James Robinson will compete at the NEC later this month
James Robinson, who is a pupil at Robert Clack School in Dagenham, is one of 20 finalists to reach the final of the Young Driver Challenge 2019.
James was entered into the competition by his instructor after just one lesson, at an off-road driving centre.
Finalists will compete in driving challenges that include manoeuvring a slalom, undertaking different types of parking, controlling an emergency brake and confidently tackling independent driving.
The challenge hopes to promote responsible and safe driving to youngsters and offers top marks to those who show the best levels of control and awareness.
The prizes includes money, vouchers and the title of ‘Britain’s Best Young Driver.’
The 13-year-old said: “I’m nervous because obviously there’s really good drivers that are going to be there but I’m excited because I feel like I could do really well.”
Speaking about his first lesson, he said: “At the end of the lesson, he (the instructor) was like ‘I feel like your good enough so I’m going to enter you into the young driver’s competition.'”
James said he was “gobsmacked” to find out he had reached the final, something he was told by his dad while they were on holiday in the Netherlands.
The event is being held at the NEC in Birmingham in September, and is hosted by TV presenters and motoring experts Quentin Willson and Vicki Butler Henderson.
Tags: Romford, Havering, Dagenham