Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Cuckoo Cars Driving School

The Towers Area, Alton Towers Resort, Alton, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Ride/Attraction Summary

  • Summary View
    • Cuckoo Diving Cars School is located in the Towers area.
    • For the The Towers area Access Guide please click here (new tab).
    • This ride has separate access for Ride Access Passes (via Main Exit) and Standard Passes.
    • The minimum standing height restriction is 1m.
    • The maximum standing height restriction is 1.4m.
    • The minimum age restriction is 4 years of age.
    • Guests can transfer from their own wheelchair into the ride vehicle. Guests can be supported to do this, but not carried.
    • For safety reasons, due to the speed and motion of this ride guests must be able to keep their head upright without assistance.
    • Guests who have a plaster cast or brace should seek medical advice before choosing to ride. If guests choose to ride they should check they can meet the rides safety requirements.
    • Parents and any guests over 1.4 metres can’t go on the ride, but child drivers are overseen by Alton Towers marshals at all times.
      This ride allows guests to drive independently and therefore requires you to be able to drive around obstacles and other vehicles safely.
    • Currently, the main route is via a footbridge over the ride leading to the main queuing system and the Driving School at the start of the ride.
      Access to and from the footbridge is stepped.
      There is not a Ride Access Pass Entrance, but those who may find difficulty with the steps can access the ride via the main exit.
      Alternatively, there will be level access to the Driving School side of the ride via the World of David Walliams, but that area was yet to be opened at the time of the survey.
  • Other Services/Facilities View

Getting Help and Assistance

  • For the theme park map please click here (new tab).
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print on request.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are mobility aids available.
  • The mobility aids available include wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact a member of staff or Guest Services.
  • There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk.
  • The quiet/safe place is located in No.1 Towers Street.
  • Ear defenders and RADAR keys are available from Guest Services.
  • Portable hearing loops are available for use around the resort. These are available from Guest Services.
  • Free WiFi is available throughout the resort.
  • All staff undertake Disability Awareness and Equality Training.

Ride Access (Standard Passes)

  • Access Point View
    • This ride/attraction access point is signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this access point.
    • This access point is an opening with no gate(s) or door(s).
    • The width of the access point opening is 275cm.
  • Queuing System View
    • Access along this queue consists of; steps going up, steps going down, steep slopes going up and steep slopes going down.
    • The approximate length of this queue is 150m.
    • This queue can be extended during busy periods.
    • There are additional steps along the extension(s).
    • Path surfaces in this queuing system are block paving, vinyl, felt, stone and flagstone paving.
    • The queuing area is open air with some sheltered parts.
    • There are a total of 34 steps along this queue.
    • The majority of steps are clearly marked.
    • Handrails along the ramped/sloped section(s) are on both sides for some sections but not provided for others.
    • Handrails along the stepped section(s) are on both sides.
    • There are not any resting/seating areas along the queue.
    • Music/themed noise is played along the queue.
    • When the World of David Walliams is opened to the public there will be step-free access from that area to Cuckoo Cars Driving School, giving an alternative route to the footbridge for standard and Ride Access Pass holders.
  • Pre-Show Rooms View
    • The main queuing system eventually leads through the Driving School to the track.
      Access to and from the Driving School is via double doors which are permanently held open with opening widths of 106cm and 109cm.
      There is level access throughout the Driving School.
      Music is played within the Driving School.
      .
  • Ride Transfer View
    • Access to the platform is via a closed single gate.
    • The gate(s) is/are opened manually by staff.
    • This ride/attraction platform access point is not signed.
    • The gate opening width is 88cm.
    • There is a second gate to pass through before you reach the track.
      The opening width of the second gate is 90cm and it will also be opened manually by staff.
    • Guests have to step into the car.
    • Staff are unable to provide assistance when transferring into/onto the ride/attraction.
    • There are no restraints available for this ride/attraction.

Ride Access (Ride Access Passes via Main Exit)

  • Access Point View
    • This ride/attraction access point is signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this access point.
    • This access point is an opening with no gate(s) or door(s).
    • The width of the access point opening is 275cm.
  • Queuing System View
    • Access along this queue consists of; steep slopes going up.
    • The approximate length of this queue is 25m.
    • Path surfaces in this queuing system are block paving.
    • The queuing area is open air.
    • The minimum width of the queuing area is 175cm.
    • Handrails along the ramped/sloped section(s) are not provided.
    • There are not any resting/seating areas along the queue.
    • Music/themed noise is played along the queue.
  • Ride Transfer View
    • Access to the platform is via a closed single gate.
    • The gate(s) is/are opened manually by staff.
    • This ride/attraction platform access point is not signed.
    • The gate opening width is 158cm.
    • Wheelchairs are not permitted in/on the ride/attraction itself.
    • Wheelchairs can be left at the ride/attraction transfer platform/area.
    • Guests have to step into the car.
    • The carriage may be moving when guests are transferring.
    • Staff are unable to provide assistance when transferring into/onto the ride/attraction but can hold the carriage to limit movement.
    • There are no restraints available for this ride/attraction.

Ride/Attraction Experience

Ride Exit

  • Ride Transfer View
    • Access from the platform is via a closed single gate.
    • The gate(s) is/are opened manually by staff.
    • This ride/attraction platform exit is not signed.
    • The opening width is 158cm.
  • Exit Route View
    • Access along this exit route consists of; steep slopes going down.
    • The approximate length of this exit route is 25m.
    • Path surfaces in this exit route are block paving.
    • The minimum width of the exit route is 175cm.
    • Handrails along the ramped/sloped section(s) are not provided.
    • There are not any resting/seating areas along the exit route.
    • Music/themed noise is played along the exit route.
  • Exit Point View
    • This ride/attraction exit point is not signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this exit point.
    • This exit point is an opening with no gate(s) or door(s).
    • The exit point opening width is 275cm.