome0ox]

can you adopt me, dad?

[jmg]

I just came back from a 2 Day M School in Thermal, and I was very impressed. I would definitely send my son to the teen school when he comes of age. The instructors are very well versed and the facility is excellent.

[Calvin36]

Sounds like a great idea. Wish I had that option too. I'm sure he'll learn a lot and do well.

[chenry]

Gooooooood Morning Thermal......