SkillDriving History

BACK IN THE DAY: 1985.

OKAY, OKAY! THANKS FOR ALL THE EMAILS! - THIS IS A 1985 BROCHURE, BACK IN THE DAY WHEN THE POWELL TRAINING SCHOOL WORKED WITH GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLES.

Only the Corvette had ABS brakes, and traction control was a thing of dreams. And the cars were LARGE! Our Powell training techniques were advanced then and continue to be relevant today. Here is what we said 'back in the day, 1985'.

The Advanced Driving Course Can Teach You In Just One Day!

The Advanced Driving Course has been designed by John Powell, described by Car and Driver Magazine as one of the most knowledgeable drivers in North America.

"It's tough! It's challenging! But by taking you to the limit - and beyond - you'll become a SkillDriver and learn the dynamic responses that could save your life," says John Powell.

Classes are kept small and personal. And, apart from an introductory classroom session, most of the day is spent in radio-equipped cars so you're in continuous contact with your instructors. Add a mix of automatic and manual shifts, and students encounter lots of fun, excitement -- and variety!

SKID CONTROL

"Modern cars have vastly improved handling compared to cars of only a few years ago. Yet, most drivers have never had the opportunity to take advantage of the superior steering, braking and suspension systems in today's new generation of cars." says John Powell.

His solution for teaching skid control is not the usual slick, oiled-down skid pad used by most schools ("it's too unrealistic. The G-forces are too low. You don't get thrown around in the car enough") but a high-traction asphalt driving range. Here, you learn real world control of an automobile that's lost its grip on gravity.

EVASIVE MANEUVERING

Emergency lane changes...bootlegger turns...figure 8s around pylons...John shows you how to "put your brain on automatic" to avoid or minimize a potential accident situation.

"We take our students beyond the limit," admits John Powell of the Advanced Driving School. "We want you to get used to being over your head. We want you to become familiar with what's going to happen, so you can learn to relax and look where you're going."

EMERGENCY STOPPING

Do you know that a recent study in Germany showed that most people abdicate control in an accident situation? That 57.3% didn't even hit the brakes?

On your way to becoming a SkillDriver, you'll get a demonstration of the truth about emergency stopping. And the truth is that at below 60 mph on dry pavement and 50 mph on wet pavement, what you've probably learned already won't do you as much good as what you'll learn here.

"With 4-wheel lock-up braking we'll learn how to stop up to fifty feet sooner. And the techniques you'll learn are just as effective whether you're driving a Corvette with a state-of-the-art braking system or the family van," says John.

VISUAL TRACKING

Modern cars offer superb all-round visibility. But in most dangerous driving situations, the driver looks no further ahead than the steering wheel or end of the hood as you try to avoid an accident or bring a skidding car under control.

At our Advanced Driving Course you'll learn how, in a panic situation, to steer where you want to go. How to look further ahead, automatically, so you become a safer driver. A SkillDriver.

"We'll teach you these invaluable driving skills on our special fine and coarse slaloms so you can fine-tune your responses."