A YOUNG lad has sped his way to the final of a national competition - despite not being old enough to hold a driving licence.

Rivington and Blackrod High pupil, Sam Morris, 13, has achieved a place in the final of the Young Driver Challenge 2021.

Sam said: “I was really pleased when I received the email to say I was in the final.

"I have wanted to learn to drive from a young age and was delighted when I was bought my first lesson through Young Driver for my 10th birthday.

“I’ve had about 20 lessons, completed two skills days at Elvington and drove a fire engine. I usually attend Manchester Tennis and Sports Centre for my lessons. All my instructors have been great and given me really positive feedback.

“I think the scheme is a great way to introduce safe driving at a young age and will help me when I am 17 when I can get on the roads. I’m looking forward to the challenge final where I hope to do well but most of all I am going to enjoy the experience and have fun."

The competition is run by Young Driver, the UK’s largest pre-17 driving school. All entrants are aged between 10 and 16.

Twenty finalists in two age categories, 10 to 13 and 14 to 16, will now attend the final on October 2 at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire.

There the 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 winner will receive £200 and Young Driver lessons worth £750.

Sue Waterfield, the firm's marketing head, added: "The pandemic put the brakes on the challenge last year, so we are delighted it’s now back and we’re very much looking forward to it. Congratulations to Sam for making the final – it’s a real achievement.

“The skill of the talented drivers in the final surprises us every year, even though they’re all under 17. The whole purpose of Young Driver is to create safer newly qualified drivers and it is great to be able to celebrate the achievements of those youngsters who are taking that responsibility very seriously – as well as having some fun.

“We can’t wait to see what talent the final brings this year and wish all our contestants the best of luck.”