Driving school

Driving school may refer to:

Driving School

Driving School is a docusoap that was broadcast on BBC One in the summer of 1997, which followed a group of learner drivers around Bristol and South Wales. Made on a reduced budget but shown in primetime, it created one of the first reality TV stars in Maureen Rees.

It was narrated by Quentin Willson, who would later present the similar Britain's Worst Driver.

Maureen Rees

Welsh cleaner Maureen Rees became a household name in Britain after spending hundreds of pounds on lessons and failing the practical test several times. She failed to pass the test another two times during the series as well as the much easier written exam known in the UK as the theory test.

Maureen's memorable moments include moving into the overtaking lane of a dual carriageway in the path of an overtaking car, and accidentally running over husband Dave's foot.

She eventually passed in the last episode in an automatic, though after the series finished she passed a manual test. Maureen became quite a celebrity and even released a single: her cover of Madness' "Driving in My Car" reached #50 in the UK Singles Chart, and fronted a government awareness campaign to increase road awareness.

Driving School (Alton Towers)

The Driving School is a ride at Alton Towers for young children. It is basically a mock driving institution, where young children learn how to drive small cars. Riders are allowed to drive around a miniature course, where they are overseen by marshals. The track is mainly built and themed around the area (Cloud Cuckoo Land). It is decorated with wacky and colourful statues and scenery. (It is due to close in 2016).

Reception

When opened in 2006, the Peugeot 207 Driving School was immensely popular with children. The appeal of allowing them to drive openly was a first at Alton Towers. Another marketing ploy was that the children received a faux driving licence after completing their 5-minute turn.

References

Coordinates: 52°59′07″N 1°53′36″W / 52.985273°N 1.893261°W / 52.985273; -1.893261