Driving experience
What to expect
There’s more than one type of driving experience. Everyone can be a passenger in a vehicle (as long as you follow relevant laws about car seats), so buckle in and enjoy the ride.
It’s not just Scouts who get to give driving a go – even younger sections can take control of a quad bike or go kart that’s designed with their age in mind. Older Scouts could even get behind the wheel of a car.
You’ll need to wear protective equipment for some driving experiences – it might include a helmet and overalls.
What you’ll learn
If you’re the one in control, you’ll need to watch your surroundings and react quickly to keep things going smoothly. Controlling and manoeuvring a vehicle’s definitely a skill, and it’s OK if some people need more practice than others. Polish up on your coordination and communication, then have fun at the wheel!
Fun facts
You can find opportunities to try driving experiences at activity centres across the UK. Some of the national events held at Scout Adventures sites also give people the opportunity to get stuck in to quad biking, driving lessons, and off-road experiences thanks to Scout 4x4.
Handy hints
- Don’t forget the camera. Getting pictures means you’ll have something to look back on later, and driving experiences can be a great chance for people to practise their photography skills too.
- Dress for the occasion. Loose clothing and driving activities aren’t a great combination, and it’s not the best time to wear your favourite outfit either. You may have to wear overalls to keep you safe (and your clothes clean).
Safety
You must always:
- Complete a risk assessment
- Have the right ratios of number of adults to provide suitable supervision
- Set up an InTouch process
- Know what to do in an emergency
- Share information with parents and carers with an activity information form
- Get approval from your commissioner
Be safe outdoors:
- Check the weather forecast
Motor Sports:
- For motorised activities away from public roads everyone must wear a helmet and appropriate safety equipment
- Everyone must be briefed before the activity, and speed managed
- There must be a clear separation or boundary between participants and spectators
Joint activities with other organisations:
- This activity can be run jointly with Girlguiding.
- This activity can be run with other organisations.
This activity can be led by you or someone else in Scouts
You can go to a centre or use an activity leader who is not part of Scouting:
You must find a suitable provider who meets the following requirements:The provider must have public liability insurance.
Guidance
Reflection
For most people, taking part in a driving experience means facing their fears and trying something new. How did people feel before the driving experience? Did anything make it easier to give it a go when people who were feeling unsure? Perhaps it helped to ask questions or watch someone else get stuck in. When else might people use these sorts of things to make it easier to try new things? How did people feel after they gave it a go?
How did it feel if people took charge of the vehicle? Did anyone manage to get around the whole course? What was the most challenging part? How did people support each other to overcome their worries and enjoy something new?
Driving experiences can often be adapted so more people can give them a go. Many outdoor centres have facilities that cater for people with additional needs and experienced instructors to help everyone achieve their goals. Get in touch with your local provider to chat through the needs of people in your group – make sure you give them plenty of notice.
All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.
If you enjoyed driving experience, you may like to try a motor cruising activity on the water.