Start your driving journey at Goodwood in an automatic BMW 230i. Build confidence, develop essential driving skills and experience track, low-grip and simulated driving with 1-to-1 expert guidance.
Begin your driving adventure behind the wheel of an automatic BMW 230i on our iconic Motor Circuit. Designed for ages 12 and over, this experience combines 1-to-1 expert tuition with the excitement of track and low-grip driving, helping you build confidence and develop essential driving skills before putting your reactions to the test in our state-of-the-art race simulators. A memorable first step into driving.
What's included?
- Personal one-to-one tuition from expert instructors
- 60 minutes of driving
- Sole use of a BMW 230i for the duration of your experience
- Circuit driving session
- Low-grip handling session
- 30 minute race simulator experience
- Driving logbook update and debrief
- Complimentary barista service
Every session is led by Goodwood's experienced team of instructors. Their calm, supportive approach helps build confidence from the very first moments behind the wheel, tailoring guidance to each participant's experience level while ensuring learning remains engaging and enjoyable.
Every participant receives a personal driving logbook to record their progress, with achievements signed off by an instructor as they work towards a Goodwood Junior Driving Certificate of Completion. Throughout the programme, young drivers will develop:
- Vehicle control and cockpit setup
- Steering and vehicle positioning
- Smooth braking and acceleration techniques
- Observation, awareness and decision making
- Parking and reversing manoeuvring
- Low-grip vehicle control
- Simulator-based reactions
Each visit builds on the last, allowing young drivers to develop at their own pace.
- Visit 1: Learn the fundamentals of vehicle control, steering, braking and observation.
- Visit 2: Build confidence through more advanced manoeuvres, independent driving and low-grip exercises.
- Visit 3 and beyond: Refine existing skills, tackle new driving challenges and continue adding achievements to your personal logbook.
Continue developing your skills in our full-motion Exsim VR5 race simulators. Using D-BOX actuator technology and bespoke motion profiles, they deliver an immersive driving experience that sharpens observation, reactions and confidence.
See how your experience is structured, from your first moments on arrival through to driving sessions and simulator time. Please note this is a sample schedule and alternative time slots are available.
The Car
Take the wheel of a modern rear-wheel-drive sports coupe that perfectly balances performance, control and confidence. Responsive, engaging and approachable, it offers the perfect platform for building car control skills while enjoying an exciting driving experience at Goodwood.
BMW 230i M Sport
Confident, balanced and quick to react, the 230i M Sport gives you the control and feedback you need to explore the limits with ease.
Helpful Information
Participants must be aged 12 and over and at least 150cm tall to take part. No driving licence is required. All participants will receive a safety briefing before driving.
Designed for ages 12 and over, this experience provides the perfect introduction to driving. Behind the wheel of an automatic BMW 230i, participants can focus on developing confidence, observation, steering and vehicle control while learning essential driving skills in a unique environment.
All driving sessions are delivered on a one-to-one basis with an experienced instructor, providing personalised coaching and support throughout the experience.
Every participant receives a Goodwood First Drives Logbook to keep. Bring it back on future visits to record new skills, complete challenges and work towards a Goodwood First Drives Certificate of Completion.
Allow approximately two and a half hours for your visit, including registration, briefing, one hour of driving tuition, simulator session and instructor debrief.
Family and friends are welcome to watch from designated viewing areas and are encouraged to bring cameras to capture the experience. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for driving and flat-soled footwear. Flip-flops, sandals and open-toe shoes are not permitted.
Dual controls - All vehicles are fitted and operated in accordance with Goodwood's safety procedures, with instructors maintaining full oversight throughout the experience.
The vehicles are covered by comprehensive accident insurance but this will not apply if you drive recklessly, dangerously or if you cause damage to yourself or anyone else. The person driving the car will be required to sign a disclaimer accepting liability in the event of damage being caused to the car through their negligence.
Driving may be cancelled or curtailed in extreme weather conditions (e.g. snow, ice, heavy rain or high winds) which would make driving at speed dangerous. The booker will be contacted if there are any changes to the experience. Please call 01243 755055 if in any doubt.
Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, making First Drives the perfect gift for aspiring young drivers.
I’ve never been behind the wheel before, so the automatic BMW and one-to-one tuition made it so easy to learn and by the end of the session I was drifting on the skid pan!
Location
- 01243 755055
- ticket.office@goodwood.com
- Goodwood Motor Circuit, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0PH, United Kingdom
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Junior Driving Off-Road Adventure
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Race Simulator Experience
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Off-Road Driving Experience