The Under 17 Car Club

Our Supporters

We are very fortunate in having a group of supportive external bodies who provide our Members with support throughout their journey in the Club:

Grading System

The Club uses a grading system to assess progress. New Members start as Ungraded and work up through Grades 5 to 1.

Progressing through the Club

Grade 5 is generally obtained quite early, often on the first visit, but subsequent grades are more difficult and have to be earned by hard work and practice. Grades 4 to 3 are attainable during your first season, but require regular attendance and commitment from both Member and Associate. We introduce to Members the System of Car Control (as detailed in Roadcraft), as well as all around awareness, POWDER checks and much more.

As you progress through the Club, you'll see that we actively encourage Members to take part in Skill Tests, to hone their skills at manoevring, as well as encouraging awareness outside the vehicle when driving. To achieve higher grades, you must attend a Speed Awareness presentation, take part in a Skid Pan session, have a valid First Aid certificate, take part in at least one Motorway Driving session and receive instruction on driving automatic vehicles.

Upon reaching Grade 2, Members are permitted drive the car with their Associate(s) as back seat passengers and they also then get the opportunity to learn to handle a car safely at higher speeds.

Grade 1 and X - Driving Excellence

When they achieve Grade 1, Members can finally drive without supervision and the first solo drive is always a big moment in the life of a Club Member. Comparatively few Members achieve Grade 1, and even fewer achieve Grade X (approximately 60 since our inception in 1976), because the standard is so high and many Members reach 17 before they have the opportunity to even attempt Grade X. Further Skid Pan instruction, written tests on mechanical knowledge and the Highway Code are included along with a number of drives and Skill Tests in a variety of vehicles.

A 2-part advanced driving test is the final barrier to Grade X. To mark success at this level the Member's name is added to the Club's Grade X Shield.

Theory/Hazard Perception Tests

Tests based upon the DSA Theory Test are conducted as part of the process of moving through the Grades. Upon achieving a new Grade, Members must take another Theory Test before they can move up to the next. Each grade has a different pass mark (allowing our younger Members to progress with the basics but ensuring that our higher Graded Members are at or above the standard usually expected of a 17 year old just starting out on the road).