WonderDays
a dennis sabre fire engine on a track for a fire engine driving experience
boy dressed as fireman sitting in fire engine on a fire fighting experience

Dennis Fire Engine Driving Experience - Weekend Bookings

The Highlights

  • Drive the iconic Dennis Sabre Fire Engine
  • Includes 4 sighting laps in track prepared taxi
  • Choice of 4 or 8 driving laps in the Dennis Fire Engine
  • For ages 11 to 85
  • Available on weekends
  • Trip Advisor Travellers' Choice Award winner 8yrs running
  • Based in Greater London
  • Exchangeable Experience Gift
Instant Delivery
Free Exchanges
30 Day Refund
Valid for 12 Months

1 Location

Loading map...
Hemel Hempstead

The Experience

Ever wondered what it feels like to take control of a real, full-sized fire engine? The Dennis Fire Engine Driving Experience lets you do exactly that. You’ll be at the wheel of the legendary Dennis Sabre, the final model from a brand that’s been a firefighting icon since 1895. Known for its reliability and get-there-fast attitude, it’s the sort of machine firefighters trust with their lives, and now you get to drive it.

The experience begins with a 30-minute briefing, where you’ll learn the basics of steering, vision, throttle control and keeping yourself (and the giant engine you’re piloting) safe on track. Then it’s into the passenger seat for four sighting laps in a track-prepared taxi, including a demo lap so you know exactly how the pros handle the circuit.

And then comes the moment everyone looks forward to: climbing into the cab, firing up that huge engine and rolling out with the blue lights flashing. Choose from 4 or 8 laps behind the wheel, each one giving you more confidence as you learn how this mighty machine responds. Despite its size, the Dennis Sabre handles impressively well, with excellent visibility and a surprising amount of agility. 

After your laps, you’ll get a debrief from your instructor, who’ll talk through your progress and highlight your new skills.

This experience is open to everyone from 11 to 85, making it a fantastic gift idea for anyone who loves a driving experience with a difference.

8 lap experience:

  • 30 Minute Introductory Classroom Briefing: Covering the basics of steering input, pulling away safely, mirrors and vision, racing lines, throttle/braking techniques and track day safety etiquette.
  • 4 x Sighting Laps in our track prepared track taxi including a demonstration lap.
  • 4 x Driving laps in the Dennis Fire Engine
  • Debrief from instructor to include development of driver training across the session.

12 lap experience:

  • 30 Minute Introductory Classroom Briefing: Covering the basics of steering input, pulling away safely, mirrors and vision, racing lines, throttle/braking techniques and track day safety etiquette.
  • 4 x Sighting Laps in our track prepared track taxi including a demonstration lap.
  • 8 x Driving laps in the Dennis Fire Engine
  • Debrief from instructor to include development of driver training across the session.

Important Information

There will be the option of purchasing video and portrait imagery on the day for an additional cost.

It is recommended to wear casual clothes and long socks to wear with the fire boots.

Available to book on Saturday afternoons and all day Sunday.

Please note this experience has limited availability which is subject to rapid change.

Your voucher is valid for 12 Months from the date of issue.

Please note you must have booked and taken your experience before the expiry date.

  • For ages 11 to 85.
  • Participants under the age of 18 must obtain parental/guardian permission.
  • Minimum height: 4'8"
  • Maximum height: 6'2"
  • Maximum weight: 18 stone
  • No driving licence required.
  • Due to the practical and physical nature of this experience, all participants must be able bodied and able to understand and follow verbal instructions.
  • Glasses must be worn if needed.
  • Participants must be physically fit with no serious health conditions.
  • Flat-soled shoes must be worn.
The centres contracted with us hold public liability insurance. We also hold contingency liability cover.

Some operators require customers to complete an indemnity/damage waiver form prior to taking the experience. This may state the driver is liable for a fixed amount of costs should they damage the vehicle whilst driving. Most operators are able to provide additional insurance to cover this at a small additional fee, payable on site. The purchase of this is optional and is in addition to the public liability insurance held by all venues. The full details of any indemnity or damage waiver and additional insurance will be provided by the activity operator. WonderDays is unable to advise or comment on the content or suitability of any such waiver or additional insurance.

Images are for illustrative purposes only. The experience may vary by location or availability. Please refer to the experience description for full details of what is included.

FAQs

All participants must be aged between 11 and 85.

Participants under the age of 18 must obtain parental/guardian permission.

No driving licence required.

