Reece Buttery, 15-year old star of TV’s Gangsta Granny, The Dumping Ground and the Bafta award winning Secret Life of Boys, said: “I have had a few Young Driver lessons now, from the age of 11, and they’re great fun, but I’m also very aware that I’m learning some hugely important skills. I’d urge anyone aged 10-17 to give it a go, it’s a brilliant experience.”
His dad, emergency services’ driver Dean Buttery added: “From my point of view, it has made Reece safer even when walking along a road as he now knows the characteristics of cars and how drivers may not have seen him due to blind spots etc. It's made him more aware and safer on the road even if cycling or walking.”
Vicky Parrott, motoring journalist/contributor to Daily Telegraph & Autocar: "My 9 year old daughter and nephew had a fantastic time at Young Driver. Both were surprised that they were allowed to drive a 'proper' grown-up car with a manual gearbox. My daughter was nervous but ended up enjoying herself immensely and she's now keen to come back and drive again. My nephew has all of the confidence, had an absolute blast and wants to know when he can drive something more powerful! The Young Driver instructors were brilliant at reassuring them and keeping everything safe but fun. I'd highly recommend it to any family."
Erin Baker, Telegraph: For full review click here
Martin Love, motoring editor at the Observer For full review click here
Mark Lewis, Director of Standards for the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), said: "Every young person who undertakes this training is potentially setting themselves up for a lifetime of safe driving.....We knew when we got involved with Young Driver that the standard of teaching was very high, but the students really demonstrated control of their car and abilities way beyond their years. They were all very responsible and considered drivers and hopefully it should help them be much safer drivers when they do take to the road for real in a few years. By catching drivers young, before they get influenced by their peers, I firmly believe we’re saving lives in the future."
Nicola Morgan, an award-winning author and international speaker who specialises in writing on adolescent development and wellbeing, said: “Extra-curricular activities, such as Young Driver, can be of huge benefit to self-confidence and mental wellbeing. A student may be struggling at school – but extra-curricular activities can require a very different range of skills and the student can suddenly experience success. This leads to more self-confidence and an ‘I can do this’ attitude which can leak into other areas. Anything that raises confidence is likely to have a positive effect on wellbeing and mental health in general.”
Megan Hughes, the actress who played Maud Spellbody in TV’s The Worst Witch, said: “I was quite nervous before my first lesson, but the instructors helped me to prepare and relax. It is so much fun! I love the parking and reversing and the figure of eights. After every lesson, I can’t wait for my next one to see what I will be learning! I think Young Driver is a great scheme, and I particularly like the way it ensures driving is a skill accessible for all. Personally, I know this will really help when it comes to learning to drive on the road and will help me become a safer driver, which is reassuring to me and my family. I’m not sure what Maud would make of learning to drive but I reckon she’d probably be quite good at it – or at least she could whip up a potion to help!”