Learn advanced driving skills from behind-the-wheel of a Pro Drive SkidCar.
A unique, hands-on, driver training experience for your employees.
Break the speed limit in your car at Portland International Raceway!
Drive a real race car on a world famous racetrack!
Go racing in a Pro Drive Spec Racer Ford
Learn critical driving skills for every road condition—rain, snow, or shine—behind the wheel of the Pro Drive SkidCar.
The SkidCar Course is a fun, hands-on program that lets drivers safely experience emergency situations in a controlled environment. Designed to improve awareness, reaction, and confidence, this training builds skills that apply to any vehicle and driving condition. It’s a one-of-a-kind driving experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Safe Driving Starts Here.
This course enhances driver awareness and teaches skills that apply to all vehicles and driving conditions – including winter roads!
Purchase a gift certificate or schedule today!
Behind-the-wheel training in the Pro Drive SkidCars
How to control and avoid all types of skids
Winter driving skills for rain, snow and ice
Concepts of vehicle dynamics
Defensive driving tactics
Understand Driver Aids
ABS Brakes Traction Control Stability Control All-Wheel and Four-Wheel Drive
Excellent training for all ages! (Permit or License)
Got questions? We have answers.
This innovative system recreates situations that allow the driver to experience different types of skids in an environment that encourages learning. The SkidCar is so effective at developing superior driving skills, it is the preferred training tool for law enforcement agencies and professional training centers around the world.
Pro Drive and Mt. Hood Meadows have teamed up to make your winter commute safer this year. Check out the video, then take a spin in a Pro Drive SkidCar and have the time of your life while learning the driving skills that could save it!
Test your street car on the twists & turns of PIR and take a spin in the Pro Drive SkidCars.
What is the main focus of the Car Control Course?
The primary focus is to teach drivers how to manage a vehicle’s balance and grip in emergency or low-traction situations. By using the Skid Car and participating in dynamic drills, you learn visual targets, skid recovery, and emergency braking maneuvers that are impossible to practice safely on public roads.
Is this course suitable for teenage or beginner drivers?
Yes, it is highly recommended for teens. Most accidents involving new drivers are caused by panic or overcorrecting. Our Car Control Course provides a safe environment to experience a car’s limits, building the “muscle memory” needed to respond correctly on public roads. It is perhaps the most valuable lesson a teen can have. The Skid Car lets them feel a car “breaking loose” for the first time in a 100% safe setting, removing the panic factor and replacing it with calm, technical skill. Course pre-requisite: Ten or more hours of behind-the-wheel driving is required.
How does training in the SkidCar help me learn?
The Pro Drive Skid Car is a specially modified vehicle equipped with a hydraulic frame that allows instructors to recreate front-wheel and rear-wheel skids at low, safe speeds. It is the ultimate teaching tool for learning how to respond to hydroplaning or ice, without the risks associated with high-speed loss of control.
Do I need to use my own vehicle for the Skid Car portion of the course?
No. For the specific skid recovery drills, you will use our dedicated Pro Drive Skid Car. This allows you to experience extreme vehicle instability in a controlled environment, preserving your own car’s tires and mechanical components while you master recovery techniques.
Is the Skid Car training effective for experienced drivers?
Absolutely. Even professional drivers use our Skid Car to refine their “seat-of-the-pants” feel. It isolates the sensations of understeer and oversteer, allowing you to practice the exact steering and throttle corrections needed to regain traction instantly. You will master advanced techniques including threshold braking, emergency lane changes, understeer and oversteer recovery, and how to use your vision to navigate out of dangerous situations.
Will this course help me on the racetrack?
Absolutely. While this is a safety-oriented clinic, understanding car balance and grip is the foundation of performance driving. Many of our students use this course as a prerequisite for our High-Performance or Racing School programs.
Here are some of our beloved customers
What are our client's saying about Pro Drive's Programs
Just wanted to pass on that my son, enjoyed the afternoon skid car class on Monday (as well as learned a lot!). We both thought that A.J. was an exceptional instructor. Got a blast out of his teaching style.
That was great! AJ had a great temperament for Lizzie and I noticed right away that the things that make me worry about her driving were getting better. Thank you
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of using a gift from my wife for the defensive driving class in Portland. Chris was our instructor. He did the best job ever... I have never had a better demonstration on the engineering and mechanics of a vehicle's systems and what actually happens when you turn, and brake. Then, when we went from the classroom to the actual vehicle and it even made more sense. His gentle manner and expertise were so helpful and made so much sense. Bravo to Chris. I learned a lot and it truly has had an influence on my driving.
I took the Pro Drive skid course yesterday with my siblings instructed by Chris. I just wanted to leave you with some feedback from the course. I thoroughly enjoyed the course, because driving has always been a bit scary for me because of all the things that can go wrong. Not only did this course better my confidence with skidding and losing control, it also helped me practice being a more aware and cautious driver. I learned some very counter intuitive techniques that I know will help me throughout my lifetime of driving. I wanted to leave a very strong positive feedback about our instructor Chris, as well. He was very nice, very informative, and really helped me feel comfortable and relaxed. He was quick to tell me what went wrong with the car when I would skid out, and how to correct it for next time. He did not make me feel stupid or like a bad driver, in fact if anything he made me a more confident driver. Thank you so much for the useful and fun driving course experience!
I was very pleased with the way the course was delivered, in a safe and professional atmosphere. Jim (skid class) and Dan (high performance) were both very knowledgeable and helpful in getting me to reach the goals I had set for myself to achieve in these classes. Many thanks to them both and to all of the staff that made this a very memorable event. I still have a great deal more to learn and can't wait to come back.....Thank You!!! I look forward to seeing you again.
AWESOME class we took today!!! AJ was outstanding. Learned a ton and best part is I won't worry so much about my 16 yr old son driving this winter... (note I said NOT so much... still worry J ) .. thanks all!
I was impressed with your program and how much I personally benefited from it. The instruction really changed the way I look at driving and my relationship with the road ... Your passion for driving and your commitment to safety really comes across. You've got a great service and I would love to see everyone in Portland take your course!
I learned a lot about driving a car and had a great time doing it. My insurance company said I will qualify for a discount.
Thanks for your time and expert direction during our session in the SkidCar. By safely allowing us an environment in which to experience how quickly things can get out of hand, you have taught us a new approach to our driving habits
This program can be a life saver and can prove to be one of the best investments we can offer to those who drive in the Oregon winters.
Your instructors displayed a high degree of experience and professionalism...
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This course date is currently fully booked:
If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please send us an email and we will contact you if a spot becomes available.