MINI Takes Youngsters Out On Track

Youngsters no longer need to wait until they turn 17 to experience the thrill of driving a brand-new MINI thanks to the renowned YoungDrive! and YoungDrive! Plus courses at some of the UK’s most prestigious race circuits.

Any child aged 11 to 17 can participate in YoungDrive! and get behind the wheel of a MINI One to feel the punchy engine and go-kart handling under the watchful eye of a DSA-approved instructor and within the safety of a closed off, traffic-free section of the racetrack.

This safe, stress-free environment makes it ideal for their first taste of driving and for building up confidence. The 40 minutes in the dual-controlled car should put them in pole position ahead of their classmates when the time comes for them to learn to drive out on the roads for real.

The 2.5-hour course is held on selected dates all-year round at Brands Hatch in Kent, Oulton Park in Cheshire, Snetterton in Norfolk and Bedford Autodrome. Youngsters learn how to move off and stop, developing finesse at the steering wheel as they manoeuvre the MINI One around a series of cones, changing gears and safely building their speed to up to 40mph on the track. Both manual and automatic models are available at Brands Hatch and Oulton Park

As well as getting behind the wheel themselves the budding drivers will also be able to learn by watching others from the back seat, as well as take home a certificate as a permanent reminder of their first experience behind the wheel. The course costs just £79, with 12 month gift vouchers available.

But the fun doesn’t have to stop there: youngsters who complete YoungDrive! can come back for more with YoungDrive! Plus. This is available at Brands Hatch, Oulton Park or Bedford Autodrome and is a more advanced programme, with more time behind the wheel and one-to-one instruction with the chance to drive up to 50mph and carry out manoeuvres like reversing, parking and turn in the road.

As well as looking at the importance of safety in the car they will also learn some basic driving theory about how to use road markings and signs to understand junctions and some tips to keep their vehicle maintained and in top shape.

To watch the Young Drive video click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFIPOEDfe6U