Young Driver

Young Driver is the UK’s biggest junior driving provider, with 70+ venues nationwide and a mission to teach real driving skills long before the L‑plates go on. Unlike many providers, Roadster! has actually tried this one — and we can confirm it’s a brilliant, confidence‑boosting introduction to real‑car driving for kids as young as 10.

Lessons take place in a realistic “mini‑town” environment with roundabouts, junctions, crossings, parking bays, speed bumps and even mini‑roundabouts. Young drivers learn everything from basic control to hazard awareness, clutch work, positioning and emergency stops. Skills are grouped into structured levels, and every learner gets a Drive Diary to track progress over time.

Roadster!’s own Motorsport Editor, Peter, took part at the Gaydon site and described it as “life‑changing” — praising the calm, supportive instructors and the thrill of driving a real car for the first time. Young Driver now uses a fleet of Suzuki Swifts (Mild Hybrid), chosen for their light steering, great visibility and learner‑friendly controls.

Price: From £55 for 30 minutes or £99 for 60 minutes.

Extras: Optional in‑car video recordings so families can relive the experience.

Roadster! Verdict

This is the most accessible and beginner‑friendly option in the UK — and one we can personally vouch for. The structured lessons, brilliant instructors and realistic road layouts make it perfect for building confidence early. It can get busy, and some venues are car‑park‑based, but the quality of instruction and national coverage make it a standout.

https://www.youngdriver.eu/

Roadster! Note

Unlike the other entries in this guide, Roadster! has personally experienced Young Driver. Our impressions are based on real participation, supported by publicly available information for pricing and venue details.