The revelation comes from a leading experiences provider – Experiences.co.uk – which saw a 15% rise between 2024 and 2025 in new searches for its junior driving packages, which include driving lessons for children as young as 10 years old.

It comes at a time when booking practical driving tests are in the spotlight again, with long waiting times and clampdowns on who can book a driving test to try and help clear the backlog.

Imran Malek, corporate sales manager at Experiences.co.uk, said: “Many learner drivers are facing months of delays booking practical driving tests, so it can pay to be ahead of the game by learning to drive from a very young age in a safe environment away from the open road.

“This way, they can increase their confidence and driving skills, paving the way to consider booking a practical driving test as soon as they are old enough.”

Young driver experiences include learning skills such as moving off, accelerating, braking, changing gears, reverse parking as well as road position and sign recognition.

They can also use specially designed layouts to simulate real-life driving conditions and have cars with dual controls.

Imran added: “There are many benefits to learning to drive from a young age with tuition from expert instructors.

“These sessions take place on private land away from the hustle and bustle of public roads, allowing full focus on learning the driving skills necessary to become confident behind the wheel.

“Having quality time behind the wheel from the age of just 10 years old could make all the difference when it comes to passing the practical driving test.”

For more information about Experiences.co.uk, and its junior driving experiences, visit www.experiences.co.uk.

It might see fines and MOT failures increase to penalty points and vehicle seizures, reports leading motoring website DrivingExperience.com.

However, law abiding motorists will have nothing to fear as the possible law changes, which are part of a government consultation which closes on 11^th May, are aimed at drivers with incorrect, altered or false number plates.

The push for stronger punishments aims to target the growing problem of illegal number plates, including ‘ghost’ plates designed to fool camera systems. It will also help crack down on uninsured drivers and vehicles without a valid MOT.

Indeed, a major report from the All-Parliamentary Group for Transport Safety suggests up to one in 15 vehicles on UK roads may carry modified, non-compliant plates including ‘ghost’ and stealth plates designed to evade ANPR detection.

Imran Malek, corporate sales manager at DrivingExperience.com, said: “Number plates play a crucial role in vehicle identification on our roads, such as helping with law enforcement.

“However, there are rising concerns about illegal plates, which hopefully, these possible new measures will help tackle.”

There are strict rules for how UK car number plates can be displayed including that the front plate must display black letters on a white background, the rear plate must display black letters on a yellow plate, and that plates don’t have a background pattern.

The characters on a number plate also need to be a certain size and height. Drivers should also remember that dirty or obscured number plates are illegal.

Imran added: “All motorists have an obligation to ensure that their number plate is legal. This includes keeping it clean and that it adheres to rules set by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Stick to the law and you’ll have nothing to worry about.”

For more information about DrivingExperience.com, including its experiences to help improve safer driving, visit www.drivingexperience.com.

The 1992 Rover 220 Coupe Turbo, nicknamed ‘Tomcat’ after its project name, will go under the hammer at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire on Sunday 10^th May, also the first time H&H Classics has held a weekend sale at the iconic motoring venue.

A very special car, estimated at £19,000-£23,000, it was specifically modified by the Rover development team to break land speed records held by other car manufacturers to highlight the launch of the new 2-litre turbo Rover Coupe, the fastest production car the British manufacturer had built at the time

The speed and distance records it aimed to break included those for 2-litre front-wheel-drive vehicles.

It successfully achieved 37 UK land speed records, including a 24-hour world endurance land speed record of 138mph, plus a flying 5 km speed of 156 mph, and still holds 36 of these records.

To help achieve this amazing feat, it was stripped back to a bare shell, checked and rebuilt with various modifications including engine performance, fuel feed, roll cage, large capacity fuel tank, racing seat and various safety devices.

Chris Wardley, motor car specialist at H&H Classics, said: “There couldn’t be a more fitting venue than Millbrook Proving Ground for the auction of this incredible UK land speed record holding car where it made history.

“It will be a very special occasion on Sunday 10^th May, and we expect strong bidding from Rover enthusiasts and collectors, plus those wishing to acquire an important piece of automotive history.”

