8 Places Where Kids Can Learn to Drive in the UK

You can give your child early driving experience at Drive B4 U Turn 17’s private courses across Hampshire, Surrey, and West Sussex, or Young Driver’s 60+ UK venues with government-approved instructors. Try Into the Blue’s airfield locations, PGL’s residential driving camps in Wiltshire, or Mercedes-Benz’s custom track at Brooklands. Racing circuits like Aintree offer motorsport-themed sessions, while specialist providers support children with additional needs. These programs guarantee safe, professional instruction in controlled environments to build confidence and skills.

Drive B4 U Turn 17 – Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex Training

If you’re looking for an all-encompassing pre-driving program that covers Hampshire, Surrey, and West Sussex, Drive B4 U Turn 17 offers your 10-17 year old the chance to learn essential driving skills on private roads before they’re legally allowed on public highways.

Your child won’t need a provisional license since all training occurs on private property at three dedicated sites: Ardingly, Dunsfold Park, and Thorney Island. These locations feature professional road markings and realistic junction layouts.

DVSA-approved instructors use dual-controlled manual cars, ensuring safety while teaching clutch control, steering, and hazard perception. The course focuses on building road awareness and preparing participants to handle oncoming traffic situations they’ll encounter during future on-road lessons.

Your teen must meet minimum height requirements to operate the pedals effectively.

The program serves families across major towns including Portsmouth, Southampton, Guildford, and Crawley, providing structured confidence-building before formal driving lessons begin.

Young Driver – 60+ UK Venues With Government-Approved Instructors

With over 70 venues across the UK, Young Driver stands as Britain’s largest pre-17 driving education provider, delivering government-approved instruction to children aged 4-17 on private roads that replicate real driving conditions.

Your child will learn in dual-controlled cars on simulated roads featuring roundabouts and junctions. Sessions range from 30-60 minutes, with pricing starting at £25 for ages 4-9 and £46.99 for ages 9-17.

The company’s proven track record speaks volumes—they’ve delivered 1.5 million lessons and hold 75% market share. Operating since 2009, Young Driver has over a decade of experience providing safe driving education for future generations.

Most importantly, pupils experience 80% fewer accidents once they’re driving on real roads.

Instructors are specially trained for young learners, taking a patient, encouraging approach that focuses on hands-on learning rather than lengthy briefings.

Into the Blue – Nationwide Airfield and Circuit Locations

When you’re seeking driving lessons for your child across multiple locations throughout the UK, Into the Blue offers an extensive network of airfields, race circuits, and large private venues that provide safe, controlled environments for young learners.

Your child can learn at renowned airfields like Elvington (Yorkshire), South Cerney (Gloucestershire), and Tibenham (Norfolk).

Plus, racing circuits including Knockhill in Scotland are available.

Major showgrounds such as Three Counties Showground and Norfolk Showground also host lessons, alongside stadium car parks at venues like Cardiff City FC and Wembley Stadium.

The voucher system provides flexibility—you’ll select your preferred location when booking rather than purchasing venue-specific sessions. For learners with additional needs, wheelchair access and specially adapted vehicles are available at selected venues with advance booking.

Each site uses dual-controlled cars with DVSA-approved, DBS-checked instructors who specialise in teaching under-17s in controlled, off-road environments.

PGL Learner Driver Camp – Multi-Activity Driving Holidays in Wiltshire

Where can your teenager combine learning to drive with an action-packed adventure holiday? PGL’s Learner Driver Camp at Liddington centre near Swindon offers exactly this unique experience for 13-16 year olds.

Your child will receive professional driving instruction from DVSA-style qualified instructors using dual-control cars on private off-road circuits. They’ll master essential skills including clutch control, gear changes, steering, and basic manoeuvres like three-point turns and bay parking.

Each participant gets approximately one hour of daily driving time over five sessions during their seven-night stay.

The camp combines driving lessons with classic PGL activities like zip-lining, canoeing, climbing, and archery. All staff are DBS-checked with 24/7 supervision provided. This Trailblaze! Adventure experience gives children a valuable head start when they eventually transition to learning on public roads.

