SCOTS aged from 10 to 100 can get fired up with a new driving opportunity allowing them to get behind the wheel of a 999 vehicle.
The UK’s largest pre-17 driving school has added a dual-controlled Dennis Sabre ex-service fire engine to its fleet, complete with sirens, flashing lights, pumps and hoses.
Young Driver has delivered more than a million lessons for 10 to 17-year-olds across the UK – but they are usually delivered in dual controlled Vauxhall Corsas or similar cars.
This new experience will be available to people of any age and, whether inspired by Fireman Sam or Chicago Fire, they will be able to drive, manoeuvre, reverse and park the fire engine, accompanied by a fully qualified instructor.
Scottish motoring enthusiasts will first get the chance to try out the vehicle at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, on July 30, and it will then run on regular weekend dates across the year.
The fire engine is designed to carry 1800 litres of water, huge amounts of equipment and six fire fighters in full kit, so a very powerful 8.2-litre turbo-charged engine is underneath the driver’s feet.
But this vehicle has been adapted by Young Driver for learner drivers and is dual controlled. Marketing boss Sue Waterfield said: “Who hasn’t seen a fire engine drive past and thought it would be great to have a go at driving one?
“Obviously, we normally provide lessons for those under the legal driving age, but on our test day so many mums and dads wanted to drive the fire engine that we thought it made sense to open it up to kids of all ages, from 10 to 100!”
Motoring expert Quentin Willson added: “Whatever your age, it is great fun to drive on ‘blues and twos’. But for those just starting out on their driving journey, driving a large vehicle teaches the craft of driving, builds confidence and improves spatial awareness.”
Go to www.youngdriver.com to find out more.
