Mercedes-Benz is giving 100 young people an opportunity to test its brand new Driving Experience centre at the legendary Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire.

On Sunday 6th May 2012, 100 lucky competition winners will get behind the wheel and experience this new and exciting attraction to open for kids, teenagers and the whole family. The competition is open to anyone 17 years old and under and over 1.5 metres tall.

Using a specially designed road layout that includes Bridge Corner - part of the pre-2011 Grand Prix Circuit, the driving experiences are tailored to each young driver. Everyone will have the chance to learn important car control, such as pulling away at junctions, steering through corners and roundabouts, braking, reversing and other valuable driving skills all in a safe and controlled environment.

The driving experiences are designed for beginners to learn at their own pace with the professional and friendly instructors from Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy – the brand’s very own driving school, providing on-the-road driving lessons to over 17’s throughout the surrounding counties. For most it will be their first ever experience of driving and will lead the way for thousands more to learn when the centre opens to the public in May.

Andrew Mallery, commercial operations director, Mercedes-Benz Cars, commented: “The Test Drivers day will allow us to showcase a number of the experiences that will be on offer at the Mercedes-Benz Driving Experience centre when it opens in May at Silverstone Circuit. It doesn’t matter if you’re twelve, fourteen or sixteen, as long as entrants and participants in the future are over 1.5 metres tall, they can begin learning to be a responsible driver with Mercedes-Benz.”

“Once opened there will also be adventurous 4x4 experiences available for both under 17’s and adults to develop a whole new set of driving skills.”

The Test Drivers competition is free to apply and the only requirement is that drivers have to be over 1.5 metres tall and be available to attend Silverstone Circuit on 6 May 2012.