Should you buy this experience?
Who it's for
Driving lessons for kids are the perfect present for keen 10 - 17 year olds - especially those who can’t wait to get behind the wheel before they legally can.
Who it's not for
If you’re not sure your little one is confident enough yet to have a go at a kids driving lesson in a real car, how about
a kids go karting session? It gets them used to being behind the wheel of a vehicle and is great fun too.
First drive experiences FAQ
Are these first drive experiences actual driving lessons?
First drive experiences are run just like actual driving lessons, except you’ll be on private land rather than on the road - hence why we can offer these sessions to youngsters who are too young for a provisional licence.
What can I expect on my first driving lesson?
All teaching is done in the car, so you’ll be sitting in the driver’s seat right from the start of your lesson. Sessions are adapted to your age/ability, with the aim of covering the driving basics of starting, stopping, moving away, changing gears and steering.
How old do I need to be for a kids driving lesson?
These experiences are specifically aimed at those between the ages of 10 and 17 years old. Each individual operator may have their own requirements, so please check each page for full details.
Is there a minimum height for these experiences?
Usually a child needs to measure at least 4ft 2” (142cm) for these first drive experiences so that they can reach the pedals of the car.
What sort of car will I be learning to drive?
Our biggest supplier offering first drive lessons at centres around the UK uses modern hatchbacks cars such as the Vauxhall Corsa. Other centres use cars like Minis, or you can even make your first driving lesson a fancy one in something like an MX-5, a Jaguar, a BMW or a Bentley! And of course, all cars are dual-controlled for safety.
Where will I my lesson be?
At off-road driver training centres or circuits around the country. You may be driving in a specifically coned-out area of the paddock or the actual track. Some centres even go one step further with a realistic road layout, including junctions, roundabouts and traffic lights.
What will I actually learn on my lesson?
On your first drive you’ll learn the same things as anyone old enough to have passed their theory and got their provisional licence would do on their first driving lesson! Depending on the length of your lesson, you’ll have cracked starting and stopping, moving off, changing gears and steering the car too.
What are the benefits of starting to drive at an early age?
These lessons are excellent for building confidence in an environment that’s well away from the public roads. The experiences will, for want of a better word, steer them in the right direction to passing their driving test, with highly experienced driving instructors imparting their knowledge.
How long before my lesson should I get the venue?
All the details will be on the voucher you receive, but in general it’s advised to arrive at the venue around 15-minutes before your lesson time to do the sign in.
Are there any first drive experiences for children under 10?
The age and height limits are necessary as kids need to reach the pedals of a standard car. However, we do have purpose-built, electric junior cars that are scaled down to suit the youngest off young drivers, which means that five to 10 year olds can also have a go behind the wheel.
Can children with disabilities take part?
Our nationwide first drive supplier specialises in offering inclusive under 17s driving experiences. Using their dual-controlled cars and their fully automatic vehicles, children with physical disabilities can drive using cars with hand controls. It may also be possible for a youngster with a visual impairment to participate too. Teens with learning disabilities are taught by specifically trained instructors. If you need any more advice, help or info on these subjects, please get in touch by email, chat or on 01959 578100.
Can I bring friends and family with me?
Yes! Anyone on a young drive lesson will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian and you’re welcome to invite other friends of family to come along and watch as you drive.
Do the operators all have a child protection policy?
Yes. The instructors are all DBS checked, highly skilled and experienced at encouraging youngsters to take their first steps in driving.
Are there any first drive experiences near me?
Yes! We have first drive centres around the UK offering lessons and experiences to those between the ages of 10 and 17. Our current locations list includes:
- Nottingham
- Birmingham
- Warwick
- London Brent Cross
- Kent
- Surrey
- West Sussex
- Norwich
- Norfolk
- Liverpool
- Chester
- Newcastle
- Wigan
- Milton Keynes
- Southampton
- Glasgow
- Edinburgh
- Falkirk
- Bristol
- Cheltenham
- Belfast
- Essex
- Hertfordshire
- Oxfordshire
- South Wales - Llandow
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