For the first time teens can now drive classic cars with ADI instructors, thanks to the UK’s largest pre-17 driving school Young Driver.
Young Driver, which usually offers lessons in brand new Vauxhall Corsa SE Premiums, has added three British classics to its fleet. Ten to 17-year olds will be able to sample the driving dynamics of a Vauxhall VX490, Morris Minor or Austin 7. Adults keen to reminisce are also welcome!
Working with the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, Warwickshire, Young Driver will be running events at the Museum once or twice a month with more venues planned.
Young Driver, which has delivered over 800,000 lessons, will be offering 15-minute driving experiences in the three classic cars, accompanied by fully qualified driving instructors.
The 1963 VX490 HB is one of only 10 currently registered with the DVLA. With just 21,000 miles, it’s a remarkably well-preserved example of Vauxhall’s top sporting saloon of the 60s complete with wood dash, sports gearbox and six ancillary gauges.
The 1934 Austin 7 Ulster Replica is cute, lively and amazingly fun to drive with cycle wings, fish tail exhaust, fold down windscreen and boat tail alloy body. Just like the real thing, it’s deceptively brisk and guaranteed to make any driver – young or old – beam with delight!
The 1959 Morris Minor convertible is a classic British icon that radiates fun, charm and 50s period loveliness. Finished in Old English White with red trim and hood it’s easy to drive with light controls and a sweet gearbox.
Sue Waterfield, head of marketing at Young Driver, said:
“We’ve been looking for the right classic cars to join our fleet for some time. Although the majority of our lessons are given in our brand new fleet of Vauxhall Corsas, we have been offering lessons in Bentley Flying Spurs for a few years, which is very popular, giving a taste of a different driving experience. These three ‘new’ cars will give a completely different experience again – and we’re sure there will be lots of parents and grandparents looking at them nostalgically and remembering their own learning to drive journey and the cars of their childhood!”
Jeff Coope, Managing Director at the British Motor Museum, said:
“The Museum is delighted that Young Driver have chosen the British Motor Museum as the venue for its new classic experiences. The mission of the Museum as an Educational charity is to inform and inspire future generations and the addition of these experiences helps to bring the history we share to life. Anyone who books with Young Driver gets discounted admission to the Museum on the day of their experience and can see for themselves how the car they were driving fits into the history of British motoring. Amongst its extensive collections the Museum holds, for example, the first Morris Minor ever produced!”
Car expert and enthusiast Quentin Willson, who is a patron of Young Driver, added:
“Kids driving classics isn’t just fun, it will teach young drivers special skills. Being extra delicate with steering, clutch and brakes, listening to the rise and fall of the engine and getting used to large turning circles will make them more patient and mechanically sympathetic. I think it’s a great idea.”
Driving experiences in Young Driver’s Classic Car range will be available from 4th October 2020 and will cost £25.00.
Young Driver was established in 2009 with the aim of revolutionising the learning to drive journey, helping to reduce the high accident rate for newly qualified drivers by extending the learning period. Research shows that early driver tuition can halve the likelihood of an accident in those dangerous first six months after passing their test. For more information or to book a lesson visit www.youngdriver.com or call 0333 577 9010.
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