NightDrive for Learners - November 2024

Since 2016, hundreds of Learner Drivers have benefited from NIGHTDRIVE FOR LEARNERS, the free community road-safety initiative for young drivers held monthly at Sydney Motorsport Park. NIGHTDRIVE is particularly suited to first-timers as well as L-Platers with some experience, providing a unique opportunity to increase their on-road experience especially at night, and without all the added stress on regular busy road traffic (and oncoming cars!).

Learner Drivers (with their supervisors alongside) gain much needed experience in a safe environment and experience an improved feel for the road and vehicle handling as the day turns to night.

Driver safety is first and foremost. All standard RMS Road Rules for Learner Drivers apply, and each NIGHTDRIVE session is also be under the watchful observance of a Safety Officer from Driving Solutions – the ARDC’s long-term RMS-accredited driver training partner. The nights often feature additional insights and information from invited special guests including Police Road Safety Education personnel.

The Nightdrive for Learners safety initiative experience is courtesy of the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club – proud operators of the SMSP circuit.

While people may not automatically link driver training with the fast-paced, frenetic world of motorsport – its no surprise that the safety of drivers and the race cars is paramount at high speed and competitive racing. But did you also know that many of the safety features in modern cars such as anti-lock braking and even the humble rear-view mirror were all borne out of the world of motorsport? Since it began in1952, the ARDC has been at the very centre of Australian Motorsport and a major advocate for safer driving on Australian roads for almost seventy years!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• NIGHTDRIVE is for learner drivers only (of any age) who must be accompanied by an appropriate supervisor (25+) at all times. Please bring your drivers’ licence as this will be sighted at registration - current Learner's Licence (driver) and an Unrestricted Civil Road Licence (supervisor) must be provided.

• NIGHTDRIVE sessions run for around 1 ½ to 2 hours, where the Learner and Supervisor take to the SMSP track to experience driving at night (NOTE: there is no in-car instruction etc).

• Supervisors (Parent/Guardian) must be 25 years or over.

• Your ticket is for one car, a Learner Driver and a fully-licenced supervisor over 25 years to attend the session. Families can register multiple Learner Drivers during the ticketing process to share the session (NOTE only one driver/supervisor in any car on track at any one time).

• All participants (drivers and supervisors) are required to attend registration and a drivers’ briefing on the night, commencing before the NIGHTDRIVE session.

• NIGHTDRIVE sessions run for around 1 ½ to 2 hours (see below for full details).

• Max Speed on the night is 80km/h. Drivers found in violation of these rules may be removed from the track.

• All standard RMS Road Rules for Learners Apply

• NIGHTDRIVE can count towards log-book hours: no additional hours or bonuses apply.

• The ARDC reserves the right to amend Terms & Conditions regarding NIGHTDRIVE at any time.

*If in doubt, please call the ARDC on 9672 1000 or email nightdrive@ardc.com.au with your query and we will assist you.

GET IN EARLY. WAITLISTS MAY APPLY

NIGHTDRIVE bookings open at 12 noon the day following the previous event. Pre-booking is essential given the overwhelming popularity of the event, and as numbers are limited to 60 cars per evening session.

NIGHTDRIVE SELLS OUT IN MINUTES. A wait list will activate when capacity is reached. Please note the waitlist is for that event only, and does not carry over to any future events.

ON THE NIGHT

SCHEDULE

• Registration: 5.30pm – 6pm
• Briefing: 6pm followed by a group sighting lap of the track (in convoy).
• Track Open: 6.15pm (approx.)
• Track closes: 8pm

• Drivers and their Supervisors begin with an important introductory briefing and a sighting (slow drive) lap of the circuit. Participants can spend as much or as little of the available time on track as they feel comfortable with.

• Venue access and registration commences at 5:30pm, followed by a briefing at 6:00pm. Drive sessions run from 6:15pm – 8:00pm. Hint: Arrive a little earlier to get your bearings, relax, and perhaps enjoy a coffee or snack from the ARDC Garage Cafe before the Drivers Briefing!

WHAT TO WEAR

Please wear casual, comfortable clothing with regards to weather conditions - it can get very hot, and equally very cold at Sydney Motorsport Park. Ensure that you wear comfortable flat, closed in shoes. Please note that high heels, thongs or sandals are not permitted.

VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS

Please ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and has:

• The correct oil and water levels
• A full tank of fuel
• Tyre pressures at recommended manufacturer levels, please refer to your vehicle handbook for optimum levels.
• Remove any loose items from your vehicle.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

The ARDC Garage and Cafe on Level 1 of the main pit building overlooks the main straight and Pit Lane, and is open for food and refreshment for NIGHTDRIVE. Please note that all participants must have 0.0 blood alcohol.

WEATHER

All Driver Training courses at Sydney Motorsport Park go ahead whatever the weather conditions. In fact, NIGHTDRIVE is the perfect chance to upskill your Learner Driver for wet weather driving. In the unlikely event that we need to cancel or postpone a course we will contact you as soon as possible.

MEDIA 

The ARDC recognises the need to ensure the welfare and safety of all young people taking part in any activity at Sydney Motorsport Park.

In accordance with our policy, we will not permit photographs, video or other images of young people to be taken without the consent of the parents/carers and children. As your child will be taking part in Nightdrive For Learners, we kindly request your consent to take photographs/videos of the event or activity that may contain images of your child.

These images may potentially serve the following purposes:

• promotion for future Nightdrive events on Sydneymotorsportpark.com.au and its associated social channels

• promotion for future Nightdrive events on ARDC.com.au and its associated social channels

• publicity material for further activities or events on leaflets/magazine articles and other print media

Rest assured, we will take all necessary measures to ensure that these images are utilized solely for their intended purposes. If you become aware that these images are being used inappropriately you should inform us immediately.

DIRECTIONS

Enter Sydney Motorsport Park via Gate A on Ferrers Road. Once on Ferrers Road, Sydney Motorsport Park is on the left-hand side, with yellow and black signage. Once you are within Sydney Motorsport Park, please follow the road down to central road, under the vehiclular tunnel and into the Pit Paddock and park your vehicle. Proceed up one of the flights of stairs to the first level above the pit garages and enter the ARDC Garage Café for Registration.

*If in doubt, please call the ARDC on 9672 1000 or email nightdrive@ardc.com.au with your query and we will assist you.

We look forward to welcoming you to Sydney Motorsport Park and NIGHTDRIVE FOR LEARNERS.