Young Solihull mechanic takes charge of Classic Car fleet for under-17 driving school – despite not yet being able to drive

Having recently launched a Classic Car experience for under 17s, Young Driver has gone a step further to encourage a love of vintage vehicles in the younger age group – by appointing an 18-year old as chief mechanic on its classic fleet.

Despite being in the process of learning to drive herself, Tianna Rawlings will be in charge of maintaining the fleet of three cars – a Vauxhall VX490, Morris Minor and Austin 7 – whilst being overseen by her father, Wayne Ward, who currently looks after the standard Young Driver fleet of new Vauxhall Corsas.

Tianna Rawlings will look after Young Driver’s fleet of 3 classic cars

Tianna, who lives at Kingshurst, is studying to be a mechanic, having completed two years of a three year course at Solihull College. She commented:

“I knew I wanted to be a mechanic from age 11 and I’ve always helped my dad out with jobs under the bonnet. When I met with the team at Young Driver, we got talking about the classics, which are amazing vehicles. I was over the moon to be asked to look after the maintenance of the cars, with support from my dad. I have an interest in classic cars so it’s a great opportunity for me to put some of the things I’m learning at college into practice. Obviously the classics are very different vehicles to modern cars on the road now, so you learn lots of new skills.”
Tianna Rawlings, Mechanic, Under 17s Classic Car experience

Tianna’s own learning to drive journey was put on hold due to Covid, but she has been carrying on lessons with Young Driver, which teaches 10-17 year olds, and hopes to be back learning on the road shortly.

Tianna Rawlings with one of Young Driver’s classic cars

Sue Waterfield, head of marketing for Young Driver, said:

“When we launched the classic car experience last month at the British Motor Museum we were delighted with all the positive feedback we got. It’s great for young people to be able to experience what cars used to be like and the way they drive – which gives you a better understanding of the mechanics, compared to the very slick and computer-based cars we all drive today. So, it’s great to now have Tianna, as someone of that generation, maintaining the fleet, whilst also helping her with practical experience for her college qualifications. We’re sure she will do a fantastic job! On the first day she was taking the starter motor off the Austin 7 to put a recon unit on!”
Sue Waterfield, head of marketing for Young Driver

Young Driver, which offers driving lessons to 10 to 17 year olds at 70 venues across the UK, has its head office in Balsall Common. The scheme was established in 2009 with the aim of revolutionising the learning to drive journey, helping to reduce the high accident rate for newly qualified drivers by extending the learning period.

For more information or to book a lesson visit www.youngdriver.com or call 0333 577 9010.