A TWELVE-year old from Newton St Petrock has competed in a national driving competition for 10 to 17-year-olds.

Rory Teegan, who attends Shebbear College, was one of 20 finalists in the ten to 13 age category at the Young Driver Challenge 2018, which took place on September 22.

Youngsters hoping to be named Britain’s Best Young Driver came from all over the country to take part in the event, held at the Fire Service College at Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire — despite some being seven years away from being able to get their licence.

Rory had to show the judges his skills behind the wheel and was marked on general control, judgement and positioning, as well as manoeuvres including parallel parking, emergency stops and steering.

He received a medal and a young driver voucher for being in the top 20.

Rory had qualified for the final having entered at a Young Driver event at Exeter Racecourse.

He said: “It was a really fun day, I enjoyed getting to spend so long behind the wheel and showing the instructors everything I can do. They definitely put us to the test!

“I’m pleased for being in the top 20 in my age group across the whole country. I feel like all this experience is going to be really helpful when it comes to getting on the road for real — I’ll already have a good idea of how to physically drive the car, and will be able to focus more on what’s going on around me. Taking part in the Young Driver Challenge has really boosted my confidence in lots of ways. It’s been great fun!”

Laura White, head of marketing at Young Driver, said: “Huge congratulations to Rory, he should be really proud of how he performed. The quality of driving from the finalists was extremely high and the instructors really put them through their paces!

“It’s always fantastic to see how seriously the finalists take their driving, they understand that responsibility of being behind the wheel — but they also have massive smiles on their faces as they’re having so much fun.

“The challenge is a great way to celebrate the hard work and skills of all the finalists, but it also shows the wider world what a difference pre-17 driver education can make. The fact these youngsters can, to all intents and purposes, drive before they get on the road means they can spend their lessons at 17 concentrating on other road users and the roads themselves rather than how to change gears.”

For more information on Young Driver visit www.youngdriver.com or call 0844 371 9010.