Your first time in a supercar: what to expect.

Your first moments in a supercar feel different. The seating position is lower, the visibility more restricted, the throttle response sharper than anything you've driven before. Here's how to feel composed and confident from the moment you set off.

Before collection: mental preparation

Supercars aren't difficult to drive – but they do demand respect and adjustment. The key is understanding what makes them different from standard vehicles, then adapting your approach accordingly.

If you've never driven a high-performance vehicle, consider starting with something from our Prestige category – a Bentley Continental GT or Aston Martin DB11 offers serious performance in a more forgiving package than a mid-engine Ferrari 488.

Collection day: the handover

Our team conducts a thorough vehicle briefing covering controls, driving modes, visibility considerations, and specific quirks of each model. Don't rush this process – ask questions, request demonstrations, and ensure you're comfortable before departing.

Read about our pre-delivery preparation process to understand the level of care that goes into presenting each vehicle.

Key handover checklist:

• Seat and mirror adjustment (critical for visibility)
• Driving mode selector operation (Comfort/Sport/Track)
• Throttle sensitivity in each mode
• Steering weight adjustment (if equipped)
• Location of essential controls (lights, wipers, cruise control)
• Parking sensors and camera operation
• Fuel type and cap location

Seating position: getting it right

Supercars place you low and reclined compared to standard saloons. This improves handling dynamics but can feel disconcerting initially.

Adjustment process:

• Set seat height first (as low as comfortable while maintaining visibility)
• Adjust fore-aft position (full brake pedal depression without stretching)
• Set backrest angle (arms slightly bent when hands are at 9 and 3 o'clock)
• Configure lumbar support (if available)
• Adjust mirrors for maximum rear visibility – you'll need every degree

In mid-engine cars like the Ferrari 488 or McLaren 720S, rear visibility is severely limited. Trust your mirrors, use cameras actively, and take extra care when reversing.

First drive: familiarisation phase

Don't leave the collection point and immediately head for a busy London street or motorway. Spend 10-15 minutes in a quiet car park or industrial estate getting accustomed to:

• Throttle response: Particularly in Sport mode, throttle inputs are immediate and aggressive. Practice smooth, progressive acceleration.
• Brake sensitivity: Carbon-ceramic brakes (if fitted) require warming before delivering full performance. They can feel wooden when cold.
• Steering weight: Electric steering systems offer variable weighting. Find the setting that feels most natural.
• Turning circle: Supercars often have surprisingly large turning circles. Practice low-speed manoeuvres.
• Visibility blind spots: Identify where your sightlines are compromised and develop compensation strategies.

Driving modes explained

Most modern supercars offer selectable driving modes that fundamentally alter character:

Comfort/Normal: Softer suspension, gentler throttle mapping, lighter steering. Ideal for urban driving, unfamiliar roads, and learning the car's behaviour.

Sport: Sharper throttle, heavier steering, firmer damping, more aggressive gearbox programming. Better for spirited driving on known roads.

Track/Race: Maximum aggression across all systems. Generally unnecessary on public roads and can make the car twitchy in real-world conditions.

Start in Comfort mode. Graduate to Sport once you've built familiarity and confidence. Our guide on choosing the right marque explains how different brands approach mode programming.

Urban driving considerations

Supercars in cities require heightened awareness and different techniques:

Speed bumps: Approach at an angle to minimise scraping. Ground clearance is limited – if equipped, use nose-lift systems before encountering obstacles.

Tight spaces: Parking sensors are essential. Practice using cameras and sensors together. If in doubt, find alternative parking rather than risk damage.

Traffic: In stop-start conditions, use Comfort mode with gentle throttle inputs. Aggressive throttle in Sport mode creates lurching responses unsuitable for traffic flow.

Attention: Supercars attract stares, photos, and occasionally aggressive behaviour from other road users. Stay calm, professional, and avoid confrontation.

Motorway & A-road technique

Open roads allow you to experience what the car can do safely and legally within speed limits:

Acceleration: Modern supercars deliver astonishing acceleration. A Ferrari 488 reaches 60mph in under 3 seconds – that's faster than most motorcycles. Respect this capability.

Overtaking: You have power on demand that creates overtaking opportunities unavailable in normal cars. Use it judiciously and always within legal limits.

Cruise control: On long motorway sections, cruise control helps manage speed and reduces fatigue. Learn how to operate it before setting off.

Planning a longer journey? Our supercar weekend guide covers route planning and logistics.

Wet weather adjustments

High-performance cars with wide, soft-compound tyres can be challenging in wet conditions:

• Select Comfort or Wet mode if available (reduces power delivery and softens traction control intervention)
• Double your normal following distances
• Avoid aggressive throttle inputs, especially mid-corner
• Be aware that standing water can cause aquaplaning with wide rear tyres
• Cold tyres offer minimal grip – allow warming before spirited driving

Refuelling protocol

Supercars require premium unleaded (typically 98+ RON). Never use regular unleaded or diesel – engine damage will be immediate and expensive.

Fuel caps vary by model: some are under rear bodywork panels, others beneath badges or hidden behind flaps. Confirm location during handover.

Expect 15-25 mpg on mixed driving, less if driving enthusiastically. Range can be surprisingly limited – plan fuel stops on longer journeys.

Parking & security

Choose parking locations carefully:

• Well-lit areas with CCTV coverage
• Away from tight spaces where door dings are likely
• Monitored car parks over street parking where possible
• Never leave valuables visible – supercars attract opportunistic attention
• Use steering locks if provided

If staying overnight, hotel parking should be secure and ideally undercover. Inform the concierge you'll be arriving in a high-value vehicle.

Common mistakes to avoid

Over-confidence: Traction control and stability systems provide safety nets, but they're not foolproof. Drive within your limits, not the car's.

Showing off: Aggressive acceleration in residential areas, excessive revving at lights, and antisocial driving behaviour reflect poorly on all enthusiasts. Drive with respect.

Ignoring warnings: Dashboard warning lights and unusual sounds should be addressed immediately. Contact our support team if anything seems amiss.

Neglecting familiarisation: Rushing the learning process creates unnecessary risk. Take your time understanding the vehicle before pushing limits.

Building confidence progressively

Hour 1: Urban familiarisation, controls mastery, basic manoeuvres
Hours 2-3: Dual carriageways and A-roads, exploring acceleration and handling
Hours 4+: Spirited driving on known routes with good visibility and low traffic

By the end of day one, most drivers feel genuinely comfortable. By day two, the car starts to feel intuitive. By day three, you're extracting meaningful performance safely.

For late-night driving once you've built confidence, our London night routes guide suggests scenic nocturnal drives.

Return & reflection

When returning the vehicle, our team conducts a joint inspection and discusses your experience. We appreciate honest feedback – it helps us refine the handover process for future clients.

Many first-time hirers become regular members once they realise how accessible and rewarding supercar experiences can be. Read about why membership beats ownership for many enthusiasts.