Introduction

The Gold award recognises an exceptional standard of HPC driving and the driver would be expected to demonstrate a standard befitting the highest standard of civilian driving. Many of the competencies learnt and displayed at standard level are now dealt with in the realm of unconscious competency, the mechanical process of driving becoming an apparently automated process. A Gold drive does not necessarily require additional skills but will be characterised by greater degrees of skill and more consistent application of the basic principles. In normal circumstances the Gold Award would be taken only after several years of HPC membership to reflect the level of experience required to achieve the standard.

Competencies

  • All entry level skills demonstrated at the level of unconscious competency
  • The ability to drive with high levels of consistency and cohesion

Demonstration

The Gold driver will be expected to demonstrate these competencies by giving an almost flawless drive, additionally characterised by displaying the following skills:

General Approach

  • The overall drive appears to be a coherent flow rather than the negotiation of disjointed multiple hazards.
  • The driver demonstrates consistency and flair with the confidence to allow individual personality to show in the drive.

Adaptability

  • Drivers will have the ability to demonstrate reasonable understanding and adaptability to an unfamiliar vehicle. The remainder of the drive should be representative of their normal driving style as demonstrated in a more familiar vehicle, thus substantiating their consistency.

Attitude & Behaviour

Confidence and Self-Awareness

  • The driver displays a calm, relaxed confidence yet is continually aware of over-confidence or delusions of infallibility.
  • The driver will accept that mistakes can happen but does not dwell on the situation, preferring to store the information for later reflection and action where appropriate.

Restraint

  • The driver acknowledges the need for restraint when in view of other road users and when in close proximity to other, less experienced, Club members.

Car Handling

Controls

  • The driver demonstrates exceptional smoothness; all controls used without rush and in complete sympathy with the vehicle.

Car Sympathy

  • The ability to draw upon other ‘tools in the box’, eg. heel-and-toe, double-de-clutching, brake-gear-overlap, where the circumstances warrant their inclusion. These skills should be well practised and blend seamlessly with the drive.

Car Control (Transition management)

  • Building upon the skills acquired at Honours Three, the driver will have developed a high level of accuracy, demonstrated in car handling ability with polish and flair. Transition management; weight transfer, steering input and gear changes are managed with a high degree of smoothness throughout the drive.

Roadcraft

  • A driver will display a mastery of Roadcraft. The driver will display a depth and breadth of knowledge and will consistently put theory into practice whilst at the same time showing flexibility rather than an excessive rigidity. The safety margin throughout the drive is consistent. In particular, the approach and passing speed of hazards always displays sound judgement. During the drive there are minimal minor mistakes and no major errors of Roadcraft.

Implementation of a Driving Plan

Planning

  • The driver shows a consistency in plan and approach to all hazards.
  • Drivers will demonstrate a degree of flexibility in their driving plan, being prepared to move outside their 'framework' in order to adjust to varying road, traffic and weather conditions. Long range observation is systematic and consistent and there is evidence of a greater degree of contingency planning, continually reviewing 'what if?' judgements.

Cornering and Positioning

  • The driver displays a consistent ability to 'see' the optimum line, showing sound judgement on when to cross centre lines, always with maximum safety and consideration for other road users. Positioning on the approach and entry into corners will display a higher degree of accuracy and consistency with evidence of precise judgement of the limit point.

Overtaking

  • The driver should drive positively, with purpose, overtaking with care and consideration. A decisive and well judged choice will always be made of when and when not to overtake as part of a clear plan, safely executed with no evidence of hesitation or doubt. The driver will display excellent long term observation evidenced by consistent anticipation of emerging overtake opportunities.

Maintaining Progress (Zip)

  • Overall progress is always appropriate to the prevailing conditions and hazards and all opportunities are taken with purpose and decisiveness.

Acceleration/Deceleration Sense

  • The driver should demonstrate precise timing, not braking too soon, nor leaving it too late and rushing other aspects of the system. The driver can purposefully condense the system as long as the brakes are still applied positively, accurately and finished with a smooth release.

Situational Awareness

  • A high level of situational awareness will characterise the drive. The driver displays an almost sixth sense ability to 'read' situations earlier than others, interpret what is seen, and act upon that information. The driver shows anticipation built on a substantial reserve of driving experience.

Training and Assessment Process

Training

There is no restriction to the sources of coaching or instruction a member may use to prepare for the Gold Award. The Club recommends regular attendance at events to drive with experienced members and coaches who understand the required standard.

Assessment

To protect the credibility of the required standard all training and assessment will be restricted to approved coaches, as advised by the DSC.

The assessment process will involve a minimum of a four hour drive with the assessor. Minor guidance and coaching may be appropriate on the day to rectify minor issues but it is expected a member will be properly prepared.

The approved coach will submit the assessment sheet and recommendation for the Gold Award to the DSC who will then communicate the award to the member.