Driver Progression
Know Where You Are. See Where You Are Going.
189 performance outcomes across 13 skill categories and 3 driver levels, derived from the HPDE Curriculum Guide. Use this checklist to assess your current abilities, identify gaps, and chart a clear path from your first track day through accomplished mastery.
How the Progression Works
The HPDE Curriculum Guide, authored by a team of instructors with a combined 180+ years of HPDE teaching experience, defines driver skills in three progressive tiers. Every performance outcome describes something you do that can be observed by an instructor. These outcomes do not correspond to specific run groups, since each organization structures its groups differently. Instead, they represent the progressive development of driving skill that all HPDE programs share.
Initial
Beginner fundamentals
Developing
Building consistency
Accomplished
Advanced mastery
Each outcome is also tagged by skill type: (F) Fundamentals and Safety are essential to every program, (C) Core Non-Competitive build fast, safe driving skills, and (P) Pre-Competitive prepare drivers for time trials or wheel-to-wheel racing.
1. Focus on Learning
18 outcomesAttitude, self-evaluation, and self-coaching
Initial
7 items
- Adopt and maintain a learning mindset rather than a "go-fast" mindset(F)#1
- Follow the advice of their instructor and ask questions to get specific help(F)#2
- Dial back their driving intensity immediately when requested by their instructor(F)#3
- Recognize and name large driving errors in real time(F)#7
- Make instructor-guided corrections to respond to any error(F)#8
- Discuss each upcoming on-track session with their instructor and agree on one to three learning goals(C)#9
- Relate skills discussed in the classroom to their on-track experiences(C)#10
Developing
6 items
- Recognize when becoming overly focused on speed or "red mist" and reorient toward learning and safety(C)#4
- Recognize small driving errors and make corrections in real time(F)#11
- Mentally note errors while on track without dwelling on them or being distracted(C)#12
- Use part of their track time to practice specific skills(C)#13
- Keep notes about which skills they are executing well and which they are working on(C)#14
- Recognize when unsure of a solution and seek guidance from reliable sources(C)#15
Accomplished
5 items
- Drive at a high level without placing themselves or others at risk(C)#5
- Maintain a learning mindset, continuing to work toward improving their skills(C)#6
- Accurately identify strengths and weaknesses in their own driving and prioritize areas for greatest improvement(C)#16
- Identify most handling and performance issues in terms of root cause, especially driver-control based(C)#17
- Use a broad set of tools to measure and improve performance, including video, data acquisition, coaches(P)#18
2. Safety and Emergency Procedures
20 outcomesTrack safety, flags, spins, offs, and mechanical failures
Initial
14 items
- Acknowledge they must have an instructor unless explicitly authorized to drive solo(F)#19
- Always check seat belt, helmet, and head/neck support before entering the track(F)#21
- Leave stability management system ON(F)#22
- Enter the track using event rules for grid, pit-out, blend line(F)#23
- Use only the passing zones and protocols assigned for their run group(F)#24
- Recognize when fatigued, come off track immediately(F)#27
- Recognize when dehydrated and do not go on track until rehydrated(F)#28
- State the meaning of all flags and describe proper response to each(F)#33
- Acknowledge all red, yellow, black, and checkered flags by waving inside the car(F)#34
- Put "both feet in" if the car is spinning beyond the point of recovery(F)#38
- Stay in the car with safety gear on if they need to stop on or near the track(F)#39
- State the proper procedure to exit the vehicle in event of fire or rollover(F)#40
- Gradually work to collect a vehicle getting out of control, rather than abruptly "saving the car"(C)#42
- Explain the recovery procedure for two wheels off track(C)#43
Developing
3 items
- Notice ALL flags displayed on track during a session, especially in traffic, and respond properly(F)#35
- Develop a plan for avoiding incidents based on traffic and flags ahead(C)#36
- Identify mechanical failures through symptoms (smoke, smell, sound, feel) and take appropriate action(C)#45
Accomplished
3 items
- Demonstrate through their actions a complete understanding of track safety(F)#32
- Infer the situation on track from any flag or sequence of flags and execute a safe response(C)#37
- Demonstrate in the paddock how they would exit their car safely in event of fire(P)#46
3. Event and Organizational Protocols
7 outcomesSchedule, rules, staff, and advancement path
Initial
7 items
- Follow the event schedule and know where to get a copy if needed(F)#47
- Identify their instructor and know where to meet them(F)#48
- Follow track and event rules; ensure guests follow rules (no fueling in garages, no alcohol until all cars off track)(F)#49
