What Really Happens on a Junior Supercar Driving Experience (A Parent’s Honest Review!)

I feel this blog post is one of those posts that is a ‘you have to do it to fully appreciate it’ and here’s why!

I’ve worked at WonderDays since this amazing business started. I’ve been a content writer for the products we sell since the early days as well as creating content for social platforms in the form of video and photos. I’ve always been part of the reviews that are left on platforms like Trustpilot.....so, you’d think I had an idea of what a junior driving experience entailed to the Nth degree. But even I was shocked when I took my 11  year old son over to Hooton Park for a supercar driving experience for kids.

But to just take a few steps back…for those that don’t what a supercar driving experience is and what it entails, let me enlighten you.

What Happens on a Junior Driving Experience?

A junior driving experience allows children aged 10–17 to drive real supercars on a closed racing circuit with a professional instructor in the passenger seat. After a safety briefing and familiarisation lap, young drivers take the wheel of cars such as Ferrari, Lamborghini or McLaren and complete several laps around the track while being guided by an instructor.

Parents can watch from spectator areas while photos and videos are usually available to purchase afterwards.

We arrived 20 minutes before our check in time, as advised in the confirmation email and spoke to the lovely team at Hooton who gave as an idea what to expect from the day and told us where we needed to be at what times.

Punctually, at 12pm, we headed over to the driving briefing where my son was given full safety instructions on what to do when near the cars, in them and tips on how to handle the cars.

He then headed out, with 3 other kids of similar age, into a VW Golf where they took him for a ‘familiarisation lap’. This allowed the boys the chance to get to know what the track entailed, which corners seemed sharper than some, the best spots to brake and overtake and general hints on how to properly and safely handle the track.

From here, he then waited his turn until his time came…to enter the gloriously red Ferrari 458! The doors lifted like some kind of superhero car, in he got and then they began.

A quick but detailed summary from the instructor (who was sat in the passenger seat…this is a big hint to what surprised me the most…!) allowed my son to work out what he had to do to get started…and off he went!

Now, let’s flip this around to the viewpoint of me, the mother, as I’m standing, like every other keen and proud parent, watching my son take control of a Ferrari…but as he went past me to get onto the track, what surprised me the most…was my 11 YEAR OLD SON WAS ACTUALLY DRVING IT! 

He was driving it like I drive him on the school run, to football practice, the shops and to see his mates (and I must admit, it was a pretty similar pace to which I drive to get places on time!!)

But he wasn’t sat as a passenger in the supercar, he was actually using the accelerator, the brakes, the shift paddles, looking in the mirrors….everything you need to do to drive a proper car!

Now, you might be wondering….what’s the issue with that? I have no issue but my surprise was in all these years, I didn’t realise that any child over 10 can drive a supercar! I thought he was going to be a passenger in the car or at least be in the driving seat with the instructor controlling the pedals!

I did not realise that someone trusted my son enough to drive one of the most expensive cars in the world! And my goodness, am I glad they did as he rocked that car like he had been driving it since he entered the world!!!

Sure, when he first started, he was cautious and solicitous which you would hope and expect, but as his confidence grew, then so did his speed!!

Corner after corner he took with handling akin to Lewis Hamilton (minus a few years!) and far from me being worried about his safety, I had a grin from ear to ear! I found that when I looked round the viewing gallery at other parents in the same boat as me, most of them were just smiling and it’s because you cannot believe that your child is not just driving a supercar, but nailing it like it’s an everyday occurrence!

This is likely down to a combination of the calm, clear guidance from the experienced passenger and the fact that the track is ideally suited to those with little or no driving experience.

He completed eight laps of the circuit (we opted for the premium package, though other packages are available with fewer laps and a variety of different cars). The track itself offered a great mix of tight hairpin bends, sweeping corners and short straights, keeping the drive exciting from start to finish as he navigated each turn before accelerating into the next section.

And then, the first time driving a Ferrari (before both of his parents have, might I add!) was done. But far from the fun ending, he was onto the next!

The Lamborghini was next on the list, this stunning yellow beast of a car that sounded like it was roaring at you as it flew past!

It was the same set up as the Ferrari in that he was given a brief introduction to the car by the instructor, then he set on his way, ripping up the corners and the straights like he was a pro!

The final part of the driving experience was in the iconic orange McLaren, which saw him complete 8 laps, overtaking when he could, negotiating the harder parts of the track, testing his newly found skills, and above all, just loving life!

When he finally came out of the McLaren, again with these crazy butterfly doors as they’re known, he looked like a kid that had had all of Christmases, birthdays, Easters, summer holidays and lie-ins all in one morning! 

What he didn’t realise, was that he had a hot lap still to come in an Ariel Atom! An Atom for those not in the know (like me!) is an ultra-lightweight, high performance sports car that has almost no body panels, leaving the metal frame and mechanical parts fully visible!

The sound is completely different to that of the supercars as where a Ferrari, for example has a rich sound, the Atom is more go kart sounding! It also felt like I was watching a super-fast go kart as my son shot round the track in it!

He did 3 laps in this nippy little vehicle and the look on my sons face when he whipped past us three times was a mix of exhilaration and pure concentration! He said the G Force from the Atom stopped him being able to even turn his head around to look anywhere other than straight on!

Once he had finished all his drives, we were then guided to the briefing area where he was able to see all his photos and videos of the day and buy the pack he wanted (we bought them all as it was too good to not have every memory in print!)

