Driver Experience Courses

Was your childhood dream to drive a steam locomotive? Well, here's your chance!

We run a series of half and full day courses giving you the chance of a lifetime to realise your dream - to drive and fire a steam locomotive.

All courses include an introduction to the locomotive, safety briefing, commemorative certificate, gift pack of information about the Avon Valley Railway and a year's membership, plus the opportunity to become a working member of a fully operational heritage railway.

For those of you who would prefer a diesel driving course, we can cater for that too. Please contact us for further information.

Numbers are strictly limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Course A - Taster Course (2½ - 3 hours)

• Driving and firing a steam locomotive
• Light refreshments

Course B - Full Day Course

• Driving and firing a steam locomotive hauling a brake van
• Act as Shunter/Guard on the brake van
• Refreshments (including lunch)

Course C - Full Day Course

• Driving and firing a steam locomotive hauling passenger carriages
• Act as Shunter/Guard on the brake van
• Refreshments (including lunch)
• NB: Participants on this course are required to have successfully completed courses A or B

Local Accommodation

Why not make your driving experience into a mini-holiday? We have compiled a selection of local accommodation links that our previous visitors have highly recommended.

Gift Vouchers

Token Exchange? You can't do better than our Gift Tokens! The courses are ideal for a Birthday or Christmas present, a special Anniversary, or just a new experience. Gift vouchers can be ordered by contacting us and are valid for 12 months from date of purchase, enabling the participant to choose a date at their leisure.

How To Book

Advanced booking is essential for this event.

Tickets for this event can be booked via any of the following methods:

• Book online (a £1.50 booking fee applies)
• Download a booking form
• Contact us
• Call us on 0117 9325538

Booking Conditions

1. Courses may be changed subject to demand.
2. All locomotives are offered subject to availability.
3. Every effort will be made to adhere to the published timetable but alterations may be necessary.
4. A refund of 60% will be given for cancellations of bookings or gift vouchers if made at least 7 days prior to course date. No refund will be given if less than 7 days notice is provided, unless supported by medical evidence, when a full refund may be given.
5. Any change of dates after confirmation is subject to a £15.00 administration charge.
6. The courses are operated in accordance with the guidelines laid down by Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate.
7. Participants must be between the ages of 18 & 75 years, fit and in reasonable health (i.e.: able to climb from ground level via vertical steps onto the footplate).