Test all limits in the Nissan Navara
Test all limits in the Nissan Navara

TOYOTA GAZOO RACING Driving Academy is now open to the public

Years of experience alone are not enough to make you the safest driver on the road. We all need to polish up on our driving from time to time, and this applies to both seasoned and novice drivers. There will always be room for improvement, and we therefore need skill beyond what is legally required by traffic law enforcement agencies.

There are many reasons why advanced driver training is necessary, including the dexterity to be able to control our vehicles in uncomfortable and, even, plain scary situations. Toyota South Africa recognises that we are a diverse nation that is exposed to a variety of driving conditions and scenarios – such as off-road trails, taxi-congested byways and highways, crime-infected zones and winding open roads.

Toyota SA is therefore pleased to announce that Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Driving Academy is now open for business. Formerly known as the Toyota Driving Academy, the reimagined TGR Driving Academy offers a number of driving courses to its customers as well as other road users.

Interested parties can choose from one of eight courses, or a combination thereof. These include Advanced Defensive Driving, Collision Avoidance, Gravel/Dirt Road Training, Defensive Driving and Traffic Psychology, Advanced 4X4 & Recovery, On-road/Off-road Driving (4×2/4×4), Dynamic Handling and Hijack Prevention.

Under the helm of Managing Director Paul de Vos, the TGR Driving Academy is headquartered in Johannesburg, Gauteng, but its courses are carried out nationwide. The academy also offers the added benefit of being able to carry out tailor-made onsite training throughout Africa. They are currently also involved with training in 12 different countries on the continent.  

“We truly believe that anyone who holds a driver’s licence should, at the very least, attend an Advanced Defensive and Collision Avoidance course as this builds confidence and the skills required to drive on local roads. With SA being one of the most dangerous countries to drive in, safety is our number-one concern – so, we also equip our attendees to best cope with not only the ever-changing road conditions, but also how to adjust one’s mind set to cope with the aggressive nature of fellow road users. I would also advise drivers to do refresher courses at least once a year,” says De Vos.

With you in mind, we asked De Vos to answer the following questions for those who would like to register for training at the TGR Driving Academy:

  1. What is the criteria for registration? You only need a driver’s licence, an open mind and a desire to change your mindset.
  2. Will I receive a certificate upon course completion? Most definitely.
  3. Is training open to non-Toyota/Lexus drivers as well? Our courses are open to everyone.
  4. Where are the training facilities? We are based in Gauteng and complete most of our training at Gerotek Test Facility, outside Tshwane.
  5. How do you guarantee safety during training? We only deliver training in controlled conditions and only use highly qualified instructors.
  6. Are you open on weekends? We do run courses every second weekend.
  7. What are the training rates? Training rates vary depending on which course you would like to attend. I would also like to add that training is open to both individuals and groups.
  8. Do you prefer that customers bring their own vehicles or would you rather they use the TGR Driving Academy fleet? We have a full fleet of Toyota vehicles which are available to be used by our clients, we do however highly recommend that customers use their own vehicles as no two vehicles are the same – meaning that they may handle or react differently under various conditions.
  9. What vehicles do you have in your fleet? Toyota Hilux, Fortuner, Corolla Sedan, Corolla Hatch, Yaris and Supra.
  10. How do I register for training? Please email us at info@tad-sa.co.za

Like this article?

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linkdin
Share on Pinterest

You might also like

Lapalala Wilderness School opens new school building

The Lapalala Wilderness School, founded by Clive Walker and Dale Parker more than 30 years ago, officially opened the doors to its new school building recently. The innovative eco-built campus has been funded by the Parker family and the Mapula Trust, under the guidance and direction of Duncan Parker, son of Dale Parker, with the assistance of Gianni Ravazzotti and the Italtile Foundation.

Read More »

Anyone for a Lexus to go Overlanding with?

Lexus will exhibit the “GX Outdoor Concept”, at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023, to be held at Makuhari Messe, Chiba City, this coming weekend (13 to 15 January 2023), as well as at the Tokyo Outdoor Show 2023 over the same period. Other Lexus highlights at the show includes the “RX Outdoor Concept” and “ROV Concept 2”.

Read More »

No need to reinvent the wheel

The competition within the bakkie market has been spiking recently, with the introduction of the all-new Ford Ranger and the imminent arrival of the Volkswagen Amarok. Toyota’s answer to this renewed onslaught on its rule of the bakkie roost comes in the form of the formidable Hilux GR-S. Anton Willemse Jnr recently put it through its paces.

Read More »

Heavy is the new crown

The B-SUV segment is the largest in the South African automotive industry, and the Urban Cruiser has been the pack leader ever since its introduction a few years ago. With the latest iteration of this popular model, Toyota is looking to continue this dominance. ANTON WILLEMSE JNR shares his initial impressions.

Read More »

Feels like home

It’s been called the most trusted name in the medium SUV segment, iconic and commanding… and all the while it remains at the top of the bestseller list. Having driven the latest iteration at the recent South African launch, LIANA REINERS understands why.

Read More »