The car going under the hammer with H&H Classics is one of the two specially modified pre-production Coupes, and is thought to be the sole survivor of the land speed record attempt which took place in August 1992. It remains to land speed record breaking specification.

It was professionally recommissioned in 2022 for a commemorative event at Millbrook Proving Ground where it led a cavalcade of surviving Tomcats, while the original team from the Rover factory who built the car were reunited with it for the occasion.

All lots, including the 1992 Rover 220 Coupe Turbo being auctioned, will be available to view in person at the Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire, from midday on Saturday 9^th May and from 9am on Sunday 10^th May, while the sale then commences at 12pm.

Anyone looking to bid on one of the lots can do so in person, online, by telephone or by leaving a commission bid, while for more details about any of the cars or to register to bid, visit www.handh.co.uk.

With summer on the horizon, H&H Classics has assembled a desirable mix of classic cars at its upcoming Buxton auction for enthusiasts looking to pursue their passion on the open road.

The tempting sale of 152 classic, collector and performance motorcars takes place at the Pavilion Gardens in Buxton, Derbyshire, on Wednesday 29^th April.

Among the many lots catching the eye and waiting to be driven is a stunning and highly desirable 1968 Shelby GT500 Fastback, one of just 1,140 1968 Fastbacks produced.

It was extensively recommissioned in 2024 and 2025 at a cost of over £30,000, including a full engine overhaul, and has been given a guide price of £140,000-£160,000.

Joining it is a 1954 Austin Healey 100/4 ‘La Carrera Panamericana’, one of the most historically significant Austin Healey’s of its type, thanks to being extensively developed and raced to championship success by renowned tuner and racer John Chatham.

Estimated at £35,000-£40,000, it is a hugely significant and recognised example with exceptional provenance and continuous history, while also offering a remarkably engaging driving experience.

James McWilliam, sales manager at H&H Classics, said: “We’ve taken special care to make sure there’s an appealing assortment of ready to be enjoyed classics at our Buxton auction, after all, if you can’t enjoy a classic at this time of the year then when can you.”

Other notable vehicles going under the hammer with H&H Classics include long time, one owner cars from new, such as a no reserve 1965 TVR Grantura 1800S and a 1973 Lotus Europa Twin Cam ‘John Player Special’, with just 7,000 miles on the clock and estimated at £30,000-£40,000.

Meanwhile, rally and race car enthusiasts have eight fantastic examples to choose from courtesy of the Moorlands Collection, not least a 1986 Mitsubishi Starion Turbo, a competitor in the 2025 RAC Rally “Roger Albert Clark Rally”, estimated at £26,000-£32,000.

Those looking for something a little bit older, and a potential London to Brighton entrant, have the chance to acquire a 1904 Peugeot Type 57 5hp Two-Seater, one of just a handful left in existence and given a guide price of £45,000-£55,000.

There are also examples bursting with character, including a 1956 Scammell Highwayman Tanker, an articulated tanker unit estimated at £9,000-£11,000 that was formerly part of the Coventry Transport Museum collection, plus a car with celebrity connections in the form of a 1991 Lotus Elan Turbo SE which was supplied new to former F1 racing driver Johnny Herbert and which has been given a guide price of £12,000-£14,000.

All lots will be available to view in person at the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, from midday on Tuesday 28^th April and from 9am on Wednesday 29^th March, while the sale then commences at 12pm.

Anyone looking to bid on one of the lots can do so in person, online, by telephone or by leaving a commission bid, while for more details about any of the cars or to register to bid, visit www.handh.co.uk.

The auction, the first Buxton classic car sale that H&H Classics is holding this year, takes place on Wednesday 29^th April with some of the early entries paying homage to a golden era of motoring a century ago.

This includes a 1928 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Windovers Tourer, estimated at £30,000-£35,000 which has coachwork supplied new to Hari Singh, the last ruling Maharaja of Kashmir until the monarchy was abolished in 1952.

The car, which would be a highly rewarding and potentially valuable restoration project, is a combination of the chassis and engine, and coachwork, from two different Phantoms. It is entered from a significant private collection in which it has been for some four decades.

