A BOY of 14 has been named one of the UK’s best young drivers, three years before he can officially take to the road.

Daniel Blake, of Warkworth Close, Banbury, took part in the Young Driver Challenge and won the bronze medal in his age group.

A total of 40 finalists from around the UK descended on the NEC in Birmingham and competed in two age categories, 11-13 and 14-16.

Mr Blake came third out of 20 competitors in the 14-16 age category, winning a place on Young Driver’s Prodrive Skills Day and five Young Driver lessons.

The North Oxfordshire Academy student has been a fan of supercars since he was young and has dreamed of buying a Porsche Carrera GT when he is old enough to drive on the road.

He said: “I’m very proud of my achievement.

“To even be in the top 20 for my age group was just a great feeling, let alone to then come third.”

Finalists for the event on September 5 were selected from hundreds of youngsters who entered the challenge, run by Young Driver, which provides pre-17 driving lessons.

Those who entered had to complete an online road safety test and take a practical assessment with a qualified instructor.

Drivers had to complete a series of manoeuvres, similar to the official driving test, in a Fiat car including parallel parking, reversing, emergency stops and turns in the road, as well as independent driving.

Mr Blake said: “Young Driver has given me a good understanding of how to drive and how to be safe on the roads, which will be really useful when I turn 17.”

Judging the competition were representatives from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), Admiral, Goodyear and driving instructors. Mr Blake impressed them with his control of the vehicle, precise manoeuvres and quick thinking behind the wheel.

Kim Stanton, who leads the Young Driver scheme, said: “I’d like to say a huge well done to all of our finalists and of course to Daniel who did amazingly well. They gave a fantastic demonstration of just how good a driver a young person can be.”

The Young Driver scheme was set up in 2009 to help create safer newly-qualified drivers.

Visit youngdriver.eu to find out further information.