Six Driver-class ships were ordered in 1840 and a further ten in March 1841, although only six were built.

Two wrecked in service, while the rest served until being retired and were either broken up or sold.

They were built of wood, displaced 1,590 tons and had a length on the gundeck of 180 feet (54.9 m).

[1] Power was provided by a two-cylinder direct-acting steam engine driving paddle wheels.

[1] Six Driver-class ships were ordered in 1840[2] and a further ten in March 1841, although only six were built.