Teenage Driving Contest

A rigorous course at Nelson airport and examiners who were extremely strict in their markings sorted out the good from the average drivers during the Nelson-Marlborough district final of the Teenage Driver of the Year contest in Nelson. The contest was organised and run by Stoke Jaycees with assistance from the Nelson Car Club. Winner of the event was a 19-year-old Nelson engineer, Stephen Russ, seen Left receiving his prize from Mrs S. A. Whitehead. Stephen will represent the district in the national finals in New Plymouth on October 3.

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Finalists who won awards were Jeff Pascoe (Blen), second overall, Jim Murray (Nelson), second Nelson, Stephen Russ, regional winner, Diane Rogers (Nelson), third Nelson, and Jane Munro (Blen), third overall and winner of ladies' prize.

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Ross McKinnon, project convener, and Tom Hawes, do a little organising.

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Backing through the zig-zag was far from easy

All contestants had to complete a written test paper, undergo the airport driving test while adhering to all the rules of the road, and complete a road test. Points were deducted for infractions of the rules. Winner Stephen Russ lost only 66 points in his six tests, an extremely fine record.

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Sally Wiechern in the middle of a backing test.

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This picture gives a better idea of the backing test - points being lost if the tennis balls were moved.by the car wheels.

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Ray Fothergill and Barry Newsome test kerb clearance in a parking test.

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Gwenneth Donnithorne prepares for the test under eye of scrutineer Pat Schwass by removing her hub caps.

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Eoin Fehsenfeld looks a little apprehensive as Allen Stephens explains the next test to be undertaken.