Teenager in driving competition final but is too young to hold licence
A Black Country teenager has made the final of a national driving competition - despite being too young to have a drivers licence.
Aaron Thomas, from Oldbury, took on competition from across the UK to be one of 20 finalists in his age category at the Young Driver Challenge 2019.
The challenge is run by Young Driver, who provide pre-17 driving lessons, using duel controlled cars on private land to teach children the skills needed to drive.
The 16-year-old, who will soon be starting studies at Dudley College, had several lessons with the group at their site in Merry Hill.
Students were able to enter the competition to be marked on driving techniques in two age categories, 10 to 13 and 14 to 16.
Aaron will now compete in the final being held at the NEC in Birmingham on September 7.
Some of the challenges include manoeuvring a slalom, different types of parking, controlling an emergency brake and confidently tackling independent driving.
Prizes include £200 in cash, 10 one-hour lessons and restaurant vouchers.
Aaron said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have made the final of the Young Driver Challenge 2019.
"Learning to drive before the age of 17 has been a great experience as I really want to pass my driving test as soon as I reach 17.
"Not only is it a lot of fun, but it’s also helping prepare me for when I do get on the road for real.
"I feel like I have a good understanding of what Young Driver calls the ‘under the dashboard’ stuff, so that when I learn on the road, I’ll be able to pay much more attention to what is going on around me and other road users.
"I can’t wait to put my skills to the test at the Challenge final – I’d really love to win."
