A LOCHGELLY High teenager has reached the final of a national driving competition – despite only being 13.

Millar McGovern is one of three youngsters from Scotland in the running for the title of Britain's Best Young Driver.

He will now take part in the Young Driver Challenge 2021 next month in Warwickshire where drivers will be put through their paces in a number of challenges, including safely handling, a steering slalom, tackling junctions and roundabouts, confident use of the gears and clutch control and performing manoeuvres such as parking and emergency stops.

The competition is run by the UK’s largest pre-17 driving school, Young Driver, and the finalists were put forward by their instructors who were impressed by their driving skills during their lessons.

The final will be hosted by motoring expert and former Top Gear and Fifth Gear presenter Quentin Willson with £200 and Young Driver lessons worth £750 among the prizes up for grabs.

Millar, from Dunfermline, was delighted to reach the final. "I’m so pleased! I’ve had several lessons with Young Driver and really enjoyed them," he said.

"You get straight on with learning how to handle a car and the instructors are very helpful. It’s good fun, but also I think it’s going to help a lot when I get to 17 and start to learn on the road.

"I’m hoping I do well at the final, but I’m just going to enjoy it!”

Sue Waterfield, head of marketing for Young Driver, congratulated Millar and his fellow finalists.

She added: "It’s a real achievement. The skill of the talented drivers in the final surprises us every year, even though they’re all under 17.

"The whole purpose of Young Driver is to create safer newly qualified drivers and it is great to be able to celebrate the achievements of those youngsters who are taking that responsibility very seriously – as well as having some fun.

"We can’t wait to see what talent the final brings this year and wish all our contestants the best of luck!”