6th Gear ExperienceAvis 

Had an amazing day until I had to drive with Mohammed in a Lambo, grabs the steering wheel, complete egotist, ruined the day. All other staff members were lovely, instructors amazing, a lot of upselling when your there, be prepared!
It would be 5* if upselling wasn’t so in your face and instructors like Mohammed didn’t think they were the worlds best drivers and grabbing the wheel ruining the experience.

Voucher validity time is important to note as many venue dates will be booked up months in advance. I ended up booking the only remaining date available for my chosen cars, and as that was on a week-end, that attracted an extra £25 charge.

My advice when using a voucher is to book the dates you want to drive the same day you get the voucher, and if your dates are not available then you can try to cancel. Note that the terms and conditions for cancelling within 14 days only apply if you've booked directly with 6th Gear and even then you may be charged £30-£50 to cancel, (distance selling regulations UK should allow cancellation without reason or penalty within 14 days of purchase!) If you've booked through Virgin or other supplier then take it up with that particular provider.

Waiver ripoff? - yes it would seem to be, it's very expensive at £25 for ten minute drive and there are external companies that can cover event excess insurance on a daily basis a lot cheaper. BTW, you don't get this £25 refunded for bringing the car back undamaged.
The waiver is optional, but the bullying techniques deployed would lead you to think the staff are commission based - they're probably not, but the high pressure tactic leans that way. The scaremongering narrative that you are liable to pay up to £5000 for minor damage is often enough to make most people pay up. 6th Gear is not unique in deploying this high pressure sales practice however this behaviour does put a damper on the whole event.

The vehicles were ultimately both fit for purpose, the exteriors were nice and clean with no discernable damage but the interiors were a little grubby.

Another disappointment was the transmission types in use, as a driver who enjoys blipping the throttle and changing down the box manually to enter corners, I found the auto transmission took away some of the control I normally enjoy. The three laps per car was not really sufficient to acclimatise to the transmission techniques. I think each vehicle on the website should be allocated as auto/manual so customers can book their preference.

The instructors were pleasant and professional enough.

Somewhat unprofessional and making me slightly uncomfortable was the level of name calling at the track side. I dare say I would have heard my name being called if I were sitting in the pub next door (with the Juke Box blaring.) Announcing each name to all in attendance is a breach of privacy and should STOP.

Regarding photography, the 6th Gear "100 questions to ask" website page states:
"In many cases, participants are allowed to take photos and videos for personal use, but there are often certain guidelines and restrictions in place"
I use a GoPro chest mounted cam, there were no safety issues involved and instructors would not be caught on camera. The GoPro footage was intended to be only for private use, and all stated guidelines and restrictions would be followed.

Sophie at the registration desk indicated there would be no problem with the GoPro, but the trackside guy told me to remove the camera before getting into the car, all without explanation - presumably because it cuts out the professional photographer and therefore impinges on 6th Gear revenue stream (£35.)
My advice would be to leave your camera at home, enjoy the day, and if you're feeling flush then spend £35 on the 'professional' footage/images.

6th Gear often refer customers to their "Terms and Conditions" as published on their website, yet these terms and conditions do not prohibit customers own camera equipment being used?

Not withstanding the above observations, the experience was enjoyable, short, expensive, but enjoyable. This experience completes my aim to drive three Aston Martins, a Ferrari and a Lambo, so now it's time for the Microlite, Cessna light aircraft and Helicopter experiences. Oh, the joy of retirement!

Today I went to Castle Combe and drove 3 cars. It took 4hrs 15 mins, mainly standing in the cold waiting for my name to be called out. After waiting for an hour after my scheduled time for my favourite car there was still a long wait so a lady kindly switched me to another car. I believe the owner of all of the cars and the company (Andy) is only concerned with profits. There was no customer service at all. The photos I looked at were of other drivers, but after 20 minutes I found a few photos of my own driving experience. It was understaffed with no interest in the customer apart from the drivers, who were nice. Book in the summer when it’s warm, take a picnic, take a book and don’t expect anyone to interact with you. Thank goodness it wasn’t raining today!

Amazing, i went so fast!!!

Booked 3 driving experiences for myself and both son’s birthdays on buyagift. Paid nearly £200 each. Tried to book the day and drive slots on the website but ended up having to ring up and sort it out as website froze up. Had to pay an extra £50 each because Anglesey circuit was classed as a “premium race track” and weekends were “extra cost”. Not sure where you’re supposed to drive a supercar other than a racetrack and sorry for working 50+ hours a week Monday to Friday so could only make it on a weekend! When we arrived and checked in we were pressured into another £45 each for an “insurance waiver” because if we damaged a car we would have to pay first £5000 cost. The man checking us in asked us if we had £5000 each in our bank accounts to cover any damage! Not a great way to start a day that you’ve been looking forwards to for a long time greeted with a bad attitude. You would assume that their insurance would cover the events of the day. Had 5 drives, first 4 instructors were great and really enjoyed it. The fifth instructor was awful and put me off with his horrible manner with me. Overall I had a nice days experience but left feeling down after the last drive because of the last instructor. Photos and memory sticks would have been an extra £180 for the 3 of us so decided to leave it, even though it would have been nice to leave with some nice memories of the day but was too expensive tbh. Maybe if you lowered you’re prices more people would buy them! So in short nearly £600 turned into nearly £900. Just be straight with your customers about your days prices. I won’t be booking anything with your company again because I left the place feeling unhappy.

Drove the Huracan Performante and 458 Italia plus a hot lap in the GTR and thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing. The event was busy but well organised and the instructors were great. I would definitely recommend the experience but will choose a different location next time - Stafford is a very dull 'track'.

