The Upcoming BMW and MINI Driving Experience Program

BMW started the Driving Experience program years ago that made history. This program is a genuine forerunner in this field. Therefore, BMW will extend their program to persons with disabilities beginning next month. It will be under the supervision of professional instructors. The trainees will use specially converted BMW and MINI cars in the training sessions.

According to Bettina Schmidt-Kiendl, driving is a type of freedom and self-determination. She is the key in developing the new safety training, a wheelchair user and an instructor. Moreover, she added that the program aims to provide folks with similar limitations the same thrill of driving as she is experiencing every day. As a result, BMW altered the training vehicles to allow comfortable hand steering to achieve this goal. Furthermore, this program also focuses on keeping both hands on the wheel at all times. 

However, a second ring on the steering wheel is used to accelerate. A specific brake lever is placed right next to it. The Driving Experience program has actual driving exercises. It ranges from indirect manoeuvres and braking to dodge driving on the optimal line. This program also includes drifting through controlled oversteering in corners. Furthermore, the Safety Training program has two parts – the theoretical and practical section. It will be the same as BMW and MINI Driving Experience safety training courses. 

The instructors begin by discussing the fundamentals of driving physics. They will also introduce the converted vehicles to the trainees. The instructors will show them how to drive safely and sportily. They will demonstrate the best seating and steering wheel position. Trainees will use the MINI John Cooper Works, the all-new BMW M3 Competition, and other current vehicles for practical exercises. 

The Maisach BMW and MINI Driving Academy will be the first to uphold the program. However, BMW may add other locations in the future if this will be a success.