YOUNG petrolheads are flocking to Knockhill Racing Circuit in Fife for a taste of life behind the wheel.
Knockhill launched Teen Drive – a course aimed at giving youngsters between 13 and 16 their first proper taste of a road car – at Easter and, since then, bookings have flooded in.
Teen Drive instructor Alastair Fraser said: “Youngsters are always desperate to drive a car. This is a way of doing that, as well as instilling some idea of safety features. It also highlights the fact that Knockhill is not just about motorsport; it is about road safety as well.”
The course first features a practical session where the teenagers work with instructors on a race car and saloon car, learning how to change tyres, check fluids and learn basic car maintenance.
They are then taken to the Practical Drive Paddock, where teams of two are taken in a dual-controlled Vauxhall Corsa supplied by Arnold Clark for practical driving sessions. Attending parents are encouraged to view the experience from the track’s clubhouse.
Finally, the teens hit the road for the On Road Commentary Drive and Quiz. Teams are split so that half go with an instructor in one of the circuit’s Seat Cupras on public roads for a commentary drive covering hazard perception, road signs and speed limits. The other half complete an online Highway Code quiz at the circuit, helping to show them what is required when they come to sit their theory test for real.
The young drivers should leave the track with a better knowledge of driving etiquette, road safety and vehicle safety checking.
Of course, the day also includes fun challenges, and the drivers all get a passenger ride around the racing circuit before leaving with a certificate of completion.
Due to the success of Teen Drive, Knockhill has also just launched Teen Drive II, which offers more driving time on the circuit, which is set up as a real-life road scenario. This new, more advanced course includes practising use of the gears, left and right-hand bends, hazard perception and reversing and parking.
For further information, call 01383 720044, or see www.knockhill.com