YOUNGSTERS with an urge to get behind the drivers wheel are invited to test their driving skills at a special day long motoring event in Petersfield.
On the day, young people aged 14 and over will be able to practise precision driving around a specially constructed course in the car park at Penns Place under the supervision of professional instructors.
The young drivers won’t need any form of driving licence, and an instructor will be in the car with them at all times.
The only criteria needed to take part is the ability to steer a car and a working knowledge of how to operate the pedals.
The Autotest event has been arranged by East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) and Southsea Motor Club (SMC) and the cars have been provided by TS Recovery of Bordon.
An SMC spokesman said: “In cooperation with the district council and Go Motosport, we are holding a Clubmans Production Car Autotest in the car park at Penns Place, and we are extremely grateful to the council staff for their enthusiasm for the event, and for the use of the council facilities.”
A Go Motorsport spokesman said the event was all about car control, and the challenge was for the young drivers to get round a low speed course without hitting any of the course markers, or cones.
Although rarely getting out of first or reverse gear, the object of the exercise is to get round the course in the lowest time.
The drivers tackle a number of tests aiming to achieve the lowest accumulated time -- time penalties are imposed for hitting the cones or markers, the spokesman added.
Councillor Julie Butler, EHDC’s Portfolio Holder for Customer Service, said: “I think it’s fantastic that we’re running this event again, it has proved a huge success in the past and it’s sure to be great fun on Sunday too.
“I think it’s really important that young people get behind the wheel in a safe environment and learn how to control a car.”
To find out more and to sign-up to take part in the event on Sunday, May 14, starting at 8.30am email [email protected]