Advice for studying for ARDS test

[pitcrew]

Hi all my ARDS is quickly approaching what advice can you give to make sure i am fully prepared for this very important day

thanks in advance

[Tim Falce]

Learn the flags, they'll tell you everything else.

[pitcrew]

As easy as that....
ARDS is at silverstone, what circuit layout would they use for this?

[Lancsbreaker]

Don't know, but I'll be amazed if they use anything other than the National circuit.

As said, if you've learnt your flags, I reckon that if you fail your ARDS you ought to be banned from doing anything more complicated than a little light dusting.

The written paper is multi-choice and blindingly obvious as to which is correct, especially if you've watched the DVD they send you - which they may well show you again, on the day. The driving section merely requires you to show a modicum of sense, listen to what your examiner says, and not try to prove that you are the next Pastor Maldonado.....

The ARDS is an exercise in extracting money from your bank account, little more....take it seriously, but don't worry about it.

[Tim Falce]

I would think they'll use the Stowe circuit for ARDS. It's mostly common sense and they do go through quite a lot in the classroom before they give you the test paper. You must know the flags.

[pitcrew]

Brilliant, thanks for the replys all info is a great help

[FAS33]

blue - overtaking cars
yellow - caution
black - race canceled
green - go
white - last lap
chequered flag - end of race

I think they should just give me the ARDS now..

[Gerryc]

Originally Posted by FAS33

blue - overtaking cars
yellow - caution
black - race canceled
green - go
white - last lap
chequered flag - end of race

I think they should just give me the ARDS now..

But you've forgotten the most important flag as far as the driver is concerned:

Yellow / Red - slippery, mistake will cost money to repair!

Seriously, as a marshal it is great that you all say that learning the flags is very important, what a shame that a good number of drivers seem to forget as soon as they get out into a competitive situation.

Have a look at John Newman's site - especially the "drivers site" http://www.flag-marshal.org.uk/

Good luck with the ARDS.

[johngee]

Originally Posted by FAS33

blue - overtaking cars
yellow - caution
black - race canceled
green - go
white - last lap
chequered flag - end of race

Not strictly accurate for the UK. Rather than repeat, read and learn the definitions in the Blue Book.

Good luck - it's not as bad as you fear

[Tim Falce]

Originally Posted by FAS33

blue - overtaking cars
yellow - caution
black - race canceled
green - go
white - last lap
chequered flag - end of race

I think they should just give me the ARDS now..

You'd never pass with those answers, you only have one and a bit correct.

[matlockscot]

The only 'trick' question I recall was the use of the 'national' flag to start a race in the event that the lights don't work - and 'national' doesn't always mean the Union Jack (of Union Flag as it now seems to be referred as). Other than that, like everyone says, learn the flags (including the difference between waved and stationary) and don't rely on the answers above!

[Tim Falce]

It's the seafaring old farts that like it referred to as the Union Flag on dry land and Union Jack flown on the masthead of a ship, it can be called either.

[MGDavid]

Originally Posted by Tim Falce

It's the seafaring old farts that like it referred to as the Union Flag on dry land and Union Jack flown on the masthead of a ship, it can be called either.

on a masthead?

it's flown from a jackstaff as eny fule kno...

[midgetman]

So is the Union Jack named after the jackstaff, and the Union Flag named after the flagstaff or the other way round? What about one on a broomstick as used to start a race?

What is important is that you go on the down stroke! I was in an S2000 race at Mallory once when the lights failed and the front rows ended up piled on top of each other because they couldn't see/didn't recognise the flag.

There is a page in the Blue Book that gives brief summary of the flag signals, it's much better than the one on this page! Some of which aren't correct. Remember also to learn what you have to do! E.g. The yellow flag isn't just a warning, it tells you to do something...with sanctions if you don't comply. The ARDS test is as much about checking you know WHAT to do under a flag as it is that you know what the flag means.

[Tim Falce]

Originally Posted by MGDavid

on a masthead?

it's flown from a jackstaff as eny fule kno...

So you must be an ex seafaring old fart then.

[MGDavid]

Originally Posted by Tim Falce

So you must be an ex seafaring old fart then.

yes, apart from hating the sea

[FAS33]

Originally Posted by Tim Falce

You'd never pass with those answers, you only have one and a bit correct.

meh was close enough

[Chris Y]

Originally Posted by FAS33

meh was close enough

Not for the ARDS examiners

[midgetman]

Or for the marshals that read this and are convinced all drivers are congenital idiots who deliberately ignore flags anyway......

[Gerryc]

Originally Posted by midgetman

Or for the marshals that read this and are convinced all drivers are congenital idiots who deliberately ignore flags anyway......

Hey! - I resemble that remark

[midgetman]

Ahem. I refer m'learned friend to his previous comment

Originally Posted by Gerryc

Seriously, as a marshal it is great that you all say that learning the flags is very important, what a shame that a good number of drivers seem to forget as soon as they get out into a competitive situation.