[FTS]

Although, I picked the first choice, IMHO there is much room for improvement for a solo driver before hiring a coach, even just by themselves.

I would recommend the following before hiring a coach, although a coach would not hurt of course.

The very first thing a solo driver, or even before being solo, should do is to acquire a data logger. These cheap devices can give invaluable information if the driver takes the time to look at the data. I am not talking going to the extent of "analyzing" the data, which requires quite a bit of experience and comparative data sets. But just looking at basic information of brake points, lateral Gs, GG plots, sector times, looking at differences from lap to lap, or session to session. I consider data loggers the gold mine.

One of the first things a coach will do is also install a data logger and look at data with the student, give pointers not only based on data, but his/her interpretation of the data based on experience. Before getting to that point, it is important for a DE driver, solo or otherwise, to learn to look at data and not be intimidated by the squiggly lines.

The second thing that a solo driver should do is ride in instructor cars, invite to ride with him, and have them drive his/her car to note the differences, and what is possible.

Once these techniques do not return enough for the time/effort investment, then I'd say it is time for a coach.