Opportunity for youngsters to test their driving skills

Thirty young drivers tested their skills behind the wheel at a special motoring event organised by East Hampshire District Council and Southsea Motor Club.
Archie Hayward (15), of Havant, and Tim Troth (15) of Elsted, were first and second in the under 16s classArchie Hayward (15), of Havant, and Tim Troth (15) of Elsted, were first and second in the under 16s class
Archie Hayward (15), of Havant, and Tim Troth (15) of Elsted, were first and second in the under 16s class

Boys and girls, aged between 14 and 21, put themselves in the driving seat at the Autotest event.

The drivers were challenged to complete a course marked out around the car park at the council offices in Penns Place, Petersfield, on April 17.

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Precision and skill were the watchwords as the novices gained valuable experience in handling and manoeuvring a car.

Keith Shepherd, chairman of the Southsea Motor Club, said: ‘Autotest is a great opportunity for young people to learn the basics of controlling a car in a safe and fun way.

‘It’s also a fantastic way to introduce people to motor sports and we are very grateful to East Hampshire District Council for their hard work in staging and hosting the event.

‘All the drivers on the day obviously had a great time and we had lots of positive feedback.’

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The event was sponsored by David F Slade Motor Vehicle Repairs, of Alton, who also brought an MGB GT to display.

The podium was created by Alton Men’s Shed and funded by Alton marketing company The Little Grey Cells.

Another Autotest event is also being planned for July.

Southsea Motor Club is based in the Portsmouth area with members from all across southern Hampshire and beyond.

Members are active in many different disciplines of motorsport such as rallying, trials, autotests, sprints, hillclimbs and autocross ranging from club level right up to international status events – not only as competitors, but as marshals and officials too.

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It is a busy and active club with plenty going on for members whether they are interested in competing, organising or marshalling on events.

They meet on the first Monday evening of the month from 8.30pm at The Bold Forester, Forester Road, Soberton Heath, Hants, SO32 3QG.