Gallery: 98-year-old drives car again <\/h3>\n
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Don’s unique driving adventure unfolded with the help of the Young Driver program \u2013 a driving scheme primarily designed for individuals under the age of 17. Operating at private venues nationwide, Young Driver offers a safe and engaging way for young learners to gain hands-on driving experience, focusing on crucial skills such as steering, gear shifting, braking, handling junctions and roundabouts, and even parallel parking. Research has shown that this early exposure to responsible driving practices reduces accident rates among newly licensed drivers.<\/p>\n
Remarkably, Young Driver imposes no upper age limit, welcoming individuals of all ages who harbor a desire to return to the driver’s seat. Of the 1.3 million lessons given over the past 14 years, Don Mitchell stands as the oldest participant to date. His journey took him to the Defence School of Transport at Leconfield near Beverley, where he was entrusted with a Vauxhall Corsa \u2013 the UK\u2019s equivalent of the Opel Corsa \u2013 equipped with dual controls, and a fully qualified instructor sat in the passenger seat.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was delighted to be able to get behind the wheel again, I was heartbroken to give up my license. My favorite ever car that I drove was a Morris Minor, it was a wonderful car and I could do all of the servicing on it myself. Which meant I eventually sold the car for more than I had purchased it for,\u201d Don explained. \u201cI think I still drove quite safely at 94 but there comes a time when it has to be given up. It was great to check I hadn\u2019t forgotten all of my driving skills \u2013 and, like riding a bike, it all comes back to you.\u201d<\/p>\n