Children as young as 10 years old can now get behind the wheel thanks to a new program run by Track Days UK. Their under-17 driving experiences aim to teach participants the basics of operating a car, giving them an early start before on-road tests.
For most young petrolheads, the wait to reach the legal age in which you can get behind the wheel of a car on public roads seems to last forever. So for youngsters in the United Kingdom, these new driving experiences are sure to be great news.
The British operator has tailored a driving instructor class to cater to those aged between 10 and 17 years old. The program will help youngsters get some miles under their belt as they learn skills such as accelerating, steering, braking, and changing gear.
Each experience is tailored based on the driving ability of each participant, with previous experience, if any, factored in. The car used is also not the typical learners’ car but a decently specced Ford Fiesta ST with a 1.6-liter Ecoboost turbo engine, 17-inch alloys, and Recaro seats.
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Dan Jones, operations manager at Track Days, said: “Confidence and experience are key when learning to drive a car. Youngsters with more miles behind them will benefit from a self-assuredness that comes through early years of practice. As well as being educational, these under-17 driving experiences are also great fun and provide an alternative activity for youngsters to enjoy, whether they are staying close to home over the holidays with a staycation or looking for some excitement during term time.”
The fun doesn’t stop there. For kids who want more of an adrenaline rush (and for those parents who can fund it), the track day operator offers the chance for under 17s to test their driving skills in a supercar, ranging from Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens, and Aston Martins.
A 30 minute Young Driver Experience costs from £39.99 ($55), while the Junior Supercar Thrill is available on their website from £169.00 ($240).
