non public driving areas

[Mattlan]

having recently aquired an old MX5 to tinker with, I would very much like to involve my 13 year old son, and as an inducement (to get him off the xbox) have suggested that if I can find somewhere we could go that's private and safe I would teach him to drive it. Does anyone know of such a place, free or otherwise. We used to use the tail end of the runway at Tockwith but that's now a pig farm!

[LeighB]

Let me know when you find somewhere, my lad is nagging constantly!

[Willber]

Can you not pay to go on at Tockwith? That's what I did 5 years ago. Not sure if theres a min age but it would be ideal.

[LeighB]

Willber said:

Can you not pay to go on at Tockwith? That's what I did 5 years ago. Not sure if theres a min age but it would be ideal.

You can but I've heard the surface is terrible, unless it's been rectified recently. Though i doubt it.

[Setch993]

RE Tockwith
Surface still appauling. Detracts from the experience as the potholes ++ make practicing lane discipline etc almost impossible. Shame as it could be good with little effort from the owners; if the potholes were plugged.

Edited by Setch993 on Thursday 31st May 19:44

Edited by Setch993 on Thursday 31st May 19:45

[All that jazz]

Mattlan said:

having recently aquired an old MX5 to tinker with, I would very much like to involve my 13 year old son, and as an inducement (to get him off the xbox) have suggested that if I can find somewhere we could go that's private and safe I would teach him to drive it. Does anyone know of such a place, free or otherwise. We used to use the tail end of the runway at Tockwith but that's now a pig farm!

It's not 'non-public' but the deserted dead-end roads on an industrial estate on a weekend has always worked for me when I let minors have a drive. Just make sure it's a manual so you can knock it out of gear if it goes pear-shaped along with making sure the handbrake works very well. A couple of L stickers are a good idea too just in case you end up meeting another vehicle while he's in the hot seat - it will at least give them a heads up.

[bobda]

All that jazz said:

It's not 'non-public' but the deserted dead-end roads on an industrial estate on a weekend has always worked for me when I let minors have a drive. Just make sure it's a manual so you can knock it out of gear if it goes pear-shaped along with making sure the handbrake works very well. A couple of L stickers are a good idea too just in case you end up meeting another vehicle while he's in the hot seat - it will at least give them a heads up.

Many industrial estate dead ends are non-public. You can tell when the road ends and the 'private' roads start by the change in style of streetlight.

[TooLateForAName]

I know someone who obtained his first 3 points at age 15 doing this. Don't assume that an industrial estate is exempt from the rules.

[Mattlan]

just to bring you up to speed as Tockwith website is down,
1. own car age limit is 14 proof needed (passport/birth cert)
2. dual control focus (only with instructor) is 12 upwards (£50/hour) booking only via 01423 358501

all pretty casual, no leaflets available from the reception portacabin

as previously mentioned, the surfaces look very poor

[FlauM]

Don't go to Tockwith - you will ruin your car! The surface is appalling as the owners don't plough any money into it.