On arrival at the Dunsfold track we were told there would be an additional charge of £2 for parking. In view of the fact there is nowhere else to park, this is basically a compulsory charge.

We were also given a very hard sell on the additional Damage Waiver Cover. The gentleman explained the risks which we understood and agreed to accept, but he still pushed and asked if we had £5000 in our bank account to pay for the damage if it occurred. I'm not sure he should be asking about our bank account! The 2 people sitting either side of him did not give their customers the same hard sell (although one of the guys booking people in, wasn't actually calling people forward to serve them anyway, despite the long queue).

Although the driving was fun and the instructors great, it rather spoilt the experience for us.

Staff all great instructors in the car were helpful, knowledgeable and allowed fun at my skill level 👍

- charged us £2 to park
- charged us £25 for the warranty.neitjer of these were said on the site or before at any point
- loos are shifty. Give them a chance and they’ll charge for them too
Wouldn’t come here again even if it was for free. Go anywhere but here

Just completed my first driving experience with 6th gear at Stafford.
Drove Porsche and Ferrari, great advice from both instructors especially Lee.
Would advise driving three cars on the day and go for extra laps if you can. It’s all over way too quick.
Will be back and try Castle Combe.
Friendly, well run and easy booking.
Well done guys.

Had a great experience at Castle combe. My instructor Chris was great and made me feel relaxed, also had a few jokes. I loved driving the Lambo and just wish I had more time on the track to really push it.

I used my Virgin Experience Red Letter day today which was a 'Thrill Experience' 3 Super car driving with 6th Gear in Cranleigh. It was given to me for my 40th Birthday and I am sorry to say it was one of the worst experiences I have had. Firstly they used scare tactics for me to pay extra for insurance of £35 to take the excess from £5000 to £0, it was stated by an employee that I am liable to pay even if someone else crashes into me and that I should be mindful there are upto 18 other cars on the track, I paid as I did not trust others driving. But there were only 2-3 on the track at a time, but I would not risk paying upto £5000 for any damage for the sake of £35. Secondly the cars were quite rinsed and with dash warning lights, a Porsche was even on fire while I was getting into another car. Thirdly while I was driving at 120mph in an Aston Martin on my last lap, I was asked if I would like another lap by the instructor (which I thought he was asking as it was my last lap) and I said why not....as anyone would say, then as I was leaving, I was charged £25 for the extra lap where I was not informed there would be a cost. To be honest had I known there was an option for an extra lap, I would have done it with the Nissan GTR not an Aston Martin that felt would cut out any moment and the electric seats were not in working order. I even have a recording where the instructor admitted he did not inform me of the cost but I should have been made aware, which I was not, I will be posting this on social media. Like I said worse experience ever and I am surprised Virgin would be associated with a company like 6th Gear even though they are a third party. Very disappointed. Do not recommend.

Visited the Castle Combe Circuit, Chippenham for a triple supercar and high speed passenger ride experience. The instructors in the cars were very experienced and explained everything perfectly giving great advice as you drove around the circuit. Great choice of supercars to choice from and a fantastic circuit. There was also a lovely cafe / restaurant area on the site where refreshments could be obtained whilst waiting between the rides. Will certainly be visiting again.

What a day! Absolutely loved it from start to finish. First off was a demo lap, worth doing if you've not been before to see the track and racing line. Then I drove the Porsche 997 - superb engine, I was just a bit tame to being with! Then I drove the Ferrari - much more of a hit to the senses, and took more concentration, but started to get a feel of the track. Then my favourite car of the day - the GTR. What a machine!! It had everything- power, grip, handling, i just loved every minute. And i have to say, Adam was a briliant instructor, giving really clear guidance and helped me push the car more the i thought i could, thanks mate! I finished with the biggest hit to the sense - the Atom. Its got to be done, its not like any other car there and gives you a huge buzz! Top day

What a fantastic day at Castle Combe race course.
Porsche 911 Turbo, Lamborghini 570 Superlegera and the Nissan GTR which were awesome cars to drive. My son drove the Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari F430 Spyder and also the same Nissan GTR as myself.
Myself and my son attended with family and friends. This is an experience that I will be talking about for a long time with each and everyone around.
G
The staff and set up was well organised and talking to the demo/hot lap driver was a joy to talk to with his extensive experience and knowledge.

Had a brilliant day on triple car experience at Anglesey circuit all the instructors were brilliant And the Hot lap in the Ferrari F430 with Lee Johnson at the wheel was fantastic really enjoyed every minute of it great driver and sound guy . A1 👍

My second experience day, first with 6th Gear and very highly recommended. My advice is to drive at least 3 cars and go for the extra laps, otherwise you'll be disappointed it's over so quick! If you're smooth and follow instruction you're encouraged to push on. I'll be back again next year for sure!

The track is very small, we were told you do 3 laps but it’s only 2 laps - the cars looked like they were from the 80’s. Mis-sold the hot lap experience by staff on the day (you are driven round the track by a member of staff for £15 and told we could have a photo for £10, they don’t do photos for £10. Turns out the £10 was for a demo lap which we were told was free. The toilets at the venue were an experience - a very disgusting experience. The cafe is overpriced which doesn’t offer vegetarian options. However, the lady in the cafe was lovely. I wouldn’t recommend the stafford, 6th gear experience.

This was our 3rd booking with 6th Gear Experience at Elvington and each time was an truely exhillarating / high adrenaline experience. In each case we all agreed that the Aston Martin was the best.
The event is well organised and has very experienced instructors to make your day memorable.
Can't wait until we can experience this again.

What a awesome day, very well set out and the instructors was superb