Another significant Rolls-Royce taking centre stage at the Buxton auction, and also in need of restoration, is a 1924 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Silver Ghost that was first owned by Otto Oppenheimer of the De Beers diamond empire.

Estimated at £12,000-£15,000, it still has its original engine, while it was initially supplied with Pullman Cabriolet coachwork by the renowned H. J. Mulliner, and is now described as ‘a true diamond in the rough’.

James McWilliam, sales manager at H&H Classics, said: “We’re delighted to be returning to the Pavilion Gardens in Buxton in 2026 as it’s always been a popular venue where we’ve seen some fantastic auctions over the years.

“It looks like we’re going to have another incredible sale, not least with an interesting assortment from the 1920s which are joined by modern classics and other highly desirable models from decades past.”

Indeed, another car more than one hundred years old and going under the hammer is a 1925 Sunbeam 14/40 Tourer, which has previously featured in the 90s television series, Lady Chatterley’s Lover.

Estimated at £28,000-£34,000, it is a more usable Colonial model, has been well used in recent years and still presents excellently.

Meanwhile, from the following decade is a rare 1939 Triumph Dolomite 14/60 ‘Foursome Coupe’, one of just three surviving examples and believed to be the only one on UK roads.

This Art Deco-inspired model with considerable restoration investment is estimated at £34,000-£38,000, and has particular historical significance as one of the final cars manufactured prior to the outbreak of the Second World War.

James added: “This will be our third auction so far this year, following a successful classic car sale in Nottinghamshire and an amazing classic motorcycle auction in the West Midlands, and presents a great opportunity for classic car enthusiasts and collectors to acquire the car they’ve always dreamt of.”

All lots will be available to view in person at the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, from midday on Tuesday 28^th April and from 9am on Wednesday 29^th April, while the sale then commences at 12pm.

Anyone looking to bid on one of the lots can do so in person, online, by telephone or by leaving a commission bid, while for more details about any of the cars or to register to bid, visit www.handh.co.uk.

Analysis of official government data by leading driving experience provider – DrivingExperience.com – reveals two weather related issues that motorists need to be particularly aware of at this time of year.

While drivers should never use a mobile device or drive a defective vehicle, collisions caused by these factors are dwarfed when compared to collisions that were on a road surface which was slippery due to the weather.

The Department for Transport (DfT) road safety factor figures show there were 2,161 collisions on this type of road surface compared to 340 collisions when a mobile device was involved and 1,249 including vehicles with defects such as defective tyres or lights.

Further analysis for the last full year that figures are available also shows there were 1,069 collisions when the driver or rider vision was affected by adverse weather or dazzling sun, more than three times the mobile device figure.

Imran Malek, corporate sales manager at DrivingExperience.com, said: “Judging driving conditions in April can be tricky with heavy downpours often followed by bright sunshine that is still quite low in the sky.

“Motorists should be vigilant at all times so they can drive safely, including maintaining a sensible speed, keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front and avoiding heavy braking, as well as not using a mobile device and keeping their vehicle in a road worthy condition.”

Fines for defective windscreen wipers can be as much as £2,500, while driving with illegal tyres can see £2,500 fines and three penalty points for each faulty tyre.

Motorists can also hone their driving skills to help cope with wet weather, such as with Skid Pan Experiences as provided by DrivingExperience.com.

Imran added: “Each season presents its own driving challenges, and spring is no different. The harsh winter climate has been replaced by highly changeable and unpredictable weather, which motorists need to give due respect to.”

For more information about DrivingExperience.com, including its skid pan experiences, visit www.drivingexperience.com.

The auction saw total sales of £1.8 million, some £700,000 more than the combined lower estimates of all the lots, making it the largest grossing motorcycle auction that H&H Classics has ever held.

The highly anticipated sale of 274 classic motorbikes and 27 vintage scooters took place on Wednesday 25^th March and also achieved a very impressive 86 per cent sales rate.

