Tank driving is a truly unique experience that few have been lucky enough to encounter. But there are now several purpose-built off road courses across the country, offering a tank driving experience so that anyone can have a go.

There may be a range of military vehicles to choose from, such as the 56ton Chieftain Main Battle Tank, Abbot Tanks, Stalwarts and Ferret Scout Cars, to name but a few. Or for the more adventurous, a unique 17 tonne FV432 APC (armoured personnel carrier), with specially modified cannons that can fire 40mm paint rounds!

The Chieftain was introduced in the 1960s and 70s and was one of the most advanced tanks of its time. It had the most powerful gun and heaviest armour of any tank in the world and enabled the driver to adopt a new, more horizontal position. Weighing in at a massive 55 tons and 7.5m in length this really is the daddy of all tanks and great fun for anyone on a tank driving day.

The Abbot comes in at the smaller proportions of 16.56 tons and 5.8m long and was part of the British Army FV340 series of vehicles all designed around the same chassis. Only replaced in the 1990s, this tank is smaller and more agile and even had the ability to swim across water at around 3 knots.

The Alvis Stalwart first appeared in 1959 and was used by the British forces from mid 1960s. The ‘stolly’ was a formidable cross-country vehicle for its size and to ‘climb aboard’ drivers needed to use the strategically placed rungs, hubs, tyres and roof and then lower themselves through submarine style hatches. Maximum speed is claimed to be 40mph which feels pretty fast when manoeuvring across trenches.

The Ferret Scout Car is a light armoured vehicle and gives the driver a feel for reconnaissance missions. It was adopted by the British Army from 1950 through to the 1970s. It is fast enough to be used on hard road surfaces but rugged enough for off-road adventure.

The FV423 gives the driver a feel for modern day tank driving as the vehicle is still very much in use in the British Army - although now mostly to support from line infantry rather than in the firing line themselves.

Most tank driving experiences will enable you to receive expert tuition and then put your new found skills to the test under the supervision of your instructor. If you are feeling confident, you may also have the opportunity to repeat the course under 'real' conditions, with the hatches down and only your periscope to guide you.

It is important to note that some of the packages have height, weight and age restrictions, so always check before you book. You must also be agile enough to get in and out of the tank and be medically fit for the activity.

So if you have always wanted to drive a tank across an off road course, or have a loved one that has, why not give it a go?