Aston: Teen in running for Best Driver award

The 2014 Young Driver Challenge was open to those aged between 11 and 16 years.

Run by Young Driver, a UK provider of under-17 driving tuition, 40 finalists have now been chosen from more than 350 entries, and will compete at a national final to be held on Saturday 13th September.

Aaron, who goes to Aston Academy, entered the competition at Young Driver’s Barnsley venue.

The challenge judged the ability of entrants based on a series of driving skills and manoeuvres, including parallel parking, figures of eight, a turn in the road, steering, judgement and positioning. Entrants also had to complete the Goodyear Driving Academy, an interactive online driving simulator which tests a youngsters’ knowledge of the Highway Code.

Aaron will take part in the 14-16 age category at the final, which will be held at the Prodrive circuit in the Midlands.

Up for grabs are prizes including 40 pre- and post-17 driving lessons provided by Goodyear, a Young Driver at School session for them and their classmates and £500 off a car insurance premium courtesy of Young Driver sponsor Admiral.

Kim Stanton from Young Driver said: “We’d like to say huge congratulations to Aaron and all of our finalists.” “The standard of entries was extremely high, so it should make for a great final – our judges will really be putting these young drivers to the test.”

“Young Driver has now delivered more than 150,000 lessons across our 33 venues, and it’s encouraging to see how well so many under 17s can drive.”

“We believe it is vital to get youngsters learning to drive at an earlier age, so they can gain more experience and when they’re more naturally receptive to safety messages.” “With our past pupils having half the number of accidents within six months of passing their test than the national average, the scheme can only be helping to make the roads a safer place for everyone.”

Aaron Robinson said: “I am delighted to have been the highest scorer in my local area for Young Driver.”

“I can’t believe it! I’ve had eight Young Driver lessons now and I firmly believe that they’ll help me becoming a much safer driver when I get my licence to drive on the road for real.”

“The instructors have always been very friendly and really help you to understand the responsibilities of driving without making you feel under pressure.”

“I can’t wait for the final and would love to be crowned the overall winner.”

“It would be great for everyone in my class to try out a lesson at Young Driver, which is one of the many prizes on offer.”

Young Driver was established in 2009 with the aim of helping to teach youngsters to drive over a longer period, therefore encouraging a safer generation of new drivers at 17.

For more information about the challenge, or to book a Young Driver lesson, please log on to www.youngdriver.eu or call telephone number 0844 371 9010