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    BMW Performance Driving School

    4.4 (94 reviews)

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    2-hour course vehicles April 2026.

    I did the two-hour $350 PC Performance event. The first 30 minutes was wasted crawling over small gravel hills in X5s, which, as the instructor noted, will NEVER happen in real life with an X5. We did manage about an hour on a very small un-timed track with five cars which was probably 2 too many as we were all jammed up. The instructor gave a couple notes over the radio on driving but didn't much help. Got a couple laps each in M2, M4, M8 with the traction control on. Two people per car. Great cars but this was such a short and limited event that unless you are a complete beginner to driving or to BMWs it is sort of a waste of time and money. Definitely not worth a trip unless you are very near Thermal anyhow. Would be better as a three hour course in a track at least twice the length.

    John E.

    1-day Car Control Clinic was great balance of classroom learning and track time. By the end everyone was faster, more confident, and able to more easily recover control. The instructors were educational, fun, and most importantly kept everyone safe. Throughout the day we were paired with the same person and either in a m228 or an m340. Great to see several couples attend together and not just a gift for him. I've also done the half-day where you track 6 different cars and take an X5 off-road. More of an extended product demo but it's fun. Anything shorter than a half day isn't worth the diversion to Thermal, but if you drive back to San Diego from there be sure to go by the Salton Sea and Borrego. Anything longer than 1 day is too long. The best place to buy these PC experiences is a BMW Ultimate Drive Event where they are typically 20% off. The PC experiences you buy (vs come with an M car) never expire. If you have a sensitive stomach, just be aware that you are going to be pulling some Gs on the track so take it easy on the drinking the night before, maybe eat a light breakfast, and go easy on that free catered lunch bmw has for full-day events.

    The lineup of BMW X5 M60i SUVs for the off road course.
    Doug B.

    I purchased a new BMW M240i last year. One of the perks of buying a new BMW is that they offer you a complementary new owner's track drive at one of their performance driving schools within a year of your purchase. In the United States, there are only two schools with one being in Thermal, California and the other in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Thermal is about 30 minutes south of Palm Springs. Luckily, it is only about 90 minutes south of me so I finally made a reservation after nine months of ownership. You can look at their online scheduling page first to see what dates and time slots are available. Since I was booking mine for April and it's already hot there that time of year, I chose the 8am time slot. Booking the experience was a breeze. After you purchase your car, they send you an email with all of the information and a reservation phone number call. It only took about ten minutes on the phone to complete the booking. Have your VIN, purchase date, and dealership where purchased handy before calling to speed things up. I arrived around 7:40am on a crystal clear morning and an impressive lineup of BMWs was on display outside. In the main building, there were complementary drinks as we waited for all attendees to arrive. There were 14 people in our group and shortly after 8am we went outside for a welcome and description of what was to come. You do not drive your own car, you drive their cars. The group split in half and my group went to do the off-road portion first. The purpose was to demonstrate the various off-road capabilities of the BMW X5 M60i that we would all be driving. I came solo and paired up with another solo driver and we each took a turn doing the driving through the whole course. We all climbed into four different colored X5's and hit the course. I have never driven a 4x4 off road so it was definitely a new experience for me. One interesting part was going over some uneven bumps and one tire on the vehicle is over one foot above ground. The most fun part was going up a very steep incline and you can't see where you are going through the windshield and have to rely solely on the forward looking cameras. Going down the backside was interesting also as the vehicle has a "Hill Descent" mode. You take your feet off the brake and accelerator pedals and the car safely guides itself down a steep gravel decline and automatically applies the proper amount of braking to all four wheels while monitoring for any slippage and dynamically adjusting if necessary. After everybody got a chance to do the course (once driving and once riding shotgun), we headed back to the main building. After the off-road portion, it was now time for the most fun part: the track drive. Similar to the off-road portion, each of us would get a chance to drive and then ride shotgun for three laps each on a portion of the main track in four different types of performance BMWs. The lineup of cars was a dark grey convertible Z4 M40i, an orange M4 competition, a white M2, and a metallic green X5 competition SUV. The track starts with a good stretch of straightaway where you floor it and get deep into third gear before breaking into the first turn. I was too busy watching the track to see how high the speedometer got. There are then a few more turns and curves before getting back to the straightaway. All of the cars had great acceleration, excellent handling, and grip. I was surprised how fast the X5 SUV was off the line but it also has a lot of horsepower but obviously doesn't handle as well as the sportier cars. It was a lot of fun and really got your adrenaline pumping. The final part of the experience was that you got to ride shotgun with the instructor as he drove through a larger portion of the track as fast as possible, really pushing the car to its full potential. Screaming down the longer straightaway, screeching around the turns, getting sideways at times, and smoking the tires, it was a huge rush. The experience lasted about two hours and was a really great time. The two instructors were great. They were fun, provided a lot of information, and answered a lot of questions. If you want more, they offer various performance driving classes. They also said it's the least expensive place in the country where you can actually rent time in an actual race car after taking the relevant course. If you ever buy a new BMW, definitely don't pass up this excellent complementary experience!

