Diploma in Driver and Co-Driver Strategy and Training
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in driver and co-driver strategy and training. 8 modules covering the crew partnership, pace notes, rally-raid navigation, timing and regularity, joint training, physical and mental preparation and emergency procedures, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Define the roles and communication of the driver and co-driver crew.
Write and read stage pace notes accurately.
Navigate with a road book in rally-raids.
Manage timing and time controls.
Plan effective joint training.
Prepare the crew physically and mentally.
Act correctly in emergencies during competition.
Who it's for
- Rally co-drivers.
- Rally-raid navigators.
- Rally drivers.
- Driver coaches.
- Team sporting coordinators.
- Navigation instructors.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into rallying.
What you'll work with
- FIA International Sporting Code (general rules of international motorsport)
- FIA World Rally Championship Sporting Regulations (rules of the WRC)
- FIA World Rally-Raid Championship Sporting Regulations (rules of the W2RC)
- Appendix L to the FIA International Sporting Code (drivers' licences and equipment)
- RFEDA Common Prescriptions for the Spanish Championships (Spanish national rules)
- Rally Navigator
- Garmin BaseCamp
- Racelogic VBOX Test Suite
- MoTeC i2 Pro
8 modules
1.1The driver's role1.2The co-driver's role1.3Differences between rallies and rally-raids1.4Communication in the cockpit1.5Trust and sharing of decisions1.6Psychological profiles1.7Building a crew1.8Common communication errors1.9Development of the partnership1.10Case study: analysis of an in-car recording
2.1Pace note systems2.2Corner grading scales2.3Distances and references2.4Stage reconnaissance2.5Writing pace notes2.6Reading and voice rhythm2.7Correcting pace notes2.8Safety notes2.9Using the intercom2.10Workshop: writing pace notes during a reconnaissance
3.1Road book and symbols3.2Heading and waypoints3.3Odometer and speed3.4Navigation in dunes3.5Navigation on tracks3.6Checkpoints and speed zones3.7Navigation errors and recovery3.8Reading the terrain3.9Communicating headings3.10Practical exercise: navigation with a road book
4.1Time cards and time controls4.2Liaison sections4.3Timed stages4.4Penalties for early or late arrival4.5Set average speeds in regularity4.6Timing instruments4.7Calculating times4.8Managing the day4.9Protests4.10Lab: calculating times on a stage
5.1Season planning5.2Closed-stage testing5.3Stage simulation5.4Simulator training5.5Video analysis5.6Driving data analysis5.7Improving communication5.8Preparation routines5.9Performance assessment5.10Practical exercise: planned training session
6.1Physical demands of rallies and raids6.2Heat, dehydration and fatigue6.3Motion sickness in co-drivers6.4Sustained concentration6.5Managing stress and mistakes6.6Sleep and recovery6.7Nutrition in competition6.8Visualisation techniques6.9Crew resilience6.10Case study: preparation plan for a ten-day event
7.1Crew safety equipment7.2Procedure after an accident7.3Signalling a stopped vehicle7.4Tracking and alarm systems7.5First aid7.6Desert survival7.7Vehicle fire7.8Emergency repairs7.9Communication with the organisers7.10Practical exercise: simulated accident on a stage
8.1Crew profile8.2Sporting objectives8.3Training plan8.4Communication protocol8.5Navigation and pace notes plan8.6Physical and mental plan8.7Safety plan8.8Performance assessment8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
The programme is delivered 100% online on SEIUM's campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There is no fixed timetable: you progress at your own pace within each intake, making it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original regulations and applied exercises. The working software is Rally Navigator, Garmin BaseCamp, Racelogic VBOX Test Suite and MoTeC i2 Pro, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures: stage reconnaissance with pace note writing, road book navigation over open terrain and a simulated emergency on a stage. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: FIA International Sporting Code, FIA World Rally Championship Sporting Regulations, FIA World Rally-Raid Championship Sporting Regulations, Appendix L to the FIA International Sporting Code, RFEDA Common Prescriptions for the Spanish Championships.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Rally Navigator, Garmin BaseCamp, Racelogic VBOX Test Suite and MoTeC i2 Pro, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
Related programmes
Postgraduate Diploma in Technical Resins and Functional Parts
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Technical Resins and Functional Parts. 8 modules covering ISO 527-2 (tensile testing of plastics), ISO 178 (flexural testing of plastics) and…
Diploma in Brake Boosters, Master Cylinders and Friction Materials
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in brake boosters, master cylinders and friction materials: 8 modules covering brake hydraulics, master cylinders, brake boosters, friction materials, discs,…
Diploma in Environmental and Documentary Compliance
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in environmental and documentary compliance for restoration workshops. 8 modules covering the environmental framework, hazardous waste, VOCs and paints, REACH…
More in Restoration & Classics
All Restoration & Classics programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships