Mercedes Driving Academy sessions
Mercedes has launched its Driving Academy at Silverstone, and we've tested it
Price: £45 (30 mins); £80 (one hour)
Contact: uk.mbdrivingacademy.com
Not many of us can say that our first driving experience was at Silverstone. But a generation of youngsters will soon be able to, as Mercedes has launched its Driving Academy at the home of the British GP. And they don’t have to be 17: the only requirement is they are 150cm tall (to reach the pedals).
Like all youngsters taking part, our tester – 12-year-old George Wilson from south London – was greeted at the McLaren-Mercedes F1 team’s former trailer.
There’s a quick safety briefing, a few forms to fill out, but then it’s straight into a dual-control A-Class for the training course. Parents can sit in the back or get a coffee at HQ.
The instruction was straightforward and friendly, introducing steering, braking and gentle acceleration through a twisting route involving basic road signs and junctions.
It’s then on to the Club section of the Grand Prix circuit. They go under one of Silverstone’s famous bridges, before returning to HQ for a debrief, and get a Driver Logbook to record their progress. It’s a great first driving experience – and an excellent idea for a birthday gift.
Verdict
Rating: ★★★★
What's good?
Simple, friendly tuition to give basic road knowledge to youngsters, with thrill of being at Silverstone.
Not so good?
Half an hour only whets the appetite – your kids will want another go, so it could prove expensive.
