Home | SHOP | NEWS | About DIA | Contact DIA | Search

Just kidding

If you think 17 is too young to start learning to drive, how about teaching 10 year olds? Jackie Violet, a motoring journalist and ADI offers a glimpse into Mercedes-Benz World and how its attitude to teaching youngsters serious road skills could be a life-saver.

Situated in deepest stockbroker belt in Weybridge, Surrey, Mercedes-Benz World is built on the site of the former Brooklands Racing Track. This hallowed motoring ground, the first racing circuit in the UK, where Stirling Moss once set the track record, is now used for the Junior Star’s Driving Club.

Situated in deepest stockbroker belt in Weybridge, Surrey, Mercedes-Benz World is built on the site of the former Brooklands Racing Track. This hallowed motoring ground, the first racing circuit in the UK, where Stirling Moss once set the track record, is now used for the Junior Star’s Driving Club.

Despite only recently celebrating its first birthday, MB World has seen no fewer than 30,904 customers take part in a unique driving experience. In addition to that total, a staggering 11,212 youngsters have received their first taste behind the wheel here as part of the unique Stars Driving Club programme.

Not for petrolheads

Contrary to popular misconceptions, MB World wasn’t built for petrolheads, but for families to come and enjoy a truly tremendous day out. Every Mercedes-Benz car available to buy in the UK may be proudly displayed in the glittering three-story glass building – not to mention the many historical vintage models – but families predominantly come to MB World for the unique driving experience. Buying a car is almost secondary. Instead, mum and dad can squeal with delight – or in some cases terror – as they drive on the 2.5km handling circuit, tackle the slippery skidpan or conquer the 10-acre off-road terrain course.

Further entertainment is provided by ‘Build’ – a 3D simulator ride which takes you along the production line of a Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class; ‘Solve’ – an interactive problem-solving laboratory; ‘Watch’ – a state-of-the-art theatre which starts visitors off on their journey of discovery with fascinating stories of Mercedes-Benz and how it has always led the way at the cutting edge of motoring and motor racing history.

For the children, there is the ultimate prize for good behaviour: their first ever driving lesson in a Mercedes A-Class on the original Brooklands Racing Circuit. There is no age restriction but all participants have to be over 1.5 metres tall in order to reach the pedals and have good visibility over the dashboard.

This is no sales gimmick. Take it from an instructor for the Young Drivers Club that kids here are learning a valuable lesson. Research has shown that if children are introduced to driving at an early age, and their learning is extended over a longer period of time, it can have real benefits when they finally begin their unaccompanied driving on the road.

Young Drivers Club members start off in an automatic car where I teach them the basic skills of stopping safely and moving away, before moving onto road handling and steering through a series of chicanes. They then advance to turning left and right, with signals and observation introduced along the way. Manoeuvres come next: straight reversing, then to the left and right, turn in the road, bay and parallel parking. It’s amazing how proficient many are at a very early age.

Experience at a tender age

After working their way up through the various skill levels – red, amber, green, silver and gold – and specific exercises on ESP, emergency reaction times and full use of the gears and clutch, they then gain access to the Advanced Handling Circuit and Dynamic Areas such as the Slippery Surface. By the time they start their ‘proper’ driving lessons at 17, some of these youngsters will have more experience on differing driving conditions then their parents!

But here in MB World I can go one step further. Because the youngsters are taught in a ‘controlled’ environment off the public road, I can demonstrate to them exactly why they can or cannot do certain things whilst driving.

Distraction in action

I had a 14-year old here for his first visit for a birthday treat, and his mobile phone went off. Needless to say, he went to answer it. After being told it was illegal to use a phone that wasn’t hands-free when driving, he told me that his mum did it all the time. I was then able to demonstrate exactly why the practice is so dangerous by making him call his mother and asking her to call him back. When she did, I instructed him to carry on driving whilst still talking. He duly obliged and very quickly lost control of the car. ‘Wow!’ was all he could say. I know he will never drive again whilst on the phone.

Another, rather cockier, 16-year-old wanted to have the radio on as he drove. Instead of just saying no, I was able to show him why it is a distraction – again in a safe environment. And this is the beauty of the whole programme. Not only do these youngsters master the art of car control, they can actually experience for themselves why the laws are there.
But it’s not just control of the car. In the safe environment of MB World I can focus on such diverse but important aspects as the physiology of driving, peer pressure, drink-driving, and skid avoidance.
The teaching is done in such a way that the children learn yet have a great time. Parents hate me because the youngsters inevitably want more lessons but, as I explain to them, the benefits of learning here will save them money when their child reaches 17. To see the smiles on their faces as they experience this driving is quite simply priceless.

As are the smiles of those who will never drive a car on the public road. One of my pupils had multiple sclerosis and will never be able to hold a driving licence, but the course fulfilled a dream. Another had cancer. I helped him achieve his last wish. It was an enormously moving experience for him, his parents and, of course for me.

