Thomas aims to be wheel deal in drive challenge
THOMAS Braid is one of the best young drivers in the UK - despite being five years away from passing his test.
The Oulder Hill pupil has reached the final of Young Driver Challenge 2018.
He’ll go up against 39 other top young drivers at the contest in Gloucestershire next weekend.
Thomas won his place at the final after being judged during their lessons at the scheme’s Manchester Etihad venues.
At the final, the drivers will be marked on driving skills and manoeuvres, including parallel parking, emergency stops, steering, judgement and positioning, as well as having to undertake independent driving.
Judges include expolice drivers and advanced instructors and first place prizes for each category include £200, 10 one-hour Young Driver lessons and family restaurant vouchers. Prizes are also given to the runners up.
Thomas, aged 12, said: “I was really pleased to find out I’d made the final and am looking forward to showing the judges what I can do.
I’ve had six lessons with Young Driver, and although I was nervous being behind the wheel for the first time, it is a lot of fun and I think it will really help me when it comes to getting on the road at 17.
“I feel like I have a lot of driving skills under my belt and will therefore be able to focus more on other road users rather than what to do with my feet!”
Laura White, head of marketing at Young Driver, added: “Congratulations to Thomas!
“He’s done brilliantly to make the final and should feel very proud of themselves.
“Every year we’re stunned at the quality of drivers we have entering the Young Driver Challenge – they all take the responsibility of being behind the wheel very seriously and have obviously been paying attention to every word their instructor tells them.
“The Challenge is a great way to celebrate the hard work they’ve done, and to show the benefits of pre-17 driving education.
“When you see the youngsters driving, it becomes fairly obvious that the extended experience and, having started at a younger age, is a positive thing for all of our safety when it comes to them getting on the roads for real.”
The final takes place at the Fire Service College at Moreton-in-Marsh on September 22.