- Follow event requirements for class attendance(F)#50
- Identify who key event staff are, their roles, and where to find them(C)#52
- Point out locations of classrooms, restrooms, fuel, air, fire extinguishers, and medical services(C)#53
- Describe the path to advancement in the organization and develop personal goals(C)#54
4. Vehicle Preparation and Knowledge
16 outcomesCar readiness, maintenance, and electronic driver aids
Initial
6 items
- Clear car of any loose items prior to going on track(F)#57
- Ensure the car has adequate fuel before each session(F)#58
- State the last time oil and brake fluid were changed(F)#59
- Check lug nut torque and tire pressures; adjust to proper values if needed(C)#60
- Describe which electronic driver aids should NOT be used on track and how to disable them(F)#71
- Activate ABS (if equipped) and recognize how it works and feels(C)#72
Developing
6 items
- Visually identify brake pad thickness and state when pads are too thin for track use(F)#64
- Check brake fluid level, describe fluid color, and assess whether to top off or replace(F)#65
- Assess tire tread condition by observing wear patterns and/or chalking the shoulder(C)#66
- Check oil level and state the type and weight of oil used for track duty(C)#67
- Use advanced stability management settings only after discussion with an instructor(F)#74
- Accurately predict the activation of ABS and/or stability management while driving(C)#76
Accomplished
4 items
- Evaluate tire tread condition, explain wear patterns and causes, suggest setup or driving adjustments(P)#68
- Demonstrate how to take tire temperatures with a probe and explain timing for useful data(P)#69
- Explain what a given set of tire temperatures indicates for pressures and alignment(P)#70
- Drive safely with advanced stability management settings or with stability management disabled(P)#77
5. Vision and Situational Awareness
23 outcomesReference points, traffic, flags, and visual rhythm
Initial
10 items
- Recognize visually where reference points and landmarks are, and know the approaching turn(F)#78
- Spend most of their time looking well ahead of the car along the desired line(F)#79
- Look "through" all turns, mentally visualizing the path the car will take(C)#80
- Use visual reference points for braking, turn-in, apex, and track-out as aiming points(F)#81
- Set mirrors to eliminate blind spots(F)#85
- Be aware of cars behind that are within 5 car lengths(F)#86
- Check mirrors every time approaching a passing zone and give point-by if appropriate(F)#87
- Indicate the location of all manned flag stations on a track map(F)#94
- Wave to the worker at every flag station on warm-up and cool-down laps(F)#95
- Focus vision on where they want to go, especially during off-track excursions or oversteer(F)#97
Developing
7 items
- Before reaching each reference point, move visual focus to the next point and beyond(C)#82
- Find and use their own visual reference points, both on and off the track(C)#83
- Maintain awareness of traffic using regular mirror scans and peripheral vision(F)#90
- Anticipate when a pass might occur and coordinate it safely(C)#91
- See ALL flags displayed on track during a session, especially in traffic(F)#98
- Scan run-off areas so they can be included in avoidance/action plans(C)#99
- Notice changes in track surface conditions (fluids, weather, debris) and respond appropriately(C)#100
Accomplished
6 items
- Adjust choice of visual reference points and timing of focus changes to drive faster and safer(P)#84
- Use glances, peripheral vision, and mirrors to maintain awareness of all cars and situations(C)#92
- Maintain appropriate focus on reference points, mirrors, and flags when driving close to other cars(P)#93
- Check each flag station at the earliest place where visible(C)#101
- Check each flag station at the last opportunity before passing it(C)#102
- Detect situations far ahead (incidents, flags, traffic) when layout permits(C)#103
6. The Line
16 outcomesDry line consistency, rain line adaptation, and line refinement
Initial
7 items
- Drive the line as taught, showing consistency in turn-in, apex, and track-out(F)#104
- Recognize significantly early turn-in and adjust in the moment and subsequent laps(F)#105
- Recognize when going to run out of pavement at exit and handle safely(F)#106
- Use all the track at turn-in, apex, and track-out except where instructed otherwise(C)#107
- Drive a different line in the rain as taught by their instructor(F)#118
- Adjust speed appropriately in wet conditions(F)#119
- Avoid areas slippery when wet (painted curbs, standing water, sealer patches)(F)#120
Developing
5 items
- Drive a good line, smoothly connecting all reference points with minimal lap-to-lap variation(C)#109
- Identify turns with the greatest effect on lap time and work to maximize performance there(C)#110
- Select a good line through linked turns, balancing turn duration with exit speed(C)#111
- Experiment with small line adjustments and observe the effect on exit speed(P)#114
