Dennis Fire Engine Driving Experience

Ever wondered what it feels like to take control of a real, full-sized fire engine? The Dennis Fire Engine Driving Experience lets you do exactly that. You’ll be at the wheel of the legendary Dennis Sabre, the final model from a brand that’s been a firefighting icon since 1895. Known for its reliability and get-there-fast attitude, it’s the sort of machine firefighters trust with their lives, and now you get to drive it.

The experience begins with a 30-minute briefing, where you’ll learn the basics of steering, vision, throttle control and keeping yourself (and the giant engine you’re piloting) safe on track. Then it’s into the passenger seat for four sighting laps in a track-prepared taxi, including a demo lap so you know exactly how the pros handle the circuit.

And then comes the moment everyone looks forward to: climbing into the cab, firing up that huge engine and rolling out with the blue lights flashing. Choose from 4 or 8 laps behind the wheel, each one giving you more confidence as you learn how this mighty machine responds. Despite its size, the Dennis Sabre handles impressively well, with excellent visibility and a surprising amount of agility. 

After your laps, you’ll get a debrief from your instructor, who’ll talk through your progress and highlight your new skills.

This experience is open to everyone from 11 to 85, making it a fantastic gift idea for anyone who loves a driving experience with a difference.

8 lap experience:

• 30 Minute Introductory Classroom Briefing: Covering the basics of steering input, pulling away safely, mirrors and vision, racing lines, throttle/braking techniques and track day safety etiquette.
• 4 x Sighting Laps in our track prepared track taxi including a demonstration lap.
• 4 x Driving laps in the Dennis Fire Engine
• Debrief from instructor to include development of driver training across the session.

12 lap experience:

• 30 Minute Introductory Classroom Briefing: Covering the basics of steering input, pulling away safely, mirrors and vision, racing lines, throttle/braking techniques and track day safety etiquette.
• 4 x Sighting Laps in our track prepared track taxi including a demonstration lap.
• 8 x Driving laps in the Dennis Fire Engine
• Debrief from instructor to include development of driver training across the session.

All participants must be aged between 11 and 85.

Participants under the age of 18 must obtain parental/guardian permission.

No driving licence required.

Height and weight restrictions

Minimum height: 4'8"
Maximum height: 6'2"
Maximum weight: 18 stone

No refund will be offered for any booked experience should a participant not be able to fit into the booked vehicle.

If the instructors or front of house coordinators do not feel the participant is seated safely in their chosen event vehicle, the team will do their best to provide an alternative vehicle of the same value to your purchased package.

Can spectators come?

Yes. They have spectator areas inside and out.

Depending on availability, they may have the chance to sit beside one of the instructors for some thrilling hot-laps in a range of cars, or even get involved with some driving of their own!

Please be aware we are predominantly an outdoor venue, there are occasions when the indoor spaces are extremely busy or in use for functions. Please dress appropriately for the weather, warm clothes are often appreciated by spectators.

What happens if it rains?

All events will go ahead, with the exception of extreme weather conditions, i.e ice / snow.

They have a hospitality unit on site to keep spectators and guests dry and comfortable at all times, but would suggest that wet weather clothing and umbrellas are packed.

A limited number of complementary umbrellas can be loaned by visitors while on site, found in and returned to reception.

What facilities are on site?

Car parking is free and the hospitality building is accessible via ramp.

The bathroom facilities are nearby, but are only currently accessible via steps.

The nearest all access bathroom facilities are at the very near by service station.

They have an indoor refreshment café serving hot drinks, cold drinks, basic snacks and packaged sandwiches (subject to availability).

What do I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing. They suggest warm layers through spring and winter months and sunscreen and hats for summer.

It is essential you wear flat-soled, slim fitting shoes, particularly on Race Car experiences.

They unfortunately can no longer provide wet weather clothing, so we ask you to bring your own if you are in an open vehicle.

If you do wear one of our helmets for your experience, a Balaclava is required. If you do not have/bring a balaclava with you, one can be purchased from reception.

You can wear your own helmet as long as it has the relevant Kite Mark.

What happens if you damage the car?

As there is an inherent risk in any motorsport activity, we ask participants to be aware of these risks and take appropriate measures to maintain their own safety, by adhering to the conditions and following the instructors guidance.

Unless the optional damage waiver is purchased (details of which below), should any car be damaged as a result of a participants driving, our participants will bear full responsibility for the costs of repair, save that the participants liability for damage to any vehicle owned by Drift Limits will be limited to £10,000 + VAT per vehicle in each case.

Drift Limits have agreed that on the purchase of an optional damage liability reduction, should there be any accidental damage whatsoever to any of the Drift Limits vehicles driven today, applicable to the waiver purchased as set out below. Responsibility for the costs of
repair will be amended as listed below notwithstanding the Damage Liability section of these terms and conditions.

The damage waiver is void if a car is driven negligently or dangerously or if the instructions of Drift Limits staff are disregarded.

This damage waiver is non refundable.

Option 1: Reduce Liability from £10,000 +VAT to:
Drift/Stunt/Rally cars - £500 + VAT
Supercars - £1000 + VAT
Racecars - £2500 + VAT
Option 1 can be purchased for £27

Option 2: Reduce Liability from £10,000 +VAT to:
Drift/Stunt/Rally cars - £75 + VAT
Supercars - £450 + VAT
Racecars - £1200 + VAT
Option 2 can be purchased for £37

Option 3: Reduce Liability from £10,000 +VAT to:
Drift/Stunt/Rally cars - £0 + VAT
Supercars - £150 + VAT
Racecars - £275 + VAT
Option 3 can be purchased for £47

Purchase of the incorrect liability reduction may result in a lack of application to your experience.