Fulfilling role

I have been a driving instructor since 1984 teaching in many different sectors, but I have never played such a rewarding and fulfilling role as I do here at MB World. That’s because my colleagues and I know that we are teaching the future generation of drivers to be safe, considerate, respectful motorists. I firmly believe the attitudes they learn here will stay with them throughout their driving careers. Anything that goes some way to tackling the appalling casualty rates among young drivers has to be a good thing and I am proud to be a part of it.
The Young Drivers Club runs every weekend and during school holidays and costs £30 for 30 minutes. Contact 01932 373000 or visit www.mercedes-benzworld.co.uk for information.
Despite only recently celebrating its first birthday, MB World has seen no fewer than 30,904 customers take part in a unique driving experience. In addition to that total, a staggering 11,212 youngsters have received their first taste behind the wheel here as part of the unique Stars Driving Club programme.

Not for petrolheads

Contrary to popular misconceptions, MB World wasn’t built for petrolheads, but for families to come and enjoy a truly tremendous day out. Every Mercedes-Benz car available to buy in the UK may be proudly displayed in the glittering three-story glass building – not to mention the many historical vintage models – but families predominantly come to MB World for the unique driving experience. Buying a car is almost secondary. Instead, mum and dad can squeal with delight – or in some cases terror – as they drive on the 2.5km handling circuit, tackle the slippery skidpan or conquer the 10-acre off-road terrain course.
Further entertainment is provided by ‘Build’ – a 3D simulator ride which takes you along the production line of a Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class; ‘Solve’ – an interactive problem-solving laboratory; ‘Watch’ – a state-of-the-art theatre which starts visitors off on their journey of discovery with fascinating stories of Mercedes-Benz and how it has always led the way at the cutting edge of motoring and motor racing history.

For the children, there is the ultimate prize for good behaviour: their first ever driving lesson in a Mercedes A-Class on the original Brooklands Racing Circuit. There is no age restriction but all participants have to be over 1.5 metres tall in order to reach the pedals and have good visibility over the dashboard.
This is no sales gimmick. Take it from an instructor for the Young Drivers Club that kids here are learning a valuable lesson. Research has shown that if children are introduced to driving at an early age, and their learning is extended over a longer period of time, it can have real benefits when they finally begin their unaccompanied driving on the road. Young Drivers Club members start off in an automatic car where I teach them the basic skills of stopping safely and moving away, before moving onto road handling and steering through a series of chicanes. They then advance to turning left and right, with signals and observation introduced along the way. Manoeuvres come next: straight reversing, then to the left and right, turn in the road, bay and parallel parking. It’s amazing how proficient many are at a very early age.

Experience at a tender age

After working their way up through the various skill levels – red, amber, green, silver and gold – and specific exercises on ESP, emergency reaction times and full use of the gears and clutch, they then gain access to the Advanced Handling Circuit and Dynamic Areas such as the Slippery Surface. By the time they start their ‘proper’ driving lessons at 17, some of these youngsters will have more experience on differing driving conditions then their parents!
But here in MB World I can go one step further. Because the youngsters are taught in a ‘controlled’ environment off the public road, I can demonstrate to them exactly why they can or cannot do certain things whilst driving.

Distraction in action

I had a 14-year old here for his first visit for a birthday treat, and his mobile phone went off. Needless to say, he went to answer it. After being told it was illegal to use a phone that wasn’t hands-free when driving, he told me that his mum did it all the time. I was then able to demonstrate exactly why the practice is so dangerous by making him call his mother and asking her to call him back. When she did, I instructed him to carry on driving whilst still talking. He duly obliged and very quickly lost control of the car. ‘Wow!’ was all he could say. I know he will never drive again whilst on the phone.

Another, rather cockier, 16-year-old wanted to have the radio on as he drove. Instead of just saying no, I was able to show him why it is a distraction – again in a safe environment. And this is the beauty of the whole programme. Not only do these youngsters master the art of car control, they can actually experience for themselves why the laws are there.
But it’s not just control of the car. In the safe environment of MB World I can focus on such diverse but important aspects as the physiology of driving, peer pressure, drink-driving, and skid avoidance.

The teaching is done in such a way that the children learn yet have a great time. Parents hate me because the youngsters inevitably want more lessons but, as I explain to them, the benefits of learning here will save them money when their child reaches 17. To see the smiles on their faces as they experience this driving is quite simply priceless.
As are the smiles of those who will never drive a car on the public road. One of my pupils had multiple sclerosis and will never be able to hold a driving licence, but the course fulfilled a dream. Another had cancer. I helped him achieve his last wish. It was an enormously moving experience for him, his parents and, of course for me.

Fulfilling role

I have been a driving instructor since 1984 teaching in many different sectors, but I have never played such a rewarding and fulfilling role as I do here at MB World. That’s because my colleagues and I know that we are teaching the future generation of drivers to be safe, considerate, respectful motorists. I firmly believe the attitudes they learn here will stay with them throughout their driving careers. Anything that goes some way to tackling the appalling casualty rates among young drivers has to be a good thing and I am proud to be a part of it.
The Young Drivers Club runs every weekend and during school holidays and costs £30 for 30 minutes. Contact 01932 373000 or visit www.mercedes-benzworld.co.uk for information.

Home | SHOP | NEWS | About DIA | Contact DIA | Search | Terms and Conditions

Designed by bigredfeet.com and Developed by Allery Scotts LTD