
Last Updated: 01/16/2011, 06:31:08
Below are Peachstate Region PCA guidelines for skill levels expected in DE Run Groups. These are the levels of accomplishment and required skills that must be demonstrated to an instructor before being promoted to a higher Run Group. It should be understood that drivers within each run group will be at varying levels of achievement.
Instructor sign-offs for run group promotions can occur in several ways. First, a student may request an evaluation review of their skills from their instructor (or from the Chief Instructor if already signed-off in an upper level and requesting to move to a higher group). Alternatively, an instructor can recommend a sign-off for promotion, generally after discussion with the driver. The instructor would indicate this reccomendation for advancement on the Student Evaluation Form. Upper-level advancements require both a consultation with the chief instructor, and a written evaluation by a check-out instructor.
A newly signed-off solo student driver will remain in their original run group for the remainder of that event, using an “S” decal to designate the sign-off, but depending on the circumstances, that student may or may not be promoted to the next level at the next event. Changes between run groups during an event are generally not possible, but in exceptional circumstances, arrangements may be made.
  Group 1 Run Group
  
  Peachstate policy is that Group 1 students signed-off (for a day or a
  session) do not automatically progress to Group 2, or cease to require an
  instructor. Students will be promoted to Group 2 when they meet the written
  criteria below, and can expect continued instruction in Group 2 as part of
  Peachstate's instructional program. The goal of Driver's Education is to
  assist each driver in learning and improving their skill level to the best
  of their ability. Students can expect to spend at least three or four
  events in the Group 1 run group with an instructor. As drivers gain
  experience in Group 1, they are expected to polish their high performance
  driving skills, increase their confidence, and learn more advanced
  techniques. Promotion to Solo status requires a positive recommendation
  from a Peachstate instructor plus approval by the Chief Driving Instructor.
  Group 2 Run Group
  
  The Group 2 run group is a "Solo-only" (no instructor required, but may be
  requested) group. Group 2 drivers are characterized by a wide range of
  skills and experience, as drivers gain seat-time and work on advancing
  their driving skills. These drivers will be working toward improved
  consistency, use of vision, and the use of momentum. The skills listed
  below assume proficiency in the skills listed above for Groups 1. A student
  can expect to spend at least one active season in Group 2.
  Group 3 (Advanced and Instructors) Run Group
  
  Promotion to Group 3 requires a positive recommendation from a Peachstate
  Instructor and approval by the Chief Driving Instructor. Drivers in Group 3
  are expected to be expert in all the driving skills taught by Peachstate.
  The experienced Group 3 driver should be indistinguishable from the average
  driver in Group 4. Many Group 3 drivers are, in fact, Peachstate
  Instructors or expert drivers who prefer to stay in Group 3 due to their
  car's top speed and/or horsepower.
  Group 4 (Expert and Instructors)
  Run Group
  
  Group 4 consists of the most experienced drivers in the fastest, highest
  horsepower cars. Group 4 drivers are experts in all driving skills taught
  by Peachstate and PCA at large. Many drivers in Group 4 are instructors
  and/or hold Porsche Club Racing licenses. In recent years, Peachstate has
  attempted to balance groups 3 and 4 based on a combination of driver skill
  and the top speed and horsepower of a driver's car. We have found that this
  policy helps maintain the balance of the group as a whole and has reduced
  the tendency of lower horsepower cars to hold up long lines of faster cars
  waiting for a passing signal.