His feedback was that he’d had the best day ever. His favourite car to drive had been the McLaren and he couldn’t wait to watch all the videos that had been taken so he could relive his moment!

What is a junior driving experience?
A junior driving experience is a supervised driving activity designed specifically for young people, usually between the ages of 10 and 17. Instead of learning in a standard learner car, juniors get the chance to drive high performance supercars such as a Ferrari, McLaren, Lamborghini. The experience takes place on a controlled track with a professional instructor in the passenger seat guiding them throughout.

How old do you have to be to drive a supercar on a junior experience?
Most junior driving experiences are open to children aged 10 to 17, although the exact minimum age can vary slightly depending on the venue. The key requirement is usually height rather than driving ability, as drivers need to comfortably reach the pedals and steering wheel.

Do junior drivers need a driving licence?
No driving licence is required. These experiences are designed for young drivers who have little or no driving experience. An instructor sits alongside the junior driver and provides step-by-step guidance on steering, braking and controlling the car safely.

Where do junior driving experiences take place?
Junior supercar experiences take place on purpose built racetracks or dedicated driving circuits across the UK. These controlled environments allow young drivers to experience powerful cars safely, away from public roads.

What cars can juniors drive?
The exact lineup varies by venue, but many junior experiences include iconic supercars such as:

• Aston Martin DBS
• Audi R8 V10 Spyder
• BMW i8
• Ferrari 458
• Ferrari F430
• Ford Mustang 1965
• Ford Mustang GT
• Ginetta G40 
• Lamborghini Gallardo
• Lamborghini Huracan
• McLaren 570s
• Nissan GTR
• Porsche 911 Turbo

Each car offers a completely different driving style, from the sleek power of Italian supercars to the raw, open frame thrill of the Ariel Atom.

Can a 10 year old drive a Ferrari in the UK?
They certainly can as seeing the minimum age is 10 years old, my 11 year old driving the Ferrari on his experience day is proof of that!

How much does a junior supercar experience cost?
With WonderDays, the junior driving experience costs as little as £19 with prices increasing dependant on how many laps you do and what cars you choose.

How fast do the cars go during the experience?
Supercars are capable of extremely high speeds, but during junior experiences the focus is on control and confidence rather than outright speed. Instructors carefully manage acceleration and braking to ensure the drive is exciting while still safe.

What is the best junior driving experience car?
That really depends on what your child like as although my son loved the Maclaren, others said they liked the pick up of the Lamborghini and the sound of the Porsche!

Are the cars automatic or manual?
All of the supercars, sports cars and muscle cars driven during the experience are automatic, making them easier and more accessible for guests of all experience levels. Many of these vehicles are also fitted with paddle shift gear controls, which are typically used as the default where available, allowing drivers to enjoy a more engaging driving style without the need for a traditional clutch.

What makes the Ariel Atom different from the other cars?
The Ariel Atom is very different from a traditional supercar. It has an open frame design with no body panels, making it incredibly lightweight and responsive. Because there’s very little between the driver and the road, it creates a much more intense and thrilling driving sensation compared with the supercars.

How long does a junior driving experience last?
Most experiences last around 2 to 4 hours in total, including registration, safety briefings and the driving sessions themselves. The time spent driving depends on how many laps or cars are included in the package.

How many laps do juniors get in each car?
This varies depending on the package booked. Anything from 1 to 8 laps per car, while multi car packages allow juniors to drive several different supercars during the same visit.

Will an instructor be in the car?
Yes. A professional instructor sits in the passenger seat at all times, guiding the junior driver through every lap. They’ll help with steering lines, braking points and confidence behind the wheel.

Is it safe for kids to drive supercars?
Yes. Safety is the top priority for junior driving experiences. Sessions take place on closed tracks, instructors remain in the car at all times, and vehicles are carefully maintained. Junior drivers also receive a safety briefing before getting behind the wheel.

Do juniors need any previous driving experience?
Not at all. These experiences are designed for beginners, so instructors will explain everything from basic controls to how to handle the car on the track.

What should juniors wear for the experience?
Comfortable clothing and flat shoes are recommended. Trainers work best because they allow good pedal control. Avoid sandals, heels or bulky footwear.

Can parents watch the experience?
Yes. Spectator areas are usually available so parents, guardians and family members can watch the action from the sidelines and take photos.

Can junior drivers choose which car they drive?
Most packages allow you to choose the cars in advance when booking. Some experiences also offer upgrades on the day if a young driver decides they want to try an additional supercar.

Is the experience suitable as a gift?
Junior supercar experiences are one of the most popular gift ideas for young car enthusiasts. They make memorable birthday or Christmas presents, giving kids the chance to drive dream cars years before they’re old enough to get a licence.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Driving experiences usually run in light rain, as this can actually be part of learning car control. However, if conditions become unsafe (such as extreme weather), the experience provider will normally reschedule the booking.

Will juniors receive a certificate?
Many junior driving experience providers give participants a certificate of completion, and some also offer optional photos or videos so the moment can be remembered long after the drive ends.

Can juniors drive more than one car in the same experience?
Yes. Many packages are designed as multi car experiences, allowing juniors to drive several supercars in one visit. This means they can compare how a Ferrari feels against a Lamborghini or experience the completely different style of the Ariel Atom.

What makes junior supercar experiences so popular?
For young car fans, driving a Ferrari, McLaren or Lamborghini is usually something they only see in films or online. Junior driving experiences give them the chance to actually sit behind the wheel and feel the power of these incredible cars, creating a memory that tends to stick with them for years.