And why can't we have a program like this in the US?!?!

from 4car
"Buyers of Honda's hot Civic Type-R are now offered a free advanced driving course. Honda has been offering a two-day Motorcycle Appreciation Course to its motorbike customers since 1998, aimed mainly at the so-called 'born again bikers' - middle-aged riders returning to bikes after a long absence, the group most likely to have an accident. This concept has now been extended to car buyers, again using ex-police instructors, and will focus on increasing awareness and roadcraft skills.
Honda spokesman Bob McMillan said: "The fact that the Civic Type-R, by virtue of its positioning in the market and its pricing, will be available to motorists who would otherwise have not entered into the high performance market means that a level of responsibility exists. We at Honda believe that by offering this unique course we not only enhance the driving experience but at the same time improve the quality relationship between Honda and its customers".
Honda's own salesforce will also be specially trained to demonstrate the Civic Type-R safely. "

 

Maybe Honda needs to hear us

 

Now that's what I call marketing gimmick! Gimme some of that! Hell, all Type R spec cars, S2000s and NSXs buyers anywhere in the world should also be given free Honda advance driver training as well. This is quite bias to speak of but certainly a heads-up.

 

This also sounds like a great marketing gimmick as well..... does it not scream at you "this Type R is a fast car....you need to be a special driver to drive it properly....."??

While I think Honda is being responsible in giving this extra training, I think it will also add to the perception of the Type R as a performance car.....

Just my $0.02....

 

If it makes the roads a safer place to be, it can't be a bad thing.

 

I never said it was bad, I also agree that it is a good thing and would love to get something like this with the S2000.

I was just making the point that in fact Honda will probably get as much value out of the publicity from this as the cost of providing it. It is the sort of thing that will make it into papers and TV car shows. i.e. free publicity while doing some good for the public as well...... great idea

 

I think this is a great idea. I can't help thinking it is ridiculous that in this country, the power of any motorbike you can buy is strictly governed by various tests, experience and age, whilst on the other hand, it is perfectly possible to pass the Driving Test in a Nissan Micra, (For example ) then go out and purchase any high performance sports car your wallet/bank manager permits. There was the highly publicised case in England of the guy who bought his 17 year old son a porsche 911 Turbo as a present for passing his test. In the first few days of ownership he had been stopped by the police on several occassions and process was pending on offences of speeding and reckess driving. Whilst 'demonstrating' the car to 3 of his pals, he killed two elderly sisters who were walking arm in arm across a pedestrian crossing. The lad received a substantial term of imprisonment, but the general concensus of opinion was that Dad should have gone with him

Despite the current U.K. test having been made more difficult, it is still perfectly possible to pass it without ever having driven in the dark. Furthermore learner drivers are still banned on motorways. The scary part is that the guy you see hammering down the sliproad in his S2000 at 70mph to merge into motorway traffic in the dark could have just passed his test in.....

Oops.... this turned into a bit of a rant.

 

I feel strongly that drivers should be subject to a refresher test every 5 years. Failure to do so would mean a loss of licence.

 

It would be great to get something like that started over here in the US. What is up with American Honda????