This included all 43 entries from the ‘Road and Race Collection’, all owned by a collector of rare and important historic motorcycles, which were successfully hammered away, not least a 1963 Moto Morini Bialbero 250 Grand Prix Racer, which fetched £61,525, more than £13,500 above its lower estimate, and also the highest price achieved on the day.

The bike is one of the greatest 250 racers of all time and was restored prior to 2017 with many original parts retained.

A packed auction hall also saw plenty of fierce bidding for other motorcycles, including for a highly desirable 1969 Egli Vincent Black Shadow entered from the Keith Mason Collection, which fetched £58,075, more than £25,000 above its lower estimate.

Mike Davis, senior motorcycle specialist at H&H Classics, said: “Our first classic motorcycle auction of 2026, also the biggest of its type in the UK, well and truly exceeded expectations, not least by being our biggest grossing two-wheel sale to date.

“Not only was there a strong sales rate, but also some incredible individual results. It was definitely a case of quality and quantity.”

Other stand out sales included a 1990 Harley Davidson FLSTF Fat Boy, which found a new home for £13,800, more than £8,000 above its lower estimate, and a 1974 Ducati 750 Sport, considered one of the 1970s’ most beautiful bikes, which was hammered away for £29,325, more than £7,300 above its lower estimate.

Further highlights from the auction saw a 1999 Ducati 996 SPS/F, number 75 of just 150 examples, fetch £24,150, more than £6,000 above its lower estimate, while a 1950 Vincent Series C Comet, another motorcycle from the Keith Mason Collection, was hammered away for £12,938, almost £5,000 above its lower estimate.

Mike added: “We’ve set an incredibly high bar, which we’ll enjoy trying to exceed at our next auction of classic motorcycles and vintage scooters which takes place in July back at the National Motorcycle Museum. As space is limited we’d encourage anyone considering an entry to contact us at their earliest convenience.”

Meanwhile, notable results among the vintage scooters included a 1961 Velocette Viceroy, one of only c.700 produced, which was sold for £4,600, more than £1,000 above its lower estimate.

For a full list of the results from H&H’s auction, visit www.handh.co.uk.

In the meantime, owners of classic motorcycles and vintage scooters looking to benefit from the high levels of interest in H&H’s auction by selling with them can contact the team to discuss their entry on 01925 210035 or email sales@handh.co.uk.

Analysis of Department for Transport (DfT) figures by DrivingExperience.com found that, across four recent years, overall collisions fell by 2.4% in the week after the clocks changed. But collisions taking place at night – between 7pm and 6am – rose by 10% compared with the week before.

The analysis looked at matched Sunday-to-Saturday windows around the clock change – the seven days before and the seven days after, including the changeover Sunday – using pooled data from 2021 to 2024 to smooth year-to-year volatility.

While overall collision numbers did not increase, the figures suggest the March clock change may alter when risk is greatest, with incidents shifting more heavily into night-time hours.

Imran Malek, spokesperson at DrivingExperience.com, said: “Many drivers welcome the clocks going forward, with longer evenings and the sense that spring has arrived. But the change can also bring added risks, particularly in the days immediately afterwards.

“Our analysis of official figures shows a clear increase in night-time collisions in the week after the March clock change, so motorists should take extra care when driving during this period.”

Imran is advising motorists to follow a few simple steps to stay safer when driving in the dark:

• Keep windows clean – being able to see clearly is key to reducing glare, so drivers should also remember to top up washer fluid and check wiper blades.
• Use lights correctly – make sure all lights, front and rear, are working properly. Use full beam headlights on unlit roads, but dip them immediately for oncoming traffic or when following another vehicle. In built-up or well-lit areas, use dipped headlights.
• Beware of oncoming lights – drivers can be dazzled by approaching headlights, so it can help to look towards the left-hand side of the road to maintain a safe position in the lane.
• Reduce speed and increase stopping distances – darkness can make hazards harder to spot, so drive at a safe speed for the conditions and leave a greater distance from the vehicle in front.
• Don’t drive tired – maintain alertness behind the wheel by taking regular breaks where it is safe to do so, and avoid driving if you feel too tired to continue safely.

