Rumour: major cuts at England's largest theme park, six rides closed
At the end of 2015, Looopings reported that Alton Towers might keep six attractions closed in 2016, including the then-named Driving School. The rumours followed financial pressure and lower visitor numbers after the serious accident on The Smiler.
More context
In November 2015, an unsettling rumour emerged around Alton Towers: according to fansite TowersStreet, England's largest theme park might keep six attractions closed in 2016. One of them was Driving School, the children's traffic attraction that later continued as Cuckoo Cars Driving School. The report came at a vulnerable moment for the resort. Only a few months earlier, several visitors had been seriously injured in the accident on The Smiler, after which Alton Towers remained closed for five days and visitor numbers came under pressure.
The Looopings article framed the possible closures as part of severe cost-cutting measures. Alongside Driving School, the list included Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Nemesis Sub-Terra, Hex, The Flume and Ripsaw. The final two were even rumoured to be removed entirely. At that point Alton Towers did not want to respond in detail, saying only that plans for the 2016 season were still being prepared.
For Cuckoo Cars Driving School, this is a relevant moment because it shows how the attraction became uncertain in the aftermath of a park-wide crisis. It was not a headline ride, but it was caught up in a broader discussion about costs, the attraction line-up and public confidence in Alton Towers.