What ever happened to the "Driving Tests"

[AlanBartlett]

I've just been reading through some rather old Jowetteers and was wondering what ever happened to them? Does anyone section still do these now? What did the involve?

[Keith Clements]

Driving tests were performed by enthusiastic owners at most of the rallies up until York. There were various forms which were designed to stay within Motor sports Association guidelines.

The main idea was to provide a test that evened out the differences between the pre-war and post-war cars.

They usually involved traffic cones placed to form 'garages' and traffic islands that needed to be negotiated with precision. Time limits can be imposed; but the test can now not be based on speed.

Blindfolding the driver was another way of adding interest.

As Competition Sec I am very interested in reviving these tests and developing into a speed event; such as that which was organised at Curburough.

However, we would need at least 10 owners interested; so add your name here and rustle up support!

[Keith Andrews]

This is what we call in NZ a Gymkhana
A variety of events
Slalom...between cones not the fastest but able to repeat 2 runs in the closest time

obstical..like above, between cones, manoeuvring , parking etc, and also blindfolded with navigator

Tow. ...a near full wine glass and bottle on a cardboard sled over a small distance, not to spill anything

Accelerate/ and brake between a couple cones
there are several others I cant rem off the top of my head.

This is a 'fixed Annual' For JCC northern section event held on a farm,

[Amy]

I've just been reading through some rather old Jowetteers and was wondering what ever happened to them?

Here here! Drummond, any chance of getting some sorted for next year´s rally please? (I promise I won´t break a Jupe on the course...)

And this could link back to getting more people interested / involved with the club too I think.

Amy.

[Drummond Black]

As Rally Sites with suitable facilities for driving tests became more difficult to locate and legislation, combined with landowners lack of enthusium for cars roaring over their property, they were gradually replaced by the now familiar scenic run. Doune may have been the exception with the driving tests in the morning and a shorter scenic run in the afternoon. Also fewer members wanted to stretch the limit of their cars. It all depends on whether there is enough demand and if we can fit it into our busy programme.

Lets give it some suitable thought. Drummond

[AlanBartlett]

The trouble is from what I've been hearing from people is that there are a lot of insurances to think about, also not many memebers theses days want to par take in events in the event of damage or anything like that, I myself would love too though.

[Amy]

As Rally Sites with suitable facilities for driving tests became more difficult to locate and legislation

Bloody lawyers eh?

I´d be quite happy to turn my hand to a bit of research into the legal / insurance side if that´d be of any help - give me a shout if so.

Amy.

[Keith Clements]

Insurance for these type of events is well explained in the Motor Sports Association Blue Book that I, as Competition sec, am the proud custodian.

I will give Amy it to read!

Essentially we must organise the event under the rules and control of the MSA, of which the JCC is a member. Then we have a degree of cover.

The main problem is making sure the organisation keeps the public out; which is not too difficult on a private car park or similar. The organisation needs to include some marshalls that control the event.

Events do not need to stress the cars and should concentrate on testing smooth accurate driving.

If any people are interested we could organise a more competitive event; probably in conjunction with another classic car club. We are members of other associations that allow us to easily do this.

[AlanBartlett]

Keeping the public out? As in the sense of drivers or audiences, because I would have thought this would be quite a major attraction to new comers to the cars working being "put through their paces"

[Keith Clements]

Controlling the public is not easy (e.g. children, dogs). The public must all have read and agreed that they are viewing motorsport and that it is dangerous. This is why there are very well defined rules on what we can do at our Annual Weekends and what can be done on events that might have the public nearby. No insurance can cover you for negligence.

We can (easily) run Driving Tests which are classed as a Gymkanha; but any stage cannot by timed. Timed stages are much more difficult to organise.

[AlanBartlett]

what ever happened to "stay behind the rope" or it could be insured by time as in we are covered for moving vehicles between certain time zones, audience take your seats kind of thing.... think of it more as a display.

[Amy]

Insurance for these type of events is well explained in the Motor Sports Association Blue Book that I, as Competition sec, am the proud custodian.

I will give Amy it to read!

I knew I should've kept my mouth shut...! However, now have blue book from dad, so will get reading. At least it's smaller than most law books... If I come up with anything feasible, shall let you know.

Amy.

[AlanBartlett]

Hows the reading going? Anyluck on finding info about insurances, and legal things?