IT WAS the final test of their driving. Four hours; four disciplines; four chances to show they’ve got what it takes to be crowned Press and Journal Young Driver of the Year.
Although there can be just one winner, each and every one of the 12 finalists rose to the challenge last Wednesday.
Today, the top four still in with a chance of winning the Seat Ibiza Sport are announced, but the winner will not be revealed until the Taste of Grampian motor show on June 7.
The finalists were all judged on their performance on the day by instructors from Knockhill’s Centre for Driver Excellence and the driver training unit at Grampian Police.
They were put to the test on the purpose-built skid pan, a course specially designed to test their manoeuvrability skills, the racing track itself and the surrounding roads.
The manoeuvrability test, which saw candidates drive through cones both forwards and in reverse, proved one of the biggest challenges for many.
Although it was not a time test, speed was taken into consideration, and the young drivers found it the most difficult element.
The most popular events were on the skid pan and the track.
Mhairi Meston, 19, a student from Fordoun, said: “The skid pan was really good. The first time the car skids is scary; you don’t feel in control and if you’re sitting in the back, it’s really terrifying. I definitely felt a bit squeamish.
“But once you go through all the steps of how to control the car and you know you’re fine, then it’s actually really good fun.
“I found it really useful; a few of my friends have skidded out on the road and it’s difficult to know what to do because you panic. Now I know what to do and it could be really helpful because the weather in the north-east can be so unpredictable.”
Fellow competitor Helen Johnstone, 21, a student from Newburgh, said: “It’s been great. The track was brilliant and the skid pan was good as well. It’s been valuable as well as fun.”
Scott Fraser, a driving instructor at Knockhill, put the finalists through their paces on the racing circuit before handing over the wheel.
Brian Marshall, 21, an electrician from Muir of Fowlis, near Alford, was just one of the contestants sporting an ear-to-ear grin beneath his helmet.
He said: “It was amazing. I can’t wait to come back and do it again.”
All 12 finalists were presented with a driving experience from Knockhill so they can do just that. They were also given a Skill for Life package from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), which includes everything needed to go on and do the advanced driving test, and a £50 Halfords voucher.
The finalists also got the opportunity to go for an hour-long road assessment with a Class 1 police driving instructor.
Ryan Smith, 18, an apprentice joiner from Westhill, said: “I learned a lot from the police drive about using my mirrors and gears. I’ve been so busy taking in all the information that I haven’t had time to think about it as a competition.”
Daniel Crighton, 19, from Blairgowrie, who is a second-year accounts student at Dundee University, added: “I think the drive on the road with the police will improve my observations and I will be thinking a lot more when I step in the car. It’s been good fun, too.”
The Press and Journal launched the three-month road safety campaign to tackle the high numbers of young drivers being killed and injured on our roads.
The competition, which attracted more than 100 entrants, was run in partnership with Knockhill, the IAM, Grampian Police and Specialist Cars Seat and aimed to tackle the accident toll by improving driving standards.
Stephen Shepley, regional co-ordinator of the IAM, said the organisation was delighted to be involved.
“The appalling road casualty figures for our region give all young drivers a bad name, but these contestants have shown that this is simply not true and I am proud to share the roads with such good and responsible drivers,” he said.
“The 12 finalists all have the opportunity to take their skills to a higher level with a free IAM Skill for Life package and if everyone else took the same opportunity we could reduce the carnage on our roads significantly.”
Finalist Ailidh Nealgrove, 18, a sixth-year Westhill Academy pupil from Alford, is one of those who plans to sit her advanced test as soon as possible.
She said: “The competition will affect the way I drive in future. I’m going to go for my IAM test quite soon.”
Knockhill communication manager Ray Smith described the high level of interest in the campaign from young drivers as encouraging.
Alastair Fraser, driver training manager at the Fife centre, added: “Everyone seemed to enjoy their day, from the contestants to the instructors, and I think the message of safe driving was put across well.
“Every contestant should consider themselves a winner for reaching the finals and add the experience to the never-ending learning curve of safe, courteous driving.”
Grampian Police Assistant Chief Constable Jim Stephen, who watched the young drivers being put through their paces, said he was delighted with their “enthusiasm and commitment”.
He added: “They worked hard to help each other throughout the day, and this was particularly encouraging.
“I am sure that everyone, including the families who attended, left Knockhill more aware of how they can stay safe on our roads and with the knowledge that passing the driving test really is only the start of learning how to drive.
“Everyone has a responsibility to stay safe on our roads and the 12 finalists showed that young drivers are willing to learn from those with more experience.
“While, at the end of the competition, there can be only one winner, each and every one of them can be very proud of what they have achieved in reaching the final event.
“I believe this competition has been very successful in spreading the road safety message to a wider audience and I am delighted to have supported it.”
Don’t miss the Taste of Grampian motor show to find out who wins the Seat Ibiza Sport. The motor show is part of the popular annual food and drink festival which features cookery demonstrations by celebrity chefs and showcases the richness and diversity of Grampian’s larder. The event takes place at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie, on Saturday, June 7. For more information, visit www.tasteofgrampian.co.uk