- Experiment with different lines when wet and sense where traction is better(C)#122
Accomplished
4 items
- Drive an efficient line with high accuracy and consistency relative to all reference points(C)#115
- Choose lines that account for slope, camber, crown, bumpiness, polishing, rubber(P)#116
- Choose an effective line when driving side by side or forced off-line(P)#117
- Sense small variations in traction when wet and continually adjust line as conditions change(P)#123
7. Track Maps and Track Assessment
16 outcomesMaps, note-taking, data, and condition assessment
Initial
5 items
- Describe on-track experiences in terms of location (turn number, phase of turn)(F)#124
- Use a track map to identify passing zones, turn numbers, flag stations, and physical features(C)#125
- Add all manned flag stations to their track map(F)#130
- Add initial notes (landmarks, braking/turn-in/apex/track-out points, gear shifts)(C)#131
- Adjust speed, braking, corner entry, and exit in response to weather or surface changes(F)#138
Developing
7 items
- Locate and print out track maps prior to the event(C)#126
- Study track map and available resources (videos) prior to the event(C)#127
- Perform track reconnaissance to build knowledge of features, run-off areas, and barriers(C)#128
- Record gear selection, points for turn-in/apex/track-out/braking, and corner priorities on map(C)#132
- Start a binder of track maps and notes for each track(C)#135
- Identify high-risk track areas (bumps, dips, surface changes) and adjust driving style(F)#139
- Assess track characteristics via guided track walk or discussion with instructor(C)#140
Accomplished
4 items
- Draw and explain large-scale track sections including line, reference points, and actions(C)#129
- Record alternate reference points, track slope/camber/roughness details on a track map(C)#136
- Safely use traction sampling to find the line best suited to their car(C)#141
- Provide input during or lead a track walk for other drivers(C)#142
8. Throttle and Acceleration
10 outcomesMaintenance throttle, progressive application, rotation
Initial
4 items
- Use maintenance throttle mid-corner to balance the car, especially in long corners(F)#143
- Progressively add throttle from apex to track-out, coordinated with unwinding steering(F)#144
- Maintain or continually increase throttle all the way down each straight(C)#145
- Keep right heel firmly on the floor when using the throttle(C)#146
Developing
3 items
- Minimize time spent transitioning to throttle (coasting) once braking for a turn is complete(C)#147
- Use small throttle adjustments in corners to keep the car on the desired line(C)#148
- Progress smoothly to maximum throttle as soon as possible in each turn(C)#149
Accomplished
3 items
- Use throttle to induce vehicle rotation for appropriate corners and situations(C)#150
- Control slip angles during acceleration by precise throttle application(P)#151
- Adjust throttle use to manage tire wear and reduction in grip(P)#152
9. Braking
19 outcomesInitial application, threshold braking, modulation, trail braking
Initial
8 items
- Position seat so they can press brake pedal to limit without fully straightening knee or ankle(F)#153
- Identify a braking reference point at some turns and brake consistently at that point(F)#154
- At the braking point, squeeze the brakes on quickly and smoothly(F)#155
- Brake in a straight line in threshold braking zones, using substantial braking ability(F)#156
- Begin reducing brake pressure before turn-in and smoothly release brakes on all turns(F)#168
- Complete a smooth release of brakes after turn-in (trail braking) where appropriate(C)#169
- Achieve a target speed at turn-in within their own and the car's capabilities(F)#170
- Keep the car on-line during braking (not creeping toward center or turning in early)(F)#171
Developing
5 items
- Apply enough brake pressure in threshold zones to reach limit of braking ability most of the time(F)#160
- Transition quickly between throttle and brakes with no coasting in between(C)#161
- Determine which turns require threshold, medium, or brush braking and use correctly(C)#162
- Compress threshold braking zones progressively, moving braking point closer to turn-in(C)#163
- Release brakes gradually with some release beyond turn-in (trail braking) to help the car turn(C)#172
Accomplished
6 items
- Reach the limit of braking ability consistently in all threshold braking zones(P)#165
- Consistently initiate braking as late as possible for all turns(P)#166
- Use trail braking in slower/tighter turns to adjust speed and promote car rotation on entry(C)#173
- Adjust timing and rate of brake release in small increments to fine-tune entry speed and rotation(C)#174
- Use trailing-throttle oversteer to induce rotation and avoid braking when possible(C)#175
- Use left-foot braking to overlap throttle and more effectively maintain car balance(C)#176
10. Steering
7 outcomesHand position, single smooth inputs, steering speed
Initial
5 items
