How do I turn off ESP - not a silly question

[silver32]

In my MkV R32 (2009), if I press the ESP button for just over a second, the car with skidmarks icon blinks slowly on the dash - does that mean its OFF? I saw a video recently of a MkV R32 with ESP off, but the light on the dash just stays lit, doesn't blink.
I know when ESP is doing some work then it flashes rapidly, but how about a slow blink?
If I press ESP for 1 again, the dash light turns off. I have a feeling a slow blink means not fully turned off - how do I turn it off completely?

[logger]

I think it is not possible to turn the Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) fully off with the button. Depending on the car, my understanding is that by turning the ESP "off" with the button you are simply turning off the Traction Control (TCS) component, which is one of about 10 features that combined make up the ESP (ABS, EDL, EBD, EBC, CBC,YMC,TCS etc etc ). Might be possible with VAG-COM as I did see some coding option in there that was relevant but I cannot recall exactly what it said.

[scotty1991]

In MY09 cars the icon blinks, in all models before it, the light stays lit.
Im not sure if the ESP if off when its blinking, but it is off when its lit, so it could be off for you too when its blinking, but just giving a more visible warning (also more annoying).
ESP can definitly be turned completely off in MY08 and before hand.

[Big Yellow]

I think only cars with the half height mfds were able to turn esp fully off

[scotty1991]

I think only cars with the half height mfds were able to turn esp fully off

MY08 has full height and i can turn it off fully

[silver32]

So basically I need a vagcom mod to turn it off fully? What exactly will be turned off when it's fully off?

[bazzle]

To check if its off just find a skid pan area and do some donuts.
You WILL hear the ESP tapping a brake IF its still on.

Bazzle

[silver32]

Does a "skidpan" include a long and wide road with a big roundabout?

[Treza360]

Please no discussion of illegal/dangerous activities on public roads.
(Yes)
Cheers,
Trent

[scotty1991]

Just take a corner "on a track " at some speed and you will feel if its on/off
in the wet would be easier to tell