A winter driving course aimed at those lacking confidence driving in on icy, slippery or snow-covered roads has been introduced in Queenstown by Drive Pro Ltd Driver Training.
Instructor Mike Robb said even if drivers had not had a "scary moment", motorists were likely to know of someone who had come to grief, either through a "minor slide", or in a serious accident.
The course, called FreezeDrive, was developed by Mark Warren, of Hillseekers NZ, and has been part of the staple snow and ice driver training for police, councils, utility companies and others in the Southern Lakes District.
In the past, the course had been oriented towards 4WD vehicles and first responders who needed to be able to drive in the snow, but following requests from the public, Mr Warren and Mr Robb had modified the course for the general public.
Mr Robb is the local AA driver training licensee and has 20 years' police driver training experience and more than six years' experience driving in the district.
The course would teach motorists to be confident on the roads in a variety of conditions from black ice, slippery grit or getting caught out by snow while at work, he said.
"We have had particular interest from local providers of nannies, small businesses and many women who just don't feel comfortable out there when it all gets a bit ugly on the roads."
The one-day course would be held on August 10, beginning with a morning theory session covering general operation of participants' vehicles, vehicle dynamics on snow, ice and grit, the use of snow chains, tyre types, travel and safety tips.
Participants would then drive to private farmland near Arrowtown where they would have the chance to test out the theory in a practical situation.
"There, we go through exercises involving controlled slides, cornering techniques, non-emergency and emergency braking techniques, hazard avoidance, chain fitting etc.
"This is all done in a safe environment where no damage can be done.
These exercises are generally conducted in the participants' own vehicles so they can gain greater knowledge and confidence in the vehicle they usually drive," Mr Robb said.
• Contact Mr Robb on (03) 409-8046 or 0274 934-753, or email mike@drivepro.co.nz The cost for the course is $225, or $195 per person for groups of 10 or more.