Imran added: “Driving at night can present extra challenges, but a few simple precautions can make a real difference. Clear visibility, proper use of lights, lower speeds and staying alert all help motorists stay safe.”

For more information about DrivingExperience.com, including its Young Driver Training and Skid Pan experiences, both designed to give practical driving skills, visit www.drivingexperience.com.

With an extensive history in endurance racing, Gibson supplies engines to LMP2 teams competing in various motorsport series around the world, such as the world famous 24 Hours of Le Mans. Last year the company was named by motorsport governing bodies, the ACO and FIA, as the official powertrain provider for the next generation LMP2 category, which will be introduced in 2028.

Alongside its race engines, Gibson utilises its motorsport experience to provide a host of advanced engineering consultancy services to other companies in the automotive and manufacturing industries.

Commenting on the appointment, Danny Rughoobeer, managing director at Red Marlin, said: “Gibson Technology is a company we’ve admired for many years, so we’re thrilled to be working with them and playing a key role in the next part of their journey. They have some incredibly exciting plans for the future, and we look forward providing our full range of marketing and communication services to help make these projects a real success.”

Red Marlin itself has considerable experience within the motorsport and advanced engineering sectors making them an ideal partner for Gibson. Previously, Red Marlin ran the global communications activities for the Iron Lynx motorsport team, as well as supporting various companies like Yokohama tyres who are involved in numerous race series around the world.

Mark Brittan, managing director at Gibson Technology, said: “The demands within the motorsport industry are quite unique so it was important for us to find an agency partner who has proven expertise in this area. Red Marlin matched these requirements but also showed that they will be able to add significant value beyond the racetrack, which will be critical as we continue to develop and evolve our business.”

For more information about Gibson Technology, its race engines and other advanced engineering services, visit www.gibsontech.co.uk.

The figure, from the latest ALARM survey, reflects how often roads are fully renewed rather than simply patched, with the resurfacing cycle even worsening from around 93 years last year.

In England the average resurfacing cycle now stands at around 106 years, rising to 132 years in Wales. In London, by contrast, roads are resurfaced roughly once every 39 years.

The survey also discovered that one in every 10 miles of local roads in England and Wales – around 20,400 miles – is likely to require maintenance within the next 12 months. Despite councils filling 1.9 million potholes over the past year, the staggering repair backlog has climbed to a record £18.62 billion.

Highway engineers behind the report warn the local road network is becoming “increasingly fragile” and say recent funding increases have “yet to result in tangible improvements in conditions.”

Imran Malek, motoring expert at TrackDays.co.uk, said the findings highlight the deteriorating state of Britain’s roads and warned motorists to stay alert to avoid pothole damage.

“This latest report confirms the scale of the problem for drivers, who can feel the condition of the roads for themselves every day. Potholes, rough surfaces and sudden jolts have become an all-too-familiar part of everyday journeys.”

“One of the biggest mistakes drivers make is following too closely. If you leave a bigger gap to the vehicle in front, you give yourself more time to spot damaged road surfaces and react calmly rather than at the last second.

“Drivers should also treat standing water with caution, because puddles can easily hide a pothole underneath. On wet roads especially, it is worth easing off slightly and staying alert to uneven surfaces.

“If you cannot avoid a pothole safely, the key is to reduce speed in a controlled way before you reach it, keep the steering wheel steady and avoid a panicked swerve.

“It is also sensible to keep tyre pressures properly checked. Underinflated tyres are more vulnerable to pothole impacts, so that is one simple step drivers can take to help protect their car.”

According to the report, councils filled the equivalent of more than 5,200 potholes a day last year at a cost of £149.3 million. Yet over the past decade the cost of bringing roads up to a reasonable standard has risen by more than 50%, underlining the scale of the challenge facing local authorities.

For motorists, the result is a familiar one: more patched-up roads, more potholes and rougher journeys – with drivers often left footing the bill for the damage.

To find out more about TrackDays.co.uk, which runs driving experiences and driver training events across the UK including track days and educational driving courses, visit www.trackdays.co.uk.