    Ya got some skills Rick!

    You want an adrenaline rush? Come on down. Had a Track Drive today at the BMW Performance Center, Thermal, CA. Got to drive 4 types of BMW's as fast (and as safe) as possible. But the 'E' ticket was our instructor Rick, taking us on a 'hot lap', full throttle (tires screeching, sliding sideways on turns and basically burning rubber). The session was exhilarating, fun and informative - big thanks Rick. And Cole, appreciate you letting us practice on the off-road track. No cake walk there...hills, getting air, felt like a controlled 'all terrain vehicle'. Thanks for satisfying our need-for-speed, Linda N. and Jill K.

    Learn the line with M2's
    Vindy C.

    Wonderful facility, knowledgeable instructors, and a variety of classes to choose from. I dived in head first and registered for a one-day M School session months ago. I opted for a class in November because dealing with the 100+ degree heat in Palm Springs during the summer is not something I find enjoyable. The weather was perfect today... in the high 70's / low 80's. I walked onto the campus with mixed emotions. I was excited to be getting behind the steering wheel of various M-series cars, but also nervous because I've never driven on a race track before. Upon arrival, the day started with complimentary coffee/tea, fruit and a variety of snacks. The classroom session was led by instructor and professional driver Chris Hill. We went over some basics on how to best navigate the courses. Once the logistics were out of the way, it was time to get behind the wheel. M2's, M4's and M8's were provided for the different sessions and each session was led by a different instructor. We had the pleasure of being taught by professional race car drivers David Thilenius, Dave McMillan and Cam (I didn't get Cam's last name). Each car was equipped with a 2-way radio and this is how the instructors would communicate with the drivers. After a few hours of driving, we had a lunch break. Lunch was provided and there was a nice variety of food options: salads, sauteed kale, mashed potatoes, beef & chicken....and for dessert.... soft serve ice cream. After lunch, it was time to get back on the track and test some of the skills learned from the morning sessions with challenges such as Time Attack and Rat Race. Overall, it was a fantastic day and I learned so much. Not only were the instructors all very knowledgeable, they were also all very comedic, which made the sessions light and fun. I am most grateful that they all were so kind and gracious to help calm my nerves as a newbie. I would 100% recommend taking a class at the BMW Performance Center for anyone wanting to learn some great driving techniques while having fun doing so.

    Cynthia B.

    OMGosh! This place is the bomb -- truly one of the best experiences of my life, and drool-worthy to my friends! We were part of a corporate event, and after arriving a little apprehensive, the instructors assuaged every bit of reticence or fear with a short instruction class before we headed out to the events. Each instructor had their own, distinct "style," and were extremely helpful for each type of driving -- and all had great sense of humor. You get to drive the cars on different courses, with different goals and circumstances. You learn a lot about the cars, driving, and . . . yourself (and maybe your spouse/passenger? Insert laugh track) We had lunch and dinner on-site, as well. Not only was the food excellent, but they took really good care of this celiac, and I did not get sick! I would recommend this to anyone who loves cars and driving -- total blast!

    Anne-Marie N.

    Had such an amazing experience with the team at Mini Stunt Driving school. An awesome day of learning new things, playing in new super cute mini's pushing boundaries. Learning how to reverse up to 35 mph, pop it in neutral & then flick it around were just some of the fun we had. The teachers are pros & really take the edge off of a somewhat terrifying experience. It's both exhilarating and exhausting. You get to learn the stunts, but also passenger for the person you are partnered with. The smell of rubber & the 5 hrs of motion can get the best of you, so bring your bonine.

    Warning! Hazard zone.
    Charles L.

    Was amazing experience. Until I used the bathroom. Smelled like a zoo. Need to work on that h-vac for men's restroom.

    Kimberley K.

    I happened to drop of a friend of mine who came into town specifically to go to this driving school. She was taking the BMW Corporate Driving Experience as organized by her company in conjuction with Indian Wells's Hyatt Regency. It looked like a ton of fun and once I got out to the Thermal area... I enjoyed watching people drag race and race around the track. The fact that this course is also affiliated with the Thermal Club, a residential gated community that has its own private race track (versus being situated on a golf course)... now THAT's very very cool and for those of you drive like Louis Hamilton... I suggest you should look into buying a place at the Thermal Club.

    For the person who likes cars and everything connected with, it was great experience.

    Derek S.

