First Young Driver Lesson at Haydock Racecourse

Disclosure - We were gifted a 1hr Young Driver lesson for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own

When we heard that Young Driver offered lessons for children, we couldn’t wait for Little J to have his first go behind the wheel. We’ve had great experiences with Young Driver in the past when Big J was younger. He had several lessons before he turned 17, which gave him all the basic skills he needed to prepare for his driving test. Big J went on to pass his driving test first time, and we’re confident that his Young Driver lessons really helped build not only his knowledge but also his confidence.

Child behind the wheel for their first Young Driver lesson at Haydock Racecourse

Naturally, we wanted the same for Little J, so we booked him in for a one-hour Young Driver lesson at Haydock Racecourse to see how he felt about driving for the very first time.

Child looking at a Young Driver car before their first driving lesson at Haydock Racecourse

Checking in at Haydock Racecourse

The Young Driver location at Haydock was really easy to find and well signposted. After parking up, we checked in quickly, and Little J was given his own Young Driver manual. This booklet helps track progress through all the essential driving skills, from steering and braking to more advanced manoeuvres. His instructor for the day was Graham, who introduced himself straight away and explained what Little J could expect from his 60-minute lesson.

Little J was nervous at first he was actually shaking – but Graham was calm and reassuring, encouraging him to relax and have fun.

Child driving along a stretch of road during a Young Driver lesson at Haydock Racecourse

Out on the Road

Soon enough, Little J was off in a bright red car. At first it was tricky to keep track of him because there were a few red cars on the course, but once we spotted that his car was number 210, it was much easier to follow him around.

Child navigating around cones during a Young Driver lesson to practise steering and control

The Young Driver set-up at Haydock is really impressive. There is plenty of space for learners to practise, with long stretches of road, junctions, T-junctions and even an area with cones for navigation. One section of road went out of sight before looping back around, which gave the children a real sense of driving independently.

From what we could see, Little J was doing brilliantly. He looked like he was having a great time, and his confidence grew as the lesson went on.

Facilities at Haydock

There’s lots of space for spectators to watch, and plenty of benches available to sit on. Toilets are also on site, which is always handy when you’re out with kids. We didn’t notice any refreshments available, so we were glad we had brought drinks and snacks with us.

Child holding a Young Driver manual after completing their lesson at Haydock Racecourse

Feedback and Progress

At the end of the lesson, Little J parked the car back up in the designated area before spending a few minutes with Graham to go over his progress. Graham seemed really pleased and had ticked off a good number of skills in Little J’s Young Driver manual.

Little J absolutely loved the whole experience and is already asking when he can go again. While Young Driver lessons can be on the expensive side, we think they’re worth the investment for the skills and confidence they provide. We’ve agreed that Little J can continue with more lessons, and I’m really looking forward to documenting his progress as he grows in confidence behind the wheel.

Child driving a red Young Driver car during their first lesson at Haydock Racecourse

About Young Driver

Young Driver is the UK’s largest provider of driving lessons for children and teenagers. Lessons are available for ages 9 to 17, giving youngsters the chance to get behind the wheel of a real car long before they turn 17. Each lesson takes place in a dual-controlled vehicle with a fully qualified driving instructor, so safety is always the top priority.

There are more than 70 Young Driver locations across the UK, including shopping centres, stadiums and racecourses like Haydock. The courses are designed to replicate real road layouts, with junctions, roundabouts, traffic lights and even areas to practise manoeuvres such as parking and reversing.

As well as standard lessons, Young Driver also offers special experiences, including fire engine driving and electric car sessions for younger children aged 4 to 9. It’s a brilliant way to build skills and confidence from an early age, while also giving kids a fun and memorable experience.

Child turning a corner during their Young Driver lesson, practising steering and control

Our Thoughts

We were really impressed with the Young Driver experience at Haydock Racecourse. From the professional instructors to the realistic road set-up, it’s a fantastic way for children to get their first taste of driving in a safe environment. Little J came away with a huge smile on his face, and we couldn’t be happier.

If you’re considering driving lessons for kids or want to give your child an unforgettable first driving experience, we’d definitely recommend booking a Young Driver lesson. It’s the perfect mix of fun and learning – and who knows, it might even help them pass their driving test first time like Big J!