At Grand Prix we pride ourselves on having a rock solid curriculum sure to produce safe, confident, responsible drivers. INTRODUCTION TO GRAND PRIX RULES AND REGULATIONS - HISTORY OF THE MOTOR CAR: Development through the ages, the car and social trends, new materials in manufacturing, radial tires, safety features, computer technology, anti-lock brakes, turbo charged engines, twin cam 16 valve engines. BASIC DRIVING MANEUVERS: Drive centered in the lane with good speed control without excessive braking, making squared off lefts and rounded off rights using hand-over-hand method of steering with eye/hand coordination, lane changes. DRIVERS EDUCATION PROCEDURES: Procedures used to maneuver the vehicle, use of mirrors, 12-15 second visual lead, 3 or more seconds following distance. SMITH SYSTEM: Aim high in steering, get the big picture, keep your eyes moving, leave yourself an out, make sure others can see you, space cushion driving . DEVELOPMENT OF VISUAL PERCEPTUAL SKILLS: Establishing a visual lead, night driving, railroad crossings, blind spots, using the mirrors effectively. COMPENSATING FOR: Failing eyesight, medication, physical disabilities, handicapped drivers, night driving, driver license restrictions. HIGHWAY SYSTEMS & HIGHWAY DRIVING: Color codes, road side markings, exiting and entering the highway, passing, merging with traffic, highway hypnoses, use of maps. KNOWING ABOUT THE SAFETY FEATURES IN THE VEHICLE: Seat belts, airbags, ABS brakes, children riding safely in the vehicle. MASSACHUSETTS MOTOR VEHICLE CODE: Insurance and registration procedures, accident information and reports, required motor vehicle equipment, inspection process, traffic controls, responsibilities of the operator and owner, safe operating practices. DRUG AND ALCOHOL EDUCATION: Six hours of instruction including: physical affects, blood alcohol content, serving equivalents, under-21 offenses, repeat offenses, penalties, and legal implications. DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER: Use of lights, cruise control, front wheel drive, black ice, threshold braking, hydroplaning, skid control, rain, ice, fog, snow, winter driving. DRIVING AND INTERACTING WITH OTHER TYPES OF VEHICLES: Advantages and disadvantages of driving a small car, small cars in crashes, sharing the road with big trucks and motorcycles. DRIVING EMERGENCIES AND WHAT TO DO IF ONE OCCURS: Brake failure, blow outs, going off road, slick surfaces, headlight failure, emergency braking, hydroplaning. VEHICLE PURCHASE NEW AND USED: Style, size, economy, insurance cost, safe colors, standard safety features, leasing a car, depreciation, classic cars. HELPFUL DRIVING TIPS AND PREVENTION OF VEHICLE ABUSE: Safe operational practices, preventative maintenance, tire inspection, alignment and balance, radials, all season, or bias ply. OPERATION OF THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE: Mechanics of the drive train, vehicle systems. CAR MAINTENANCE: Checking fluids, replacing fluids, differences in gasoline octane, identifying problems, car care, automotive first aid, winterizing your car. INSURANCE INFORMATION: Premiums, what accidents do to insurance rates, coverage in Massachusetts, what to do in the event of an accident . FINAL EXAMINATION