A TEENAGER from Hockley Heath has been crowned the UK’s best young driver after he was put through his paces during the Young Driver Challenge.
Luke Swallow, who attends Henley-in-Arden school, took to the road like a fish to water as he made his way around the British Motor Museum.
The 13-year-old – who is still four years away from applying for his provisional licence – impressed the judges at the Young Driver Challenge finals within his ability to control the Skoda he was driving and perfect tight manoeuvres.
Speaking after his victory, Luke said: “I still can’t believe I’m the winner and I can’t stop smiling.
“Making it to the final was something I was really pleased to have achieved but then to be crowned overall winner in my age category was just amazing.
“Everyone at the final was driving at a really high standard so the competition was tough, and the test itself was hard work – but great fun.”
The Young Driver Challenge is part of an initiative to drill into youngsters the importance of being responsible and safe on the road before they can officially learn to drive.
He added: “As well as doing independent driving, we had to demonstrate things like parallel parking, reversing, tight steering, emergency stops and turns in the road.
“Luckily my Young Driver lessons have taught me well and it has prepared me when I can officially learn to drive.
“Hopefully I can live up to my best young driver title.”
