FOUR Scots teenagers have made the final of a UK driving competition – despite being several years away from being able to get their driving licences.
Harry Macfarlane, 14, of Carmyle, Glasgow, James Halliwell, 16, from Rosyth, Fife, Jamie Glasgow, 13, of Livingston, West Lothian, and Max Laird, 13, from Carluke, Lanarkshire, will be taking part in the 2019 Young Driver Challenge.
They will be among 20 youngsters from across the UK showing off their driving skills in two age categories (10-13 and 14-16) at the final hosted by automotive TV stars Vicki Butler-Henderson and Quentin Wilson at Birmingham’s NEC on September 7.
The Challenge is run by Young Driver, the UK’s largest provider of pre-17 driving lessons. Students drive dual-controlled Vauxhall Corsas on private land with a fully qualified instructor and learn the skills needed to be a safe and responsible driver.
Pupils were able to enter the competition throughout the spring at any of Young Driver’s 65 venues, four of which are in Scotland, and were marked by their instructor on key driving techniques.
The finalists will face a number of driving challenges, including manoeuvring through a slalom, undertaking different types of parking, controlling an emergency brake and confidently tackling independent driving.
The Challenge encourages youngsters to consider responsible and safe driving, with top marks given to those who show the best levels of control and awareness.
Prizes up for grabs include £200, 10 one-hour Young Driver lessons, family restaurant vouchers and signed copies of Quentin Willson’s latest book, Learn To Drive Without Tears And Tantrums.
Sue Waterfield, head of marketing for Young Driver, said: “Every year, the quality of driving we see from these young people astounds us.
“They take their learning very seriously, and it’s a great way of reinforcing all those important safety messages when they don’t have the pressure of trying to pass a test as quickly as possible.
“The Challenge final is always the highlight of our calendar and it will be fantastic to have Vicki and Quentin there this year, cheering on our worthy finalists.
“Congratulations to Harry, James, Jamie and Max, who have already done so well, beating hundreds of other entrants. We wish you all every luck for the final.”
Go to www.youngdriver.com for more information about Young Driver.
