MORE than 100 people applied to the Press and Journal’s Young Driver of the Year competition, but just four are still in the running to drive away in a Seat Ibiza Sport.
Angus Flett, 23, from Helmsdale, Sutherland; Ben Laing, 22, from Elgin; Claire McBean, 19, from Inverness, and Maximillian Schneider, 20, from Balmedie, were voted top following a tough day of driving at Knockhill last month.
One of them will be handed the keys to their new car on Saturday.
The Press and Journal launched the competition to tackle the shocking numbers of young people being killed and injured on our roads.
It aimed to promote improved driving standards and highlight the importance of advanced driving skills.
The competition, run in partnership with Grampian Police, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), Knockhill’s Centre for Driver Excellence and Specialist Cars Seat, challenged drivers under the age of 25 to demonstrate a high level of practical skill and good knowledge of the Highway Code.
The three-month campaign attracted interest from drivers across the north of Scotland – from Helmsdale to Blairgowrie.
Contestants were asked to correctly answer 20 Highway Code questions and say what they thought should be done to help cut the toll of death and injury among young drivers.
Entrants came up with a raft 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.
At the time, Sergeant Neil Morrison, of Grampian Police, said he was impressed by the young drivers’ suggestions and encouraged that so many of them were willing to see restrictions imposed on what they could do.
All 25 semi-finalists then completed an hour-long assessment drive with the IAM, following which the organisation’s regional organiser, Stephen Shepley, said he was really encouraged by the high standard.
The final 12 took part in a fantastic day of driving at Knockhill Racing Circuit, in Fife, last month, when they were put to the test on the skid pan, track and road, and on a course designed to test their manoeuvrability skills.
Instructors from both Knockhill and Grampian Police put the young drivers through their paces on the day.
At the event, Grampian Police Assistant Chief Constable Jim Stephen said he was delighted with the “enthusiasm and commitment” shown by the young drivers and that every one of them should be proud to have reached the final.
Mr Stephen also said the competition had been very successful in spreading the road safety message to a wider audience.
The winner will be announced at the Taste of Grampian motor show at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie, at 2pm on Saturday.