Newcastle teenager Evan shows off his skills at Young Driving Challenge

Newcastle teenager Evan shows off his skills at Young Driving Challenge

13 October 2021

A NEWCASTLE teenager was recently named one of the UK’s best young drivers after reaching the final of an annual competition held at the British Motor Museum.

Sixteen year-old Evan Biggerstaff made it all the way to the closing stages of this year’s ‘Young Driver Challenge’, an event created to test the motoring skills of boys and girls below the age of 17 and who are unable to legally drive.

“I really love learning to drive and I’m proud of how well I’ve done to get to the final,” said Evan. 

“It’s great to think that I’m improving my skills all the time so by the time I’m 17 I’ll already have that head-start of knowing how to safely control a car.”

The aim of the Young Driver scheme is to create a safer next generation of drivers, with Evan well on his way to becoming an assured driver.

This is the second time the Shimna College student has achieved the status as a finalist, after also appearing in the Young Driver’s 2019 event final.

This year marks the seventh time that the competition has run, with competitors taking part in a variety of driving activities including reversing, parking, manoeuvring a slalom, handling junctions and independent driving. 

Evan went behind the wheel of a new, dual controlled Vauxhall Corsa alongside a fully qualified driving instructor who assessed his abilities, noting that the teen excelled in the 14-16 year-old age category.

“I had such a brilliant day, it was great to spend so much time behind the wheel with new instructors,” said Evan.

“Evan should feel very proud of himself, it’s a fantastic achievement, especially coming back twice,” said Young Driver head of marketing Sue Waterfield.

“It’s been a great final, the drivers 

all performed amazingly. Anyone watching the finalists drive can see how beneficial it is learning at such a young age.” 

Evan was one of 40 talented finalists, and the only from Northern Ireland, who earned their place competing at the event held on October 2 at the museum in Warwickshire. Throughout the final, the local was praised for his safe driving skills.

“These teens take the responsibility of being a safe driver very seriously and they show great control of the cars,” said Ms Waterfield. 

“They’ll take that forward with them as they learn on the road at 17 and then as qualified drivers. 

“But beyond showing us how great their driving skills are, they’ve all had a really great day with lots of smiles and a real sense of pride and achievement, which is what it’s all about.”

TV presenter and motoring expert Quentin Willson awarded the finalists their prizes which included a medal, a complimentary 60 minute Young Driver gift voucher and a signed copy of 

Willson’s latest book: Learn to drive without tears and tantrums. 

For more information, go to www.youngdriver.com or download the app.