Height and weight restrictions

Minimum height: 4'8"
Maximum height: 6'2"
Maximum weight: 18 stone

No refund will be offered for any booked experience should a participant not be able to fit into the booked vehicle.

If the instructors or front of house coordinators do not feel the participant is seated safely in their chosen event vehicle, the team will do their best to provide an alternative vehicle of the same value to your purchased package.

Can spectators come?

Yes. They have spectator areas inside and out.

Depending on availability, they may have the chance to sit beside one of the instructors for some thrilling hot-laps in a range of cars, or even get involved with some driving of their own!

Please be aware we are predominantly an outdoor venue, there are occasions when the indoor spaces are extremely busy or in use for functions. Please dress appropriately for the weather, warm clothes are often appreciated by spectators.

What happens if it rains?

All events will go ahead, with the exception of extreme weather conditions, i.e ice / snow.

They have a hospitality unit on site to keep spectators and guests dry and comfortable at all times, but would suggest that wet weather clothing and umbrellas are packed.

A limited number of complementary umbrellas can be loaned by visitors while on site, found in and returned to reception.

What facilities are on site?

Car parking is free and the hospitality building is accessible via ramp.

The bathroom facilities are nearby, but are only currently accessible via steps.

The nearest all access bathroom facilities are at the very near by service station.

They have an indoor refreshment café serving hot drinks, cold drinks, basic snacks and packaged sandwiches (subject to availability).

What do I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing. They suggest warm layers through spring and winter months and sunscreen and hats for summer.

It is essential you wear flat-soled, slim fitting shoes, particularly on Race Car experiences.

They unfortunately can no longer provide wet weather clothing, so we ask you to bring your own if you are in an open vehicle.

If you do wear one of our helmets for your experience, a Balaclava is required. If you do not have/bring a balaclava with you, one can be purchased from reception.

You can wear your own helmet as long as it has the relevant Kite Mark.

What happens if you damage the car?

As there is an inherent risk in any motorsport activity, we ask participants to be aware of these risks and take appropriate measures to maintain their own safety, by adhering to the conditions and following the instructors guidance.

Unless the optional damage waiver is purchased (details of which below), should any car be damaged as a result of a participants driving, our participants will bear full responsibility for the costs of repair, save that the participants liability for damage to any vehicle owned by Drift Limits will be limited to £10,000 + VAT per vehicle in each case.

Drift Limits have agreed that on the purchase of an optional damage liability reduction, should there be any accidental damage whatsoever to any of the Drift Limits vehicles driven today, applicable to the waiver purchased as set out below. Responsibility for the costs of
repair will be amended as listed below notwithstanding the Damage Liability section of these terms and conditions.

The damage waiver is void if a car is driven negligently or dangerously or if the instructions of Drift Limits staff are disregarded.

This damage waiver is non refundable.

Option 1: Reduce Liability from £10,000 +VAT to:
Drift/Stunt/Rally cars - £500 + VAT
Supercars - £1000 + VAT
Racecars - £2500 + VAT
Option 1 can be purchased for £27

Option 2: Reduce Liability from £10,000 +VAT to:
Drift/Stunt/Rally cars - £75 + VAT
Supercars - £450 + VAT
Racecars - £1200 + VAT
Option 2 can be purchased for £37

Option 3: Reduce Liability from £10,000 +VAT to:
Drift/Stunt/Rally cars - £0 + VAT
Supercars - £150 + VAT
Racecars - £275 + VAT
Option 3 can be purchased for £47

Purchase of the incorrect liability reduction may result in a lack of application to your experience.

Simple & Easy

How it Works

From buy to unforgettable — three simple steps to your perfect day out

1

Buy

Choose your experience and checkout. Your voucher lands in your inbox within seconds.

2

Activate

Activate your voucher on our website whenever you're ready. Valid for 12 months.

3

Experience

Book your date and go create memories that last a lifetime!

Learn more
Why WonderDays

What's not to love?

Free Exchanges

Change to a different experience any time before you book — zero hassle, zero cost.

30-Day Refund Policy

Buy with confidence. Full 30-day refund policy so you can shop without worry. See T&Cs.

Instant eVouchers

Your voucher lands in your inbox within seconds of purchase — perfect for last-minute gifts.

Exclusive offer

Get 10% off your first order

Sign up to be the first to hear about fantastic offers, exclusive newsletter-only discounts & competitions. Exclusions apply.

🎉 10% off — just for signing up

Stay in the loop

Join thousands of WonderDays fans. Unsubscribe any time — no funny business.

You can unsubscribe at any time. We will never pass your data to any third party.