Anthony takes to the road in national competition

An Alsop High School student has reached the final of a national driving competition – despite being more than three years away from holding a licence.

Anthony Reeves, a 13-year-old Alsop High School student, has achieved a place in the final of the Young Driver Challenge 2021 having beaten off stiff competition from hundreds of other entries.

Anthony said: “I’m really excited about the final. I love driving and learning how to handle a car. I think it will help a lot when I reach 17 and start to learn on the road.”

Mr Paul Masher, headteacher said: “Congratulations to Anthony for reaching the final. We are so proud of him – it’s a real achievement. We wish him good luck on in the final.”

The competition, run by the UK’s largest pre-17 driving school Young Driver, holds the contest annually for drivers aged between 10 and 16 that learn on private property in dual controlled cars with fully qualified instructors, as they would on a road once they hit 17.

There are 20 finalists in each of the two age categories, 10-13 and 14-16 who will attend the final at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire, on Saturday 2 October.

Drivers will be put through their paces in a number of challenges including safely handling a steering slalom, tackling junctions and roundabouts, confident use of the gears and clutch control and performing manoeuvres such as parking and an emergency stop.

The final will be hosted by motoring expert and former presenter of Top Gear and Fifth Gear, Quentin Willson. The winner will receive £200 and Young Driver lessons worth £750, while other prizes include vouchers and signed copies of Quentin Willson’s book Learn to Drive Without Tears and Tantrums.