AA World FAQ's

What is there to do at Silverstone Classic?

What are the AA World free driving experiences?

How do I book the AA World free driving experiences?

More details about the AA World free driving experiences:

• Taster Driving Lessons
• Hot Laps as a passenger with a professional driver
• Skid Pan experiences as a passenger
• 4x4 Vehicle experiences as a passenger
• Car Archery as a driver
• Parking Challenge as a driver

What else is there to do at AA World?

• Roary The Racing Car junior track & Meet Roary!
• F1™ Racing Car simulator
• Giant Scalextric
• Pit Stop challenge on a real F1™ car
• Plus lots more!!!!

Staged at the home of the British Grand Prix, the annual Silverstone Classic is the world’s biggest classic motor-racing event. With over 7,000 classic cars on display, plus 800 historic racing machines in 24 races throughout the weekend featuring F1 Grand Prix cars, Le Mans Prototype, Super Touring Cars, priceless GT and Sports cars.

This fantastic event isn’t just for racing fans. It’s the perfect family day out. There’ll be entertainment and attractions for everyone, including live music, a vintage funfair, shopping, stunt-bike demonstrations and aerial displays.

For the first time ever, the event will feature AA World, positioned on the Stowe Circuit, which features lots of free driving experiences and activities for the whole family.

There are a host of free driving experiences at AA World, including:-

1. Taster Driving Lesson experience in a safe environment on the private road network next to the Stowe Circuit*
2. ‘Hot laps’ around the Stowe Circuit as a passenger with a professional driver*
3. Skid Pan experiences – learn how to recognise and control a skid (passenger)*
4. 4x4 Vehicle experiences (passenger)*
5. Car Archery – how accurate is your driving?**
6. Parking Challenge – who’s the better parker, you or your partner?**

* Driving licence is not required ** Driving licence is required to participate

Are there any age, height and weight restrictions for the driving experiences?

Yes; these experiences are only suitable for individuals who are at least 12 years of age. Other conditions, such as height and weight restrictions, may also apply (please see the specific information for each experience in the sections below).

Do I need to be an AA customer to have a free driving experience?

No, experiences are open to all ticketholders, subject to the above criteria.

Are the driving experiences on every day during Silverstone Classic?

Yes, the experiences are available Friday 20^th July – Sunday 22^nd July, however pre-booking is required for half of the morning timeslots.

What are the start and finish times of these events?

All driving experiences at AA World's Drive Academy start at 9am; the last booking each day will be at 4:30pm.

How much do they cost?

All AA driving experiences are free.

I am disabled, can I take part in a driving experience?

Please discuss any special needs at the time of booking.

What are the rules on alcohol?

Any alcohol consumed must be within the legal limits for driving. We reserve the right to decline any participant suspected of having consumed alcohol which the organiser considers may be dangerous or detrimental to themselves and other participants of the event.

How do I get to AA World once I arrive at the circuit?

Arrive at either of the main gates 16 or 17 and hop straight on the perimeter road bus route which takes you directly to AA World. Alternatively, head in to the infield and follow the signs for the Village Green. Once there, hop on the infield bus route which also takes you direct to AA World. The Silverstone Classic operates a frequent public service of vintage double-decker buses running between the Village Green, AA World and the International Paddock on a continual basis, along with the perimeter road service for those wishing to explore further viewing areas around the circuit.

What time do I need to arrive?

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your booked time.

Do I need to sign a disclaimer or gain parental consent?

Yes, before any driving experience can commence, a disclaimer document will need to be signed (with parental consent for anyone under the age of 18).

How do I book a free driving experience at AA World?

The driving experiences are available to Silverstone Classic ticket holders only for both pre-booking as well as being available to book on the day. Book here.

Can I or my family book more than one experience?

Yes, depending on availability.

How will I get back to the main AA World or Silverstone Classic events?

After the driving experience is over, the driver will need to re-unite with their family or friends either in the Drive Academy trackside building or back at AA World. A mini bus will return customers to AA World (travelling time is less than two minutes) and there is a Silverstone Classic bus service all day to transport people to other parts of the entire festival.

Note there is no pedestrian access between AA World and the Drive Academy trackside building.

What do I need to bring/wear?

Comfortable clothing and flat shoes should be worn on all experiences. For the Skidpan experiences, it is essential to also wear clothing that protects arms and legs.

Can I get refreshments?

AA World offers hot and cold drinks and snacks for purchase.

What happens if it rains?

This event is not weather dependant (unless extremely severe weather). In the event of adverse weather conditions impacting driving, a decision will be made 24 hours in advance as to whether the driving lessons can take place.

No licence is required for this experience

Where are the Taster Driving Lessons taking place?

They are taking place at the Drive Academy which is part of AA World

Does the Taster Driving Lesson experience include actual driving?

Yes, after an initial safety briefing and controls demonstration, you will drive around the road network (contained within the perimeter of the Drive Academy) under the supervision of a fully qualified AA Driving Instructor. 

How long will the Taster Driving Lesson experience last?

Taster Driving Lesson experiences will last for approximately 60 minutes. This comprises 30 minutes actually on the course, with the other 30 minutes for briefing/de-briefing and transportation between AA World and the road network.

How do I book a Taster Driving Lesson?

Ticket holders can pre-book. 50% of the available driving lesson experiences morning timeslots have been reserved for pre-booking. The remaining 50% and all afternoon timeslots will be available to walk in and book on the day. Book here.

Can I change the date of my Taster Driving Lesson once it is booked?

No, the confirmed time and date are final and cannot be changed.

Can I turn up on the day and book a Taster Driving Lesson?

