Skip to main content

Kids Driving Experiences

 
Welcome to kids' driving experiences - where everything is geared towards youngsters! Can't wait to start driving for real? These driving experiences for kids give you the best head start possible. Be it a first-drive lesson, a hovercraft session, Ferrari driving or 4x4-ing, it's time for teens to hit the throttle! Driving for Kids FAQs...
 

Everything you need to know about child driving experiences

These kids' driving experiences are specifically aimed at all the mini motoring fans out there! Just because they're young doesn't mean they can't drive. With the right vehicle and patient instructors, every teen can get driving cars, quads, go karts and more before they can even apply for their provisional driving licence. Car-mad kids absolutely love it!

Kids Driving Experiences FAQs

 
 

What is the age range for these driving experiences for kids?

A driving experience for 10 year olds is possible! The minimum age for most of our junior driving experience days is 10 years old and the maximum age is 17. The most popular ages for these driving experiences are 12 and 13 years old, as this is often when kids become interested in being able to drive. After that, once they've got their licence, they can do any of our standard driving experiences open to adults.

 
 
 

What is the minimum height for youngsters in these sessions?

This is the main question customers who are thinking about buying a driving experience for a kid ask us. The answer? It can vary from one type of vehicle to another. In essence, children need to be able to reach the pedals of the car. In the case of junior driving lessons in a small hatchback, that could be around 4ft 6" (1.42m). For the majority of supercars it is 5ft, with Ferraris often being the exception at 4ft 10".

 
 
 

How do I know what the minimum height is?

Take a look in the full details section of each page under our kids' driving experiences. Every supplier has provided this information for us, as it can vary according to the venue and whether it's a car, go-kart or hovercraft your little darlings will be driving. If you need any more info, please don't hesitate to contact us by 'phone, email or the online chat service.

 
 
 

So little ones definitely don't need a licence then?

Nope! By operating on private land, there's actually no legal requirement for anyone to have a driving licence to get behind the wheel at these venues.

 
 
 

Where do the teens actually drive on these experiences?

Many of our kids driving experience suppliers schedule sessions just for junior drivers. In the case of the supercars, it's about controlling the vehicle rather than flat-out speed, so children may drive on a perimeter road or circuit that has been specially designated for kids driving days. For off-road experiences aimed at children, there might be an entry-level circuit where youngsters will start off.

 
 
 

Are the vehicles all dual-controlled?

In the case of high-performance and supercars, the vast majority are indeed dual-controlled and/or fitted with a kill switch. In the case of karting, hovercrafting and quad biking for kids, junior versions of the karts and quads are used.

 
 
 

Do you offer early drive lessons?

Yes, we do and they are by far and away the most popular of our kid's driving experiences, followed closely by the supercars. Early drive (or first drive as they are also known) is a great way for your children to get a head start in driving before they've even got their provisional licence and experiences are treated like a proper driving lesson.

 
 
 

Can a child go 4x4 driving?

Yep! Contrary to what you might think, kids, tend to be pretty good at driving a big, heavy 4x4 vehicle around off-road tracks and obstacles. Instructors tell us it's because the kids don't know how to drive yet (and more to the point haven't picked up any bad habits) meaning youngsters come into 4x4 driving fresh and can often adapt to the driving style better than adults!

 
 
 

Are the instructor's CRB checked?

Yes. The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check is now known as a DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and all instructors on these kids' experiences have been checked. They are also all highly experienced instructor drivers and will help build confidence for your child behind the wheel.

 
 
 

Do children need to be accompanied on these junior driving experiences?

Yes. Kids up to the age of 17 years must be accompanied on-site at all times by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Unfortunately, the parents don't usually get to have a ride out with the kids (especially in the case of supercars) but we do have specific vouchers for adults and kids to enjoy an experience together.

 
 
 

What footwear is best?

For car and karting, kids should wear trainers/soft-soled shoes. For 4x4 and other off-roading experiences, it is usually advisable to wear boots/trainers they don't mind getting muddy or wet.

 
 
 

Will the instructor be in the car at the same time as my little one?

Yes, absolutely. The fully qualified instructor will be in the front passenger seat on all car experiences. In the case of karting and quad biking, kids will be shown the controls and have a warm-up session in the paddock before heading out onto the track or trail.

 
 
 

Do the kids actually manage to drive on these experiences?

You might think it's just a case of stop-start-stall-start-stop, but you'll be surprised how well the kids generally get on with these driving experiences. By the end of their session confidence will certainly be boosted and they're sure to have a massive smile on their faces!

 
 
 

Are there any kids driving experiences near me?

Most of our main driving venues offer driving experiences specifically for kids, so there's bound to be a venue near you. We also have an excellent roster of first-drive schools covering every corner of the country. Locations for all kids' driving experiences currently on offer include:

  • Birmingham
  • Leicester
  • Exeter
  • Nottingham
  • Liverpool
  • Cardiff
  • Edinburgh
  • Manchester
  • Norwich
  • Southampton
  • London</>