NEWPORT’s youngest drivers got a chance to test out a car especially developed for five to 10-year-old yesterday at Newport Stadium.

Firefly is an electric car specially developed for children which is the brainchild of Young Driver Motor Cars Limited, a division of Young Driver, a provider of pre-17 driving lessons.

Six-year-old Theo Jianikos, who attended the lesson with his dad Alan, of Bloomery Circle, Lliswerry, was one of the drivers to try Firefly.

He said: “It’s good, I’d like to go again. I really like cars.

“I’ve a racing car and a Monster Truck.”

His dad Alan, who made Theo a ‘Monster Truck’ out of a disability scooter, said that Firefly is an excellent idea, especially because of the educational element to it.

Neil Thompson, 39, from Cardiff, also brought his six-year-old daughter Maddie so that she could give driving a try.

He said: “I was a driving instructor for three and a half years and I saw people getting in a car that knew absolutely nothing and you have to teach them.

“This really helps them build a base of knowledge.

“It’s not the cheapest, I know, but, in any case, children always want expensive presents.”

Richard Smith, director of driving activities at Young Driver, said: “Today has gone fantastically well.

“We’ve had good comments from the children, they’re loving it.

“It’s good because they’re starting to learn at an early age how to drive – but we make it fun. For instance, at the end, they get their own driving licence.

“Our courses are designed to have the theory as well as the fun.

“The learning doesn’t stop at the end of the lesson – it encourages them to ask more questions when they’re in the car with mum or dad."

Whilst the product was initially developed for use by Young Driver, it will be sold worldwide from 2017 with a price tag in the region of £5,750 plus VAT.

Young Driver will be providing regular lessons for children at Newport Stadium. The price of a 20 minute lesson is £19.95. To book, visit https://www.youngdriver.eu