Have you ever wanted to drive a supercar? Not just see one, or stand next to one with a forced grin at a car show, but actually get behind the wheel, grip it like Clarkson on a caffeine high and pretend, just for a moment, that you’re in a Top Gear segment?
Me too. And while I’ve been tempted by the endless stream of driving experience vouchers that haunt your social feeds and gift shop tills, I never actually booked one for myself. It wasn’t until someone bought me one as a gift (probably tired of hearing me bang on about it) that I finally took the plunge.
So, what’s it like? Is it worth it? And why did I walk away wanting to buy a vintage Mustang and not a McLaren? Buckle up — here’s the full run down.
From Voucher to Vroom: The Booking Journey
Chances are, if you’ve ever browsed Wowcher or Red Letter Days, you’ve seen one of these driving experiences. What you may not realise is that despite the different branding, many of them funnel you into the same few providers. Mine? It ended up being PSR Experience, even though the original voucher was from Wowcher. Go figure.
PSR Experience (the trading name of PSR Hire LTD) have been doing this sort of thing since 2011, and they’ve got an impressive lineup of cars — think Lambos, Ferraris, Audi R8s, Astons, GT-Rs, and even a US Police-style V8 Mustang. Basically, a 12-year-old’s bedroom wall come to life.
Once you’ve got your voucher, you have to redeem it, get another code (because why make it simple?), and then go through the process of selecting your location, your cars, and any extras. I chose Llandow Circuit in South Wales — close to home, but with a £19 location surcharge. Want to drive on a weekend? That’s another £24. Fancy something spicy like a McLaren? Add £29.
Oh, and there’s more. Photos? £29. Insurance to avoid a terrifying £5,000 excess? From £34. Fancy seeing the track before you drive it? That’s £10 for a passenger familiarisation lap. All in, I reckon my “gift” experience cost at least double by the time the day rolled around.
Pro tip: if you’re buying one of these as a gift, either go all in with a premium package direct from PSR, or be prepared to let the recipient fork out extra for the full experience they probably thought they were getting.
The Big Day: Rain, Revving and Queueing
A few days before, I received a handy map and instructions. Great touch, especially for a planner like me. I turned up early, but clearly, so did everyone else. I ended up double parking until a space opened up.
Despite the queue and a biting wind, things were fairly well-organised. I’d pre-filled my check-in form (massive time-saver, do it!), got my race card, and waited for my briefing.
The briefing was quick. Think “don’t walk in front of a moving Ferrari” and “listen to your instructor.” Not exactly track detail or cornering advice — that all comes from the instructor when you’re in the car. It’s very much a slick, production-line process, which makes sense given the volume of people they’re putting through.
This isn’t a track day — it’s a driving experience. Everything is staged, with controlled speeds, cones for braking and apexes, and minimal overtaking unless explicitly told to. You get three laps per car (unless you’ve paid for more), and just like that — in and out.
Car One: 1965 Ford Mustang
Now this… this was a moment. The ’65 Mustang is a dream car for me — one of those “one day” garage queens I’ve long admired. So getting the chance to finally drive one? Buzzing.
Left-hand drive, solid rear axle, and suspension that felt like it was made of marshmallows. Driving it was like piloting a barge through a shopping centre — floaty, loose, and loud in the best way. No power steering, brakes made of sponge, and dials that looked like they belonged in a submarine. I loved it.
Sure, it wasn’t fast. Or precise. Or remotely modern. But it had soul. It left me with a massive grin and a bigger itch to one day own one. Even if I’d upgrade the brakes and steering within a week.
Car Two: McLaren 570S
This was the premium pick. Bright orange, scissor doors, low-slung and seriously sleek — it was everything you’d expect from a supercar. The steering was razor sharp, and the brakes? Well, I barely touched them and nearly headbutted the dashboard. That took some getting used to.
It reminded me a lot of my BMW i8 — that spaceship-feel, low seating, and go-kart handling. Except this had more drama. Way more.
But truthfully? As amazing as it was, it didn’t leave the same impression as the Mustang. I’m glad I drove it, and it was absolutely worth ticking off the bucket list, but I don’t feel the need to own one. The Mustang though… that’s still whispering sweet nothings in my ear.
The Wet Finish Line
After driving, you queue (again) to return your memory card and view your media. This part dragged. It was absolutely chucking it down by then, and standing around for 20 minutes getting soaked through wasn’t ideal. My hands were numb, my clothes stuck to me, and I was questioning my life choices.
But despite all that? I loved it.
Final Thoughts
Would I do it again? Absolutely. But now that I understand how it works — all the hidden costs, the queuing, the short time with each car — I’d definitely book direct and manage my expectations a bit better.
There’s still a lot I don’t understand. Are PSR Experience and 6th Gear Experience the same people in disguise? Why are there so many brands selling what feels like the same day out? And where exactly is the best deal?
Mysteries for another day. For now, I’m just thrilled I got to drive two dream cars — one that surprised me, and one that fully stole my heart.
Next time? I’ve got my eye on a Nissan GT-R… or maybe an Aston. Who knows?
All I know is — I’ve got the bug now. And that Mustang? It’s creeping its way back onto my wish list.
