Young Driver, the UK’s leading under-17 driver training scheme, has officially launched a brand-new venue at one of Britain’s most iconic motoring locations – Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, made famous as the test track for BBC’s Top Gear. From this month, 9 to 17-year-olds can take to the wheel of the latest Suzuki Swifts on the same tarmac once lapped by celebrities and The Stig himself.
The Dunsfold site becomes one of ten new Young Driver venues being rolled out across the country, joining a network of more than 80 locations aimed at tackling the alarming statistic that one in five newly qualified drivers is involved in a crash within six months of passing their test. Young Driver’s results, however, speak volumes – for those who complete its training programme, that figure drops by more than 80%, with just 4% involved in early accidents.
From Power Laps to Passenger Lessons
While Dunsfold’s legacy may be rooted in high-octane Power Laps and Stars in Reasonably Priced Cars, the new programme promises a very different – and much safer – experience. Young Driver students will learn the core principles of safe, controlled driving under the guidance of qualified instructors in dual-controlled cars.
The Suzuki Swift – today’s “Reasonably Priced Car” – takes over from the once-famed Suzuki Liana, familiar to millions of Top Gear viewers. And in a nod to the site’s heritage, Young Driver’s first Dunsfold attendees on May 25th were treated to a close encounter with the very Liana that chauffeured an array of celebrities across the track’s corners and straights.
Adding an extra dose of excitement, some teens even got to pilot a Porsche 911 around the circuit – a rare and thrilling opportunity that made the day even more unforgettable.
Teaching Safety, Instilling Confidence
Casey O’Loughlin, Senior Field Manager at Young Driver, believes Dunsfold is the perfect setting to combine motoring heritage with meaningful education.
“Dunsfold is a dream location for a driving school. It’s well known for speed and spectacle, but our focus is on composure, safety, and control,” he explained. “We’ve created a space where young people can learn fundamental driving skills away from the pressures and dangers of public roads.”
With over 1.5 million lessons delivered to date, Young Driver has developed a reputation for instilling not only driving proficiency, but also confidence, maturity and a deeper respect for road safety. The initiative’s long-term approach offers students the chance to build up driving habits slowly and methodically, something that traditional driving lessons – typically started at 17 – rarely allow.
“We’ve seen countless teens surprise their parents by confidently reverse-parking after just one session,” O’Loughlin added. “What’s more, the responsibility they show behind the wheel often transfers to other areas of life – and, of course, who wouldn’t want to say they drove on the Top Gear track?”
Nationwide Expansion Continues
Dunsfold is just one part of a major national expansion. In addition to the Surrey site, Young Driver has recently launched new venues in:
- Canterbury
- Cheshire County Showground
- Dundee
- Hull
- Old Trafford (Manchester)
- Plumpton Racecourse (East Sussex)
- Shrewsbury
- South Cerney Airfield (Gloucestershire)
- Sunderland
These new additions are part of Young Driver’s mission to make early driver education more accessible and more impactful across the UK.
Lessons are open to all children aged 9-17, including disabled youngsters, and must be booked in advance. Sessions are available in 30 or 60-minute blocks, with prices starting from £46.99.
The Road Ahead
As the UK continues to grapple with road safety among young motorists, Young Driver’s forward-thinking approach – blending experience, education, and enjoyment – is helping to lay the foundations for a safer generation of drivers.
With Dunsfold now added to the mix, the journey ahead is not only educational, but truly memorable. For more information or to book a lesson, visit youngdriver.com.
