Getting into motorsport is one of the most exciting decisions you can make. The thrill of pushing a car to its limits, the energy of race days, and the challenge of shaving seconds off your lap times combine to create a truly addictive experience. But as with any sport that demands skill, precision, and control, there’s one question every beginner eventually asks: Should I get driver training when I first start motorsport?
The short answer — absolutely, yes.
Driver training isn’t just helpful; it’s one of the smartest investments you can make when stepping into the world of motorsport.
1. Training Makes You Faster — Much Faster
Many new drivers assume that buying better tyres, coilovers, or a tuned engine will make them quicker. And while upgrades can help, nothing improves lap times faster or more effectively than improving the person behind the wheel.
Professional instructors teach you:
- How to choose the correct racing line
- Braking techniques that maximise grip
- How to carry speed through corners
- Smooth throttle control
- How to avoid overdriving (a beginner’s most common mistake)
Small changes in technique can transform your driving. Often, beginners improve their times by several seconds simply by learning to brake later, look further ahead, or maintain better corner exit speed.
2. It Makes Motorsport Safer for You and Everyone Around You
Motorsport is controlled, structured, and heavily safety-focused — but it still requires responsibility and awareness.
Driver training helps you learn:
- How to react during a slide or loss of traction
- The safest way to re-enter the track
- How to manage traffic during overtakes
- How to stay calm under pressure
- What to do when something unexpected happens
Good instruction doesn’t just stop accidents; it prevents costly mistakes that can damage your car and end your day early.
3. You’ll Build Confidence Sooner
Most beginners underestimate how intimidating a track can feel the first few times.
Between the noise, speed, and adrenaline, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Training bridges that gap by giving you:
- A structured approach
- A plan for each corner
- Feedback you can act on immediately
- Someone to answer questions you were too shy to ask
Confidence makes driving more enjoyable — and when you’re not second-guessing yourself, everything becomes smoother and safer.
4. Training Helps You Understand Your Car Better
A big part of motorsport is learning how your car behaves at speed. Instructors help you interpret:
- Steering feedback
- Tyre grip and temperature
- Brake pedal feel
- Suspension movement
- Weight transfer
Understanding these fundamentals not only helps you drive better but also guides future upgrades. Instead of throwing money at modifications, you’ll know exactly what your car needs.
5. It’s Often Cheaper in the Long Run
Many beginners skip training and jump straight into racing — and end up spending far more on:
- Repairs
- Worn tyres
- Overheated brakes
- Trackside mistakes
Spending a few hundred dollars on proper coaching can save you thousands over a season and dramatically speed up your progression as a driver.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about getting into motorsport — even at the casual or club level — driver training is not optional. It’s the foundation for everything that follows. It makes you faster, safer, more confident, and more in tune with your car. Whether you’re aiming for competitive racing or simply want to enjoy track days with mates, a trained driver will always get more out of the experience.
Invest in training early, and you’ll build skills that stay with you for life.