The all-inclusive package covers accommodation, meals, equipment, and instruction, requiring only personal clothing from home.

Mercedes-Benz Young Driver – Custom Track Experience

If your teenager dreams of getting behind the wheel of a luxury car, Mercedes-Benz Young Driver at the historic Brooklands site in Weybridge offers an extensive introduction to driving.

Your child will receive 25-30 minutes of professional instruction on a purpose-built track using dual-controlled Mercedes-Benz vehicles, ensuring complete safety throughout the experience.

The program is designed specifically for non-licence holders, with qualified instructors teaching fundamental skills like vehicle control, steering, and basic maneuvers.

Your teenager must be at least 1.5 meters tall and accompanied by a parent or guardian if under 18.

Sessions include thorough safety briefings, and accidental damage protection comes as standard. After completing the driving experience, participants receive an exclusive T-shirt from the Mercedes-Benz World Driving Team as a memento of their achievement.

You can purchase vouchers through Virgin Experience Days or directly from Mercedes-Benz World, with experiences typically valid for twelve months.

Trackdays.co.uk – Professional Circuit-Based Training Sessions

Trackdays.co.uk takes a different approach by connecting families with professional circuit-based training across multiple UK race tracks and specialist facilities. You’ll find venues within roughly 70 miles of your location, making access convenient for most families.

Your child can start with basic Young Driver Training (ages 10-17) using dual-controlled cars like Vauxhall Corsa or Mazda MX-5. These sessions focus on fundamental skills including manoeuvring, braking, and gear changes on controlled courses that simulate real road conditions.

The “First Drive” programme offers exposure to premium vehicles including Porsche Boxster and BMW 1 Series. ARDS-qualified race instructors provide personalised pacing and detailed feedback sessions.

You can progress through structured pathways from basic control to advanced skills like skid control and performance driving techniques.

Racing Circuits and Stadiums – Liverpool, Bolton and Beyond

While circuit-based training offers controlled environments, racing circuits and stadiums across the North West provide your young driver with access to professional-grade facilities that combine safety with genuine motorsport heritage.

Aintree Racecourse near Liverpool delivers supercar driving experiences on its historic layout, emphasizing safety training alongside adrenaline-pumping sessions. The track’s high-speed straights and challenging corners help beginners develop proper control techniques.

Three Sisters Circuit near Bolton offers structured driving sessions on its 1.47-mile tarmac track, purpose-built for British Superbike rounds.

Further afield, Oulton Park Racing School combines demanding circuits with extensive courses from basic techniques to advanced strategies. The school’s scenic surroundings create a picturesque setting that balances the intensity of learning with natural beauty.

These venues focus on progressive skill-building, ensuring your child learns precision and control under professional instruction in safe, controlled environments.

Specialist Providers for Additional Needs and Disabilities

Beyond mainstream driving instruction, specialist providers across the UK offer tailored support for young learners with additional needs and disabilities, ensuring every child can access safe, professional driving education.

The Association of Disability Driving Instructors (ADDI) maintains a directory of approved instructors experienced with physical, learning, and sensory disabilities. These specialists undertake additional training on conditions like autism, ADHD, and anxiety, using adapted teaching methods your child needs. However, less than 1% of UK driving instructors have cars suitable for disabled learners, creating significant challenges in accessing these services.

For physical disabilities, providers offer dual-controlled vehicles with hand controls, left-foot accelerators, and steering modifications. Many coordinate with mobility centres for proper assessments before lessons begin.

With 1 in 4 teenagers experiencing mental health challenges, specialist instructors provide pre-test mock sessions and anxiety management techniques. They’ll work patiently with your child’s specific communication and learning requirements.

The Sum Up

You’ve got excellent options to help your teen build confidence behind the wheel safely. Choose programs with qualified instructors and proper insurance coverage. Start with basic courses before advancing to circuit training. Don’t rush the process—let your child progress at their own pace. Remember, these experiences supplement but don’t replace official driving lessons once they’re 17. Book early, as popular venues fill up quickly, especially during school holidays.