Children as young as 10 to get the chance to drive stunning classic cars at Gaydon's British Motor Museum

Young people (and adults) will have the chance to drive stunning classic cars at Gaydon's British Motor Museum as part of a programme to drive-down the high accident rate

The driving experiences will see people aged 10 upwards have the chance to drive a Vauxhall VX490, Morris Minor or an Austin 7.

Organised by Young Driver and hosted by the museum, the classic car driving experiences will be launched by TV presenter Quentin Willson on 22 May, with events then taking place throughout the year.

Adults will also be welcome to sample the driving dynamics of three of Britain’s most famous cars, one of which dates back almost 90 years.

Young Driver, which more typically offers lessons to 10 - 17 year old’s in brand new Vauxhall Corsa SE Premiums at 70 venues across the UK, prepared to launch the classic car experience in Autumn 2020 – just as lockdown hit and events had to be put on hold.

The three classic cars, which were once a regular sight on Britain's roads, will be on top form, having been diligently prepared for the events by experts.

The driving experiences last 15-minutes and those booking a lesson also get discounted entry into the museum. The cost per lesson is £25.

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."

Sue Waterfield, head of marketing at Young Driver, said: “Since 1903 drivers have needed to be 17 to get behind the wheel – so our pupils will be the youngest to take control of these three classics!

"Lockdown has meant the cars have had to be rested for a few months, but we are delighted to now be able to properly launch our classic experience.

"We have given more than 900,000 lessons in new cars over the last 12 years, but the Vauxhall VX490, Morris Minor and Austin 7 will give a completely different experience.

"We are happy to let both youngsters and grown-ups have a go behind the wheel and take a step (or drive) back in time!

"The nostalgia factor will be huge for anyone over a certain age, but these cars appeal to everyone, they’re absolutely stunning and great fun to drive.”

Car expert and former Top Gear presenter Quentin Willson, who is a patron of Young Driver, said: “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.”

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.

For more information and to book a lesson please visit www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/whats-on