Young drivers up for the challenge

Published:

MORE than 100 people have applied to become the Press and Journal’s Young Driver of the Year in the hope of driving away in a new Seat Ibiza Sport.

The three-month campaign, aimed at cutting the toll of death on our roads and improving driving standards, has attracted interest from drivers across the north of Scotland – from Helmsdale to Blairgowrie – including a good mix of male and female drivers.

For some, it was a family affair. Brothers Callum, 17, and Rory Cruden, 20, from Kiltarlity, and sister act Rona, 20, and Ailidh Nealgrove, 17, from Alford, go up against each other for a chance of winning the big prize.

The competition, being run in partnership with Grampian Police, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), Knockhill’s Centre for Driver Excellence and Specialist Cars Seat, is designed to test entrants’ driving skills to the limit.

When asked what could be done to help reduce the death and injury toll among young drivers, entrants made a whole host of suggestions, including introducing a limit on the size of engine a young person could drive; making advanced driving courses such as Pass Plus compulsory, and restricting the number of passengers allowed in a young driver’s car.

Sergeant Neil Morrison, of Grampian Police, was delighted with the response.

“It is great to see so many young people have taken the time to enter this competition. It shows there are young people out there who are really committed to taking their driving skills to another level.”

The IAM will assess the 25 semi-finalists’ driving and, from those, 12 finalists will be chosen to take part in an unforgettable day at the home of Scottish motorsport at Knockhill, in Fife.