Yes, 50% of the morning availability and all afternoon timeslotsfor this experience have been reserved for customers to book on the day (on a first come first served basis).

Are there age and height restrictions for Taster Driving Lessons?

Yes; the minimum requirement is age 12 and 1.45m/4ft 9” tall

Are there eyesight restrictions for Taster Driving Lessons?

Yes, it is essential that any person driving can read a number plate from 20.5m

(Any contact lenses or spectacles can be worn for the duration of this test and the driving experience).

What ID do I need to bring along and show?

For Taster Driving Lessons – as long as the minimum age and height restrictions are met, and signed parental consent provided for under 18’s, there is no further ID requirement.

I take medication, will this affect my ability to participate?

Depending on your medication, if you/your parents feel it might make it unsafe to drive, or impair / affect your reactions, then it would be advisable not to participate.

Will parents be allowed to watch?

Subject to space, parents can escort their child to the Drive Academy in the mini bus provided and watch from the viewing gallery  which provides a good view of the road network.

No licence is required for this experience

Are there age and height restrictions for these Hot Laps?

Each car manufacturer will have their own age and height restrictions. We anticipate the majority will say passengers must be older than 12 and more than 1.37m/4ft 6” tall

What ID do I need to bring along and show?

If you are a passenger, no ID is required.

Are there any health restrictions in taking part?

For safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problem or other conditions that could be aggravated by this experience.

How do I book a Hot Lap?

Hot laps will be available on the day, just turn up at AA World and visit the various manufacturers.

Passenger only - No licence is required for this experiences

Where are these experiences taking place?

They are taking place at the Drive Academy which is part of AA World.

Are there age and height restrictions for these experiences?

Yes; the minimum requirement is age 12 and 1.45m/4ft 9” tall.

Are there any health restrictions in taking part?

For safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problem or other conditions that could be aggravated by this experience.

How do I book one of the above experiences?

Ticket holders can pre-book 50% of the available morning timeslots which have been reserved for pre-booking. The remaining 50% and all afternoon timeslots will be available to walk in and book on the day. Book Here

A full licence is required for this experience

Where are these experiences taking place?

They are taking place at the Drive Academy which is part of AA World.

Are there eyesight restrictions for these driving experiences?

Yes, it is essential that any person driving can read a number plate from 20.5m

(Contact lenses or glasses can be worn for this test)

What ID do I need to bring along and show?

If you want to drive a vehicle, you will need a full car driving licence with you.

I take medication; will this affect my ability to participate?

Depending on your medication, if you feel it might make it unsafe to drive, or impair / affect your reactions, then it would be advisable not to participate.

How do I book one of the above experiences?

Ticket holders can pre-book 50% of the available morning timeslots which have been reserved for pre-booking. The remaining 50% and all afternoon timeslots will be available to walk in and book on the day. Book here.

There’s something for all the family at AA World. Keep coming back to the site for further updates as we’re continuing to develop and confirm attractions all the time. Alternatively, follow us on Twitter or Facebook for updates. The confirmed AA World attractions so far are:-

1. Roary The Racing Car junior track & Meet Roary!

AA World welcomes Roary The Racing Car where children will have the chance to meet Roary, mechanic Big Chris and Marsha the Marshall in person. Children can also have a go on the Roary Race Track, as well as the Roary soft play area.

2. Children's Big Top Activity Zone & Vintage funfair

Located at the AA World Paddock, the AA World Big Top and funfair features fun rides and activities for all the family. How much you want to get involved is up to you. Classic vintage mini-funfair rides for the kids, arts and crafts activities under the Big Top, and much more…

3. F1 ^TM Racing Car simulator

Experience F1^TM in a specially designed F1^TM simulator; feel realistic force feedback from the steering wheel, simulating the loading effect whilst cornering, braking and accelerating. All aspiring F1^TM drivers welcome.

4. Giant Scalextric

Calling all Scalextric fans young and old, novice or experienced – test your skills on this giant Scalextric track.

5. Pit Stop challenge on a real F1^TM car

Play the role of the F1^TM mechanic. During a pit stop, every move has to be absolutely perfect. There is no margin for error, when you’re against the clock every second counts. Are you up to the challenge?

6. Wacky Wheelers

Sorry dad, you won’t fit - Wacky Wheelers is a free driving experience for the juniors! Drive your very own AA Jeep around a bespoke track at AA World.

7. Live music

Live music will be playing all through the day on the AA flat-bed truck stage.

8. AA Grand Tour historic car display

New for 2012 the AA Grand Tour Event is a fun driving event for cars manufactured before 1992 and for other cars of special interest. See all the 2012 entrants’ vehicles on display at AA World.

9. AA interactive heritage display

AA “Show & Tell” – the true heroes of the roadside. Get all the awe-inspiring and interesting inside information about the UK’s largest breakdown organisation. Get an up close and personal view inside the range of AA patrol vehicles and hear from the experts themselves. Also get a fascinating look at the AA heritage vehicle display.

10. Racing bug

Real motorsports in miniature. Vibrant, atmospheric and engaging, the racing bug feature will give you a unique scaled driving experience like no other.

11. Dodgems

A traditional family favourite. Younger visitors enjoy the chance to drive their own car and parents enjoy the opportunity to relive their youth and rekindle childhood memories.

12. Free music, displays and more

Grab some food and drink from one of the many concessions at AA World whilst watching all the Silverstone Classic racing action on the big screen. AA World is a great place for the kids to be entertained and the adults to enjoy all the action.

If you have any other questions regarding the Silverstone Classic or AA World, please email your questions to AARewards@theAA.com