Should you buy this experience?
Who it's for
Rally driving is a high adrenaline driving experience especially designed for the car racing lovers out there! If you're looking to explore your adventurous side and test your driving skills, this is the experience for you!
Who it's not for
If you suffer from motion sickness even when it’s you who’s driving, rallying might not be for you, as you’ll invariably spin the car out as you’re trying to get to grips with the handbrake tuns and the like. If you prefer straight-line speed, you might prefer one of
our supercar experiences on a nice, smooth tarmac track!
Rally drive experience FAQs
What are the height and weight limits for rallying?
Requirements vary from one rally school to another, but in general you will need to be between 5’0” and 6’ 4” tall and weigh less than 20 stone. It all very much depends on the type of car and the seats it has fitted (rally racing buckets seats tend to be lower and narrower). If you’re in any doubt, check the info on each rally experience page, or get in touch with us.
Do I need a driver’s licence to go rally driving?
Generally, yes. Although you will be rallying well away from the public roads, you do need to know how to drive a manual car. Some operators also ask that you have held your full UK driving licence for at least two years, others don’t. Please check each page for the full requirements. For those too young to hold a driver’s licence, we also have
teen rally driving experiences.
Can my friends and family come along to watch?
Yes! Some venues may ask you to book any guests accompanying you for your rally car drive in advance, some charge a small fee locally, which includes unlimited refreshments. Depending on the sort of rally stage you’ll be driving, spectators may not be able to see the whole circuit, but it’s great to have them to cheer you on.
I’m not a petrolhead but always fancied a go. Is it for me?
Go for it! As all the tuition is done on a one-to-one basis, with an instructor in the car with you at all times, sessions will be adapted to your level and ability. As long as you can drive, you can rally. And believe us, it’s great fun ‘letting loose’ in a rally car and getting the dust flying, even if you don’t perfect your Scandinavian flick!
Is all the tuition done whilst I’m in the car?
All experiences include a safety briefing after registration. This may be the form of a video, a short talk in a briefing room, or outside before you get into the hot seat. But in essence, yes, all the teaching will be done in the car whilst you’re driving.
Do I need any previous rally experience?
No. If you do show a natural talent, or you have been on other rally driving experiences, the sessions will be adapted to your level. So beginner or not, you’ll have fun and learn lots.
Who runs these rally schools?
Rally driving experiences are a bit different to other driving experiences. They are very often run by professional rally drivers who are actively competing and the schools go hand in hand with motorsport teams that they also run. That means they whole team has the experience, the equipment and skills to keep rally cars up and running for these experience days.
Where will I be rallying?
Off the public roads, that’s for sure! That actual circuit depends on what sort of rally school you enrol with. In some cases rallying is an offshoot to supercar experience days, with the special stage set up in a coned off area of an airfield circuit. Other schools operate out of purpose-built rally stages, some of which are well-known on the rally circuit and even feature as stages in competitive rally series.
What sort of cars are used?
Even if they look like a standard car, all the cars used have been fully prepared for rally use. That’s to say things like roll cages, bucket seats, multi-point harnesses, uprated suspension, brakes and clutches, to cope with the stresses and strains of all that under and oversteer as a rally car. Many cars used are modified up to Group N (like the Imprezas), or Group 4 (like the Ford Escort Mk2).
Will I be doing handbrake turns and proper rally driver stuff?
It depends what sort of rally driving experience voucher you have. Some are designed to give you a taster of what rallying is all about, others give you several driving sessions over a half or even full day of rallying. On the longer experiences, you can expect to be nailing some of the classic rally moves by the end of your experience.
Is rally driving hard?
Yes it is. It requires co-ordination and concentration and sometimes you can try too hard to get it all right. Instructors are super patient and encouraging, so if anyone can learn rally moves you will with the coaching of your instructor. In any case, you’ll have brilliant fun!
What are the best rally cars?
Ah well now there’s a question. There are front wheel drives cars like Colin Mcrae’s Ford Focus, there are rear wheel drive classics like the RS Cosworth and there are modern all wheel drive legends like the Subaru Impreza. All have their fans and we’ve got all these and a whole load more of the best rally cars for you to drive.
What should I wear for my rally driving experience?
Casual clothing suitable for the weather isa must, but the main thing to consider is your footwear. Thin, flat-soled lace ups are best (such as trainers) as you need to feel the pedals beneath your feet. No high heels, chunky heels, flip-flops or heavy work boots please!
How dangerous is rally driving?
As with any motor sport there is an element of danger and risk. However, safety is the priority for all the operators we use for these rally experience days. They take the measures necessary to provide a safe, contained environment for you to rally in. Cars generally have dual brakes, so the instructor can intervene if necessary.
Can I book in-car footage and photographs of my experience?
The vast majority of rally schools set up cameras inside the cars to record you driving and have professional photographers on site too. You can buy media packs locally on the day to capture you having your Sebastien Loeb moment!
Are there rally days for complete beginners?
Of course! Whether it’s a three lap, a couple of hours, a half-day or a full day rally course, you’re welcome on all of them. The instructors are really good at building confidence, so even if you’ve never experienced full-lock on your own steering before, get ready for some serious rally driving fun.
How long do I actually get to drive for?
Here at IntotheBlue we are sticklers for this. We make sure you know how long or how far (in terms of laps) you should normally be behind the wheel for. The whole amount of time you’ll be on site will be longer and sometimes voucher companies only quote this time and not the actual driving time.
I’m a big rally fan. Can I book a specific rally car?
Make sure you look at each individual rally experience page for full details on the cars used. Whilst we can’t guarantee that the car of your choice will be operating on the day of your experience, it gives you a good idea of the sort of vehicles used. If you need any more help on this, get in touch via online chat, ‘phone or email, as we know how important the choice of car is to some guests.
Do these rally experiences count towards getting a rally driver licence?
No they don’t. But have a read of our
blog article on how to become a rally driver if you’re looking to getting your ‘Go Rallying’ MSA Licence.
Where can I go rally driving near me?
Rallying is one of our most popular activities, so there’s bound to be a rally experience near you. We also know that serious rally fans are prepared to travel from all over the UK, to the very best schools at locations like the Welsh hills, so we’ve got those too. You can rally in:
- Staffordshire
- Essex
- Yorkshire
- Powys
- Fife
- Lincolnshire
- Northants
- Kent
- Oxfordshire
- Wiltshire
