Teenage rally star's driving test

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A teenage rally driver needs to pass his UK driving test so he can make his "dream come true" and compete in the Wales Rally GB early next month.

If he passes his test on Tuesday, Tom Cave, 17, from Aberdyfi, Gwynedd, will be one of the youngest drivers in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).

He has already passed his theory test and has booked a series of lessons to tailor his practical skills.

Tom already has an international rally licence.

"I'm not nervous as I'm trying to have a positive attitude to passing my test," he said.

"I'm taking one step at a time and focusing on my test before moving on with the rally driving," he added.

The teenager - who has been competing in Latvia for two seasons - has been testing his rally car at a motor sport complex near Machynlleth.

The Wales Rally GB runs from 4 to 7 December and Tom recognises that he will probably be closer to the end of the field in his Group N Ford Fiesta ST, but said it would still be a dream come true to compete.

"Ever since I can remember, it's been my dream to compete on the UK round of the WRC," he said.

"Some of my earliest memories are spectating on the event with my father, who was an avid fan and always took me to watch when he wasn't competing himself."

He said competing alongside some of the best drivers in the world was an "unbelievable opportunity, and not one to be taken lightly".

Tom Cave has been working his endurance skills for the rally

"I fully expect to be one of the tail-end Charlies at the event," he added.

"I think the conditions will be pretty rough by the time we get to the stages, especially on the second run through."

The aim was to "plough through and make sure we enjoy every mile," he added.

As part of his preparations Tom has been testing tyres with former Production Car World Rally Champion Martin Rowe.

Mr Rowe said his skills had "developed massively" over the past year.

They have also been working on the teenager's endurance skills.

"We've carried out several endurance runs, since Wales Rally GB will feature much longer stages than he's used to, as well as some running in darkness," Mr Rowe said.

"He coped very well with the demands he is likely to meet on the event and from what I saw over the two days, should do well in December," he added.