The Young Driver Challenge 2019 is searching for the country’s best drivers who are aged 10 to 16 – and Vicki Butler-Henderson and Quentin Willson, who have both been presenters on ‘Fifth Gear’ and ‘Top Gear’, will be hosting the national final.

The Young Driver Challenge is open to anyone aged from 10 to 16, and entries can be made during lessons at any of Young Driver’s 60 venues before 15th July 2019. Drivers will be marked on their driving skills and abilities, with the 40 top scorers from across the country then being invited to the national final at the NEC on Saturday 7th September.

At the NEC, finalists will be split into two categories, 10 to 13s and 14 to 16s, before competing in a number of driving challenges, including manoeuvring a slalom, undertaking different types of parking, controlling an emergency brake and confidently tackling independent driving. The Challenge encourages youngsters to consider responsible and safe driving, with top marks given to those who show the best levels of control and awareness. Prizes up for grabs for the winners include £200, 10 one-hour Young Driver lessons, family restaurant vouchers and signed copies of Quentin Willson’s latest book.

Presenting the finalists with their awards at this year’s Challenge final, Vicki Butler-Henderson has an impressive motoring track record as a driver, motoring journalist and TV presenter, including presenting ITV’s new prime-time classic car show, ‘The Car Years’. Vicki said: “I strongly believe in getting behind the wheel as soon as possible - you don’t have to be aiming for a career in driving for learning early to be of benefit. Being taught how to drive from a younger age means you can take your time getting to grips with the necessary skills, and there’s no huge rush to be the first to get your license.  I can’t wait to see what the finalists do on the day. It should be lots of fun!”

Young Driver patron Quentin Willson is an award-winning motoring journalist, author, TV presenter and campaigner. He fronted Top Gear for a decade and writes for numerous national publications, while campaigning tirelessly on behalf of Britain's motorists. Quentin added: “Research shows that early driving tuition has a significant positive effect on novice driver behaviours and attitudes to road safety. The Young Driver Challenge celebrates and rewards careful, precise car control. It’s that rare thing - a driving competition where safety wins the race.”

Sue Waterfield, head of marketing for Young Driver, added: “This is our sixth annual Challenge and we’re delighted that this year Vicki and Quentin will be joining us at the final as hosts. The skill some of these young drivers show is staggering, and it’s reassuring to see how seriously they take being behind the wheel. They have fun and come away beaming, but at the same time they’re absorbing important safety messages and learning how to do a lot of the mechanical side of driving before they’re anywhere near a real road.”

For more information about the Young Driver Challenge or to book a lesson visit www.youngdriver.com or call 0844 371 9010.