Driving School (Alton Towers)
| Cuckoo Cars Driving School | |
|---|---|
 The ride in its original form | |
| Alton Towers Resort | |
| Name | Peugeot 207 Driving School (2006–2009) Peugeot Driving School (2010–2011) Alton Towers Driving School (2012–2016) |
| Area | Cloud Cuckoo Land |
| Status | Operating |
| Opening date | July 2006 |
| Replaced | Vintage Cars |
| Ride statistics | |
| Attraction type | Kiddie ride, driving attraction |
| Manufacturer | SB International AB |
| Theme | Driver's education |
| Vehicle type | Car |
| Riders per vehicle | 1 |
The Cuckoo Cars Driving School (originally opened as Peugeot 207 Driving School) is a ride at Alton Towers for young children. It is styled as 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 colourful statues and quirky scenery.[1][2][3][4]
History
The attraction was opened in July 2006 as the Peugeot 207 Driving School, with riders driving around in vehicles modelled after the Peugeot 207, however this was renamed simply to the Peugeot Driving School in 2010. Later, in 2012, the ride's sponsorship deal with Peugeot came to an end, with the attraction being given a new name of simply the Alton Towers Driving School. At this time, all Peugeot branding was removed from the ride, however the cars remained modelled vaguely after the Peugeot 207. Finally, in 2017, after a one year renovation period from the 2016 season, the ride received a minor refurbishment and reopened as the Cuckoo Cars Driving School, with cars receiving an updated, patterned shell.
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. A marketing ploy was that the children received a faux driver's license after completing their 5-minute turn.
References
- ^ "Alton Towers - Driving School". youtube.com. Retrieved 17 October 2013.
- ^ "Try your hand at the driving school". altontowers.com. Retrieved 17 October 2013.
- ^ "Alton Towers (Staffordshire, GB)". parkz.com.au. Retrieved 17 October 2013.
- ^ "Peugeot Driving School". altontowersguide.com. Retrieved 17 October 2013.
52°59′07″N 1°53′36″W / 52.985273°N 1.893261°W / 52.985273; -1.893261