NFS Porsche: Rookie to Ace Test Driver in 34 Challenging Steps

As mentioned in part 1 of our Factory Driver mode walkthrough, you're looking at a total of 34 challenges. Depending on your prior experience, these might feel like a breeze, or they might feel quite difficult to overcome. So here are a few tips for you to help you make it through the game. Knowledge is key, so be sure to study and learn the layout of the tracks you'll be driving on.

Focus on your goals, not your fear

Police cars can be a pain in the neck if you're not paying extra attention around them, but once you've dialed in their modus operandi, it all becomes much easier. Avoid crashing your car, as that is going to affect its performance and will ultimately render you too slow to pass the test. Also, when you're involved in a race against one or more drivers, any simple mistake will cost you dearly, so try to stay on top of your game.

We were already reminded that the new kid on the block, Billy, has got an ego the size of a skyscraper and that he's after your job. And for the first challenge of this second half, he's calling you for a head-to-head race. But he isn't that big of a threat, especially if you're going to take all the available shortcuts and if you're not afraid of sliding the car around for a bit once every two corners or so.

Just try to stay within the limits of the road, or you might end up totaling your car before crossing the finish line! The next Boxster test isn't all that exciting, but be wary of the cones! Hitting them will affect your time, and you might have to restart the race to get it over with. The following team race against Rolf, Frank, and Billy is set up in the Pyrenees, and you've got traffic and police ahead.

Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet

If this challenge doesn't break you, then you might be tempted to go for a break after attempting the next one. This is the second Capture the Flag type of race in the game, and it's a long one! Your goal time is 385 seconds, which translates to just over 6 minutes. For this challenge, you have to hit the cones, not avoid them! You might have a hard time nailing this one on your first try, and going slow is not an option here.

Billy's at it again, and he's challenging you to another skidpad test, but by now, you should be an expert in performing 360s. For the next event, you're facing another promotion test. You'll have to race Rolf, and the '73 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Coupe is the weapon of choice. I accidentally rear-ended him in the first part of the course, and he spun, giving me the advantage. But I almost lost the race towards the end, as I spun out while being in the lead.

Winning this challenge comes with a promotion: you're now an official Chief Test Driver for Porsche! If only it were this easy in real life as well! Not only that, but the team has decided to provide you with a 1997 Boxster company car as well! But in the grand scheme of things, that's not even remotely as exciting as what's coming up next. This is the moment I've been waiting for since I started the Factory Driver mode.

What's behind you doesn't matter

You're handed the keys to the 1998 911 GT1 race car. I still use this car in Assetto Corsa, and it's a blast to take it around the Nürburgring. The moment you get to drive this thing, all the other cars you've experienced in the game so far will seem slow and boring. But you soon return to the real world, and it feels funny to hear that Dieter needs a ride to catch a train. Beware of the trucks that are parked in the middle of the road, and use the side ramps to steer clear of danger!

Nothing interesting is going on for the next few challenges, up until you get the news that you need to drive the 1998 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.4 Cabriolet for a commercial. How hard can that be? Well, if you've been using an Automatic gearbox thus far, this mission might just seem impossible. Otherwise, you'll need to do a bit of reverse driving and pull a few stunts to make it through.

For the last 4 challenges of the Factory Driver mode, you get to drive around Monte Carlo, twice in the GT1 race car and twice in the 996 Turbo. Stephanie's your last obstacle on the way to becoming the Porsche Ace Test Driver. And by the time you're done with her, you've got yourself another customized vehicle in your garage. Also, you're now free to enter the Evolution mode, which is bound to keep you occupied a lot longer than the Factory Driver mode did.