A TEENAGER from Ilminster has been crowned one of Britain’s best young motorists – before he is old enough to drive.

Elliot Ashley, 15, who attends Holyrood Academy in Chard, competed in the 14-16 age category of the Young Driver challenge and beat off competition from hundreds of youngsters to reach the national finals in Birmingham. He was among 40 who made it to the final and came joint eighth.

Kim Stanton, from Young Driver, which provides driving tuition for under-17s, said the competition aimed to give youngsters a ‘sound foundation’ to driving before they hit the roads.

She added: “When they do start to drive on the roads, they are more prepared, confident and aware of issues that might affect their safety. This competition has proven just how much young people can learn before they are even officially old enough to drive and we are delighted that so many youngsters have shown the desire to not only learn the basics but also hone their skills.

“With our past pupils having half the number of accidents within|six months of passing their test than the national average, the scheme can only be helping to make the roads a safer place for everyone.”

More than 350 young people entered the competition and Elliot was marked on his practical driving skills in a dual-control Skoda Citigo and then took on the Goodyear Driving Academy, an online driving simulator which tested his knowledge of the Highway Code.

Judges at the final included representatives from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) and Goodyear, along with ex-police driving instructor Gary White, and several highly qualified driving instructors.

Mark Lewis, director of standards for IAM, said: “There was very little to choose between all of the drivers in the final. We knew when we got involved 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.”