    Came by for a One Day Performance Driving School event the other day and it was a world-class experience. Performance Driving School has been on my short list for numerous years! Started the reservation process 3 months in advance and made a payment in full and received an e-mail confirmation. Managed to get a promo code from catered Internet ads and called in for a 20% promo from the ad, which was applied to my class. There was no communication from the date of my reservation until the day of the event. Thermal is in the middle of the desert in an unmarked area. The nearest limited-service hotel I could find was in Indio, 25 minutes away. Experience started off with an armed guard with a bulletproof vest at the gated entrance yelling why I was at the venue. After informing the guard of my registration with the driving school, the guard yelled back who was the instructor... I said BMW and he told me to go in... big yikes... There were a dozen or so parking spaces in front of the building that was barely long enough for my extended-length full size sedan... Staff wore uniforms and there was hand sanitizer at the front counter. A very small percentage of the staff wore a mask indoors... There was no cleaning of vehicles throughout the day, despite sharing with multiple classmates... There were 2 classes in session on the day of my visit, including 12 in my class. Our day started off with a quick introduction, followed up by a one hour classroom session that was very informative. We were then split up into groups of 6, starting off with a slalom course, then an emergency brake session, and the skid pad. We also spent some time on the practicing on the track before heading for lunch. Catered lunch appeared to have been made on-site. There was a salad, garlic bread, vegetarian items, pasta with vegetarian meatballs, pasta with sausage, breaded chicken breast, along with some dessert for lunch. Lunch was more comprehensive than the light breakfast pastries and granola bars available throughout the day. Bottled water was plentiful and encouraged throughout the day. After lunch, the day continued with a timed event on the track, emergency lane change, and rat race. The highlight of the day was the hot lap around the track with the instructor...definitely got a headache after the 20 second ride!

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    1 year ago

    Cam Newton was an excellent instructor. Had a wonderful track day driving a fleet of M vehicles. Very fun and exciting. Thanks cam!

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    2 years ago

    Great class, great instructors, and the BMWs are brand new. Doing the M class next year!

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - BMW Performance Driving School

    Is the BMW Performance Center open on Sundays?

    Can You take a guest along with you?

    Trying to figure out which class to sign up for. I'm not a teen (obviously :)) but from the other classes which one should I chose? My main focus is to learn how to drive sideways.

    You need a more open course and seat time, so 2-day M School is your best bet if you can. Less will afford you some ride-along experience, but if you can, invest and break traction for real, my friend. Happy traction-control-offing!

    I am registered for the one-day driver's school in November. How long is the day? I am trying to figure out hotel/travel, and am curious if I should fly out that evening or stay the evening and fly out the next day. Thanks!

    You will have a blast! It's non stop all day, so be sure to get a lot of rest, eat a good breakfast, snack in between and keep hydrated. Since you have to be up early on the day of the event, I would definitely stay the night before. Regarding… Read more

    View All 7 Questions

    Review Highlights - BMW Performance Driving School

    During the hot lap, the instructor drifted the car around the track and show us what makes BMW so special.

    Mentioned in 12 reviews

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    Inland Valley Driving School - Cecilia Passed!

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    If I could give them 100 stars, I would!…read more Inland Valley Driving School is the absolute best. Words cannot begin to convey how incredible they are. I am a mom who messed up and forgot to schedule my 16 year old sons last lesson with Inland Valley Driving School prior to his "behind the wheel" driving test appointment yesterday at the DMV. When we arrived at the DMV, they asked where his gold sign off form from IVDS was. I told them he had completed his lessons (I really thought he had) and asked what I should do. The DMV told me to call IVDS or stop by to see if they could help and then return to the DMV. My son and I went to the Inland Valley Driving School. My son had never completed his last 2 hour driving lesson with them. IVDS moved heaven and earth to clear a spot for him yesterday, he finished his lesson, we got the form, returned to the DMV, and because it was after 4pm, the DMV (thank you Temecula DMV) scheduled him for 8am this morning. He now has his drivers license!! Inland Valley Driving School was fully booked for 2 weeks out, but they made this happen. They LOVE what they do and it shows to the finest detail. I left a "thank you" cash bonus for Regina in a sealed envelope at their office. Regina had been making calls to move the schedule around yesterday so my son could take his driving lesson while SHE WAS ON VACATION. She personally drove to my home today and returned it, refusing to take a couple hundred dollars for helping to make this happen. She told me that IVDS really loves what they do and their goal is to help everyone get their license. Also that IVDS does the right thing for the right reason. WOW. From Regina, to Tom, to Kalee, to Jennifer and the rest of them, you are in the very best of hands here. If I could give them 100 out of 5 stars I would. WOW. From the bottom of this very thankful moms' heart, thank you Inland Valley Driving School!!

    Left phone messages been 4 days No one has returned my…read morecall Cant wait for this need to get ball rolling for my sons bday gift of driving lessons

    BMW Performance Driving School - driving_schools - Updated May 2026

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