- Sit with back and shoulders on seat; position seat for ~90-degree elbow bend at 9-and-3(F)#177
- Drive from turn-in to apex using a single, smooth movement of the steering wheel(F)#178
- Gradually unwind the steering wheel from apex to track-out(F)#179
- Hold the steering wheel at 9-and-3 on all straights and turns that do not require arm crossing(C)#180
- Use pre-positioning or shuffle steering in tighter turns to prevent crossing arms(C)#181
Developing
1 items
- Make planned steering inputs more rapidly or gradually (faster or slower hands) to improve grip(C)#182
Accomplished
1 items
- Manage steering in coordination with acceleration and braking to keep slip angle near maximum grip(P)#183
11. Shifting
12 outcomesUpshifts, downshifts, heel-and-toe, transmission management
Initial
5 items
- Keep two hands on the wheel, only touching the shift lever when actively changing gears(F)#184
- Upshift only while accelerating, at a consistent RPM at or below redline(F)#185
- Execute upshifts promptly and smoothly(F)#186
- Downshift only while braking, and only when a lower gear is needed to exit the next corner(F)#187
- Complete each downshift before turning the steering wheel(F)#188
Developing
3 items
- Utilize the "sport" or "track" setting of the transmission if equipped(C)#189
- Short shift in locations where coached to do so and explain why it can be advantageous(C)#190
- Downshift using heel-and-toe with only small variations in braking pressure and no sudden weight shift(C)#191
Accomplished
4 items
- Determine when a short shift would be advantageous by experimenting over multiple laps(P)#192
- Upshift at the optimal RPM value for each gear (which varies per gear)(P)#193
- Downshift heel-and-toe with negligible brake pressure variation and no perceptible weight shift(P)#194
- Spend less than 0.5 seconds with the clutch disengaged on all shifts(P)#195
12. Weight Transfer and Car Control
10 outcomesKinesthetics, vehicle dynamics feel, driving at the limit
Initial
4 items
- Recognize significant understeer and regain control by smoothly reducing throttle and/or opening steering(F)#196
- Recognize significant oversteer and regain control by maintaining or adding throttle and/or counter-steering(F)#197
- Explain which inputs cause weight to transfer forward/rearward and how it affects car balance(C)#198
- Sense side loads through the seat during cornering and know if the load is steady or changing(C)#199
Developing
4 items
- Use small throttle changes to adjust the balance and direction of the car in a turn (throttle steer)(C)#200
- Recognize moderate understeer or oversteer and correct using throttle and/or steering inputs(C)#201
- Recognize which tire noises indicate tires working properly versus being over-driven(C)#202
- Detect the change in steering effort as front wheels approach their traction limit(C)#203
Accomplished
2 items
- Use weight transfer to predictably increase or decrease the car's rotation rate(C)#204
- Drive the car close to its limits almost all the time, recognizing small over/understeer and correcting with small inputs(P)#205
13. Passing / Driving Near Other Cars
15 outcomesPassing zones, point-bys, driving side by side
Initial
7 items
- Describe designated passing zones and protocols(F)#206
- Signal correctly to allow faster cars to pass on right or left(F)#207
- Execute safe passes in designated zones when giving or receiving a point-by(F)#208
- Demonstrate good judgment regarding waving off an offered point-by(F)#209
- Modulate throttle as necessary to facilitate safe and efficient passes(F)#210
- Communicate effectively with other drivers (mirror tap, car positioning to present or decline)(C)#211
- Maintain car position and pace along straights when alongside another car(C)#216
Developing
4 items
- Maintain pace and composure while giving point-bys in designated passing zones(F)#212
- Set up passing scenarios ahead of time for safe and effective presentation and execution(C)#213
- Maintain car position through turns and on straights when alongside another car(C)#217
- Stay within two car widths of a car alongside when driving side by side at reduced pace(P)#218
Accomplished
4 items
- Give or take passes anywhere (including corners) with or without point-by as allowed(P)#214
- Anticipate passing situations and accomplish the pass with minimal speed adjustments(P)#215
- Maintain car position through turns and straights within one car width when alongside(P)#219
- Drive side by side at a brisk pace(P)#220
Skill Category Tags
(F)Fundamentals & Safety
(C)Core Non-Competitive
(P)Pre-Competitive
Adapted from The HPDE Curriculum Guide, instructorsummit.com/curriculum-guide. Performance outcomes numbered 1-220 as defined in the guide.
Ready to advance? Find a coach to validate your skills.
A skilled instructor can observe your driving, confirm which outcomes you have mastered, identify your next growth areas, and accelerate your progression. Whether you are working toward solo sign-off or preparing for competition, the right coach makes the difference.