Instructing able-body and disabled drivers
Instruction in High-Performance Driver Education (HPDE) provides drivers with invaluable knowledge and techniques necessary to handle their vehicles safely and effectively at high speeds. When using a hand-controlled vehicle in high-performance driving, there are obvious mechanical differences, but the instruction remains exactly the same.
Adapting Instruction for Hand Controls
When we drive our cars, we’re not consciously thinking about the limbs we use to accelerate and brake—these actions are second nature. Similarly, your right-seat instructor won’t focus on your control mechanism but rather on your control of the vehicle.
Students: What to Expect
When you first meet your instructor, there’s a good chance they haven’t encountered hand controls before. They’ll likely be curious about how they work on an intellectual level and may ask the usual questions you’re accustomed to. Once on the racetrack, however, their focus will shift entirely to guiding you. You’ll hear directions such as:
- Be smooth
- Keep your eyes up
- Look through the turn
These instructions aim to minimize the input the car needs to navigate the track, helping you refine your technique and achieve balance in the dance of high-performance driving.
As a novice, you may hear unfamiliar terms. Always ask your instructor to clarify anything you don’t understand. For example, terms like “lift” might seem unclear at first. “Lift” refers to the abrupt reduction of pressure on the gas pedal, which causes a weight shift in the vehicle. Depending on the situation, this weight shift can either unsettle the car or help it turn. It’s often straightforward to translate these terms to hand controls, but never hesitate to seek clarification.
Instructors: Tips for Working with Hand-Controlled Vehicles
If you’re instructing a student using hand controls, here are some key points to consider:
- Point-By Mechanism: One common question is how a driver using hand controls gives a point-by signal. The answer is simple: the driver holds the steering with their right hand and uses their left hand to signal out the window. This requires lifting off the throttle, which is often advised for point-bys. Some organizations also allow the use of blinkers, which can simplify signaling.
- Seating Position: Proper seating position is critical, especially when a driver uses one arm for steering. To reduce arm fatigue, encourage a closer seating position and monitor for signs of lazy steering inputs as an indicator of tiredness. Steering aids like knobs or tri-pins provide greater control and are essential for “Just Hands” drivers.
- Stability and Bracing: Drivers using hand controls might face challenges bracing themselves in the seat. In a stock seat with a 3-point belt, locking the seatbelt and moving the seat forward can improve stability. In a race seat with 4- or 6-point harnesses, ensure the belts are snug, and verify the student’s legs are positioned to avoid interfering with pedal operation (strapping them down is ideal).
Embracing Equal Opportunity
Students and instructors alike should approach HPDE with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Students shouldn’t be intimidated by starting a new hobby, and instructors won’t treat a hand-controlled driver any differently. High-performance driving is a rare sport where drivers with disabilities and able-bodied drivers are equals on the track.
It’s up to students to embrace this experience and up to instructors to foster an inclusive environment for all drivers.
For more detailed instructor questions, visit our FAQ page.
