Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we are asked most often. Every question has a fixed number.
General questions
Who can drive?
In principle anyone can drive who is at least 18 years old and holds a valid driving licence for cars, lorries or motorcycles. There is no upper age limit – what counts is your personal fitness. So that the briefing is understood safely, good German or good English is required. Other languages are possible on request.
Up to what shoe size can you drive?
There is no fixed upper limit as such. From size 45 (UK 10.5) upwards, however, please choose shoes that are as narrow and compact on the outside as possible. The example photo shows the footwell with size 45 shoes.
Up to what height can you drive?
There is no upper limit, not least because the seats in our vehicles are height-adjustable.
Can people with a larger build drive?
There is no simple answer – the degree of “larger” is always open to debate. The driver’s hatch is almost the same size on all our vehicles, and plenty of strongly built drivers have sat in them already – when climbing in, you can also squeeze yourself together a little. Depending on the type, our hatches measure about 45 × 44 cm, with a circumference of about 147 cm. The seats are about 43 cm wide. So that you can judge for yourself, the example photos show a hatch with a folding rule laid across it and a seat with a tape measure.
Can people with disabilities drive?
In principle we do not want to rule anything out. Simply contact us via the enquiry form and we will talk it through.
Can the vehicles be hired for events?
Whether as a surprise for your staff at your premises or as an event on one of our grounds: hire including transport is possible by arrangement – naturally in compliance with the fairly strict legal requirements, which we know very well.
Can I book by e-mail?
No. Bookings can only be made via the enquiry form, because it asks for all the details we need.
Booking and payment
Can I book on site?
For organisational reasons alone, we only accept bookings and enquiries online via the enquiry form.
How quickly will you get back to me after my booking or enquiry?
As a rule we reply on working days within 24 hours. Over a weekend or on public holidays it may take correspondingly longer. If you have not heard from us after 24 hours – or, after a weekend, by the end of the following working day – “something is wrong”. In that case please get in touch again via the form or by e-mail.
How far in advance should I book?
So that you and we can plan with certainty: once you have decided to drive, it is best to take action straight away and secure a fixed date.
How and when do I pay?
After your binding registration you will receive an e-mail with our bank details for the transfer. Once your transfer has arrived, the booking is “set in stone”. Cash or other means of payment on site are not possible.
Gift voucher
Can a voucher be transferred to another person?
In principle, yes. The condition is that we have all the details of the new person by e-mail or via the form.
How do I receive the voucher?
Because they simply look better, we usually send our colourful gift vouchers by post. They are usually laminated and can survive a splash of sparkling wine or beer at your surprise party. If time is short – for example with a spontaneous booking on the day of the surprise – we can also send the voucher as a PDF.
On the day
Can I drive on a Sunday?
No. There is no driving on Sundays or on public holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia. The only exceptions are events for which vehicles are hired from us and taken to another location.
What should I wear?
Choose sturdy clothing suited to the weather that can cope with a little dirt – and above all sturdy footwear. The same applies to your companions.
How long does the drive take including briefing and photos?
For a booked half-hour drive, allow about one hour in total including photos and videos. Depending on your interest it may be a little shorter or longer.
Do you drive in rain, snow or cold weather?
Yes – these vehicles do not care about the weather. All of them have a working auxiliary heater, and the engine gives off warmth quite quickly too. In heavy rain a protective screen with a wiper can be fitted at short notice on request. Spectators should check the weather forecast and plan for rain to be on the safe side – even if it is dry where you live. Just in case, and for the forgetful, we keep umbrellas ready at our grounds.
Can I drive with glasses or a hearing aid?
Yes. The ear cups of the headsets need to enclose the ears well – glasses and hearing aids hardly get in the way.
What about alcohol and medication on the day?
Alcohol is an absolute no-go for drivers and passengers alike: we do not drive with anyone who has been drinking – no matter how much. Prescribed medication that does not impair your fitness to drive a car or motorcycle is no problem.
May I take photos or film the drive?
We are very happy for you to take private photos and videos as a keepsake and for your colleagues – we will even help you get good shots. Recordings for commercial purposes, blogs, YouTube or similar, however, are only permitted with a contract concluded beforehand and after we have reviewed the material before publication.
Experience more
Can several people drive one after the other on the same day?
Yes, provided this has been booked accordingly and the timing works.
Can I drive the tracked vehicle and the Kübelwagen on the same day?
Yes, if you register for both.
Can I drive for longer than 30 minutes?
Yes, by arrangement. We still recommend driving for half an hour first and letting the experience sink in. A follow-up date is then possible, for example with a different type of vehicle.
Is the certificate a real driving licence for these vehicles?
No. The certificate is a decorative reminder of an extraordinary experience – but not a driving licence or qualification like those issued by the military.
Passengers and companions
Can I bring companions to my booked drive?
Of course – bring your family, children, friends and acquaintances along. A whole coachload is a different matter, though; please let us know about larger groups in advance.
Can companions get close to the vehicles?
Yes. On request you and your companions can look inside the vehicle before or after the drive and take close-ups inside and out. During the drive itself, getting close is not possible for safety reasons.
Can the spectator area be reached with a wheelchair or walker?
Yes. All our grounds are laid out so that they can be reached with a wheelchair or walker. People with limited mobility can also be driven right up to the spectator area in their own car.
From what age can children ride along on a group ride?
There is no minimum age. We do, however, recommend it only from an age at which an understanding of and interest in technology are already well developed.
On a group ride, may someone from the group drive?
In principle yes – the decision lies with the commander. Once the driver has had time to settle in, the commander decides whether and when further people can climb aboard.
May children or teenagers drive themselves?
No. By law, children and teenagers are not allowed to drive these vehicles. The responsible ministry can only grant exceptions for interns and our own apprentices.
Are dogs allowed on the grounds?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the grounds and in the buildings too. Should a small or large accident happen, owners naturally clear it up – our visitors are responsible people anyway.
Your question is not here?
Simply ask us via the enquiry form – in the “Message” field.