14+ and 16+
14 + Driver Course at Dunsfold.
Dunsfold Aerodrome has a Historic past, but has gained recent fame as the venue for ‘the lap in a reasonably priced car’, trained by ‘The Stig’, on Top Gear.
We cannot guarantee that you will see any of the Top Gear team, but we can promise you the chance to drive a car for an hour at Dunsfold if you are aged 14 or above. For your parents’ peace of mind, you will be coached by a fully qualified ADI, (Government Approved Driving Instructor), CRB checked and with over 20 years experience.
The Young Driver Track is laid out next to the Top Gear track with some realistic road markings, (as shown on the map above), but without the dangers of traffic.
We have cars with Dual Controls, and Public Liability Insurance of £10 million, which allows for total of 3 people in the car, (including the instructor), so a parent could sit in, or the session could be shared with a friend.
The content of the hour long sessions would vary depending on the ability of the new driver (s), but would very likely include at least:
- Observations
- Pulling away and Stopping
- Changing gears up and down
......so there is not much sitting and talking, but a lot of driving.
16 + Young Driver Course at Dunsfold.
We have introduced a range of courses at Dunsfold Aerodrome, which aim to get the learning process off to a head start before the driver has even reached the legal age for the public highway. All courses are available to anyone, but the 1 hour course is aimed more at 14 and 15 year olds, and the longer courses are aimed at drivers aged over 16, in preparation for on road lessons. These courses make great birthday presents, with the benefit of including a couple of friends.
The shorter courses give a good grounding on the following areas of driving:
- Observations
- Pulling away and Stopping
- Changing gears up and down
The longer courses will also introduce:
- Junctions left and right
- Roundabouts
- Manoeuvres
The full content will depend on the abilities of the individual drivers.
The 5 hour course gives an introduction to the Theory Test, and a discussion about the causes of crashes.
These courses operate with 1, 2 or 3 students in the car, rotating regularly to take their turn driving, so there is an excellent opportunity to not only practice the skills yourself, but also to observe and learn from each others' mistakes, (and achievements of course). It works very well for 2 or 3 friends to book together.
There is no obligation to stay with us, but upon reaching 17 years of age, we will, of course, be very happy to proceed with ‘on road’ tuition and take you through to your driving test. Students remaining with Driven Mad will have a significant head start, usually 5 or 6 weeks into a regular ‘on road’ course.
We can provide a certificate detailing the subjects covered on these courses, which will be understood by any Approved Driving Instructor, (ADI).