Episode 10 Driving Academy

'Four children fed up with their parents' driving.'

They've smashed it up! 'Four parents who have slipped into bad habits.'

There, there, there, there! But you wouldn't have it!

'Over the last nine days, they have been put to the test

'on every element of road safety. All under the watchful eye

-'of our examiner, Sandra.'

-That was typical Andy!

-'They've passed some challenges.'

-Yes!

-'They've failed some challenges.'

-Can you believe it?

'Today it's all or nothing as they face the Ultimate Driving Test.'

Oh, no. Oh, no!

-There goes two melons! 'Today is the day...'

-How am I meant to get past?

'..our teams will pass or fail the Driving Academy.'

I'm Joe Swash and this is Driving Academy. Today is judgement day.

Nine days ago, four kids brought their four parents

through these gates for the first time.

Since then, we've put their parents through intense driving training.

We want to cure their bad habits and bad behaviour behind the wheel.

Today is the big one, a chance for our teams

to graduate the Driving Academy. I'm nervous and I'm not driving.

'Today, our teams are going to face two super-tough tests

'that they must pass. The Highway Quiz Showdown

'will test how much they have learnt in the last nine days.'

Please reveal your answers. You all got it wrong.

'Fail this and they will not be allowed to take

'the Ultimate Driving Test.'

-Hold tight.

-I hate this.

'The teams must score a minimum of five out of ten on each test

'to graduate from the academy.'

So, teams, let's reveal who's getting what.

'Our parents have shown signs of being better drivers.

'But will their bad habits come back to haunt them?'

It's important that my dad passes the Ultimate Driving Test

so that he can prove to himself that he can be a safe road user.

I feel quite worried about what we're going to do

in the Ultimate Driving Test. I don't know what they'll throw at us.

If we fail the Ultimate Driving Test, it'd be horrible.

It's something we've been training to do at Driving Academy.

We've been practising ever so hard.

'Over the last nine days, our kids have been learning to drive

'on the Academy's private roads with instructor Vicky

'in a specially-designed dual-controlled car

'so that they can pass on some safe driving tips to their parents.

'When Manesha brought dad Cliff here,

'she was worried about his speeding.'

I don't think he should speed and go over the speed limit.

That's why I'm taking him to Driving Academy.

'But on day one, it was Manesha's reckless driving

-'that nearly ran over a crash-test dummy.'

-Had to put the brakes on!

'Instructor Vicky used her dual controls to brake and save the day.

'Dad Cliff wasn't any better on day three's emergency stopping.'

-Oh, Cliff!

-'And by day eight,

'steering became a problem on the skid challenge.

'Car control would be the key for the Purples later.

'When Jono arrived with mum Michelle, she was a nervous driver.'

We started off having one bump and then she had another bump

in the same month, and now she's awful.

'Then on day six's car control challenge, something clicked.'

Ohh! That wasn't too bad.

You got over this ramp of doom so well. There was no fear at all.

'But she's still showing an alarming lack of awareness of hazards.'

It's not a hazard. Not a hazard. No problem.

No, I don't think so.

'The Blues will have to overcome their poor road safety knowledge

'to pass the Driving Academy.

'Nine days ago, Molly was worried about Dad Andy's driving.'

When you're in the car with my dad, you feel nervous,

like you're going to die, because he's very dangerous

-and he doesn't know how to drive.

-'On day one,

'the Orange Team weren't safe or happy drivers.'

-You're going too fast, Dad!

-Ohh! We've hit one now, you!

-You're driving!

-'But on day two, Andy showed us what he's capable of

'if he and Molly get that attitude sorted.

'But which Orange Team will turn up today?

'Finally, Sarah. Where do we start?'

She does her makeup when she's driving.

She's like this. She's got her knees up, she's going...

-Done.

-'Early on, Sarah brought her terrible driving habits

-'to the Academy.'

-I can rescue this.

-'Mum's not even looking!'

-No.

-'Knocking into everything in her path!

'Sarah's irresponsible driving had rubbed off on Rhys.

'Hopefully, the Driving Academy has worked wonders.

'And if the Green Team concentrate today, they may just stand a chance.

'We've completed all the training.

'Later, the teams have to succeed in the Ultimate Driving Test.'

But first, they'll need to pass this, the big one,

the Highway Quiz Showdown!

OK, teams, you're about to face the Highway Quiz Showdown.

The stakes are high. You pass and you're one step closer to a medal.

Fail and you will not take part in the Ultimate Driving Test.

I'm going to ask you ten questions. You need to get five out of ten

to pass. Parents, it's your question first.

Please draw the road sign for queues likely ahead.

OK, parents, this is what it should've looked like.

OK.

Michelle, unfortunately, that's incorrect.

Cliff, spot on. That's correct.

Sarah, unfortunately, you've done the same as Michelle.

You've draw four cars, it should've been three. Andy, well done.

Question number two is for the kids.

When should you never cross a level crossing?

That's where the train track crosses the road.

Could you reveal your answers, please?

The correct answer is A, flash red.

Unfortunately, Jono, yours is incorrect.

The rest of you, well done.

Which of these signs is the correct sign for no pedestrians?

I can tell you that the correct answer is...A.

Well done, Michelle. Yours is correct.

Cliff, correct. Unfortunately, Sarah, yours is incorrect.

Andy, well done. Yours is correct.

When there is no pavement, where should you walk?

A, on the right-hand side facing the oncoming traffic?

B, on the left-hand side with your back to the oncoming traffic?

Or C, in the middle of the road? Please reveal your answers.

-Teams, the correct answer is A.

-Yes! Well done!

Jono, unfortunately, yours was incorrect.

Manesha, yours too was incorrect.

Rhys, well done. Molly, yours was correct, too.

A, no stopping at any time?

B, no waiting at any time?

Or C, no parking until after 6pm?

Could you reveal your answers, please?

I can tell you that the correct answer is B.

Michelle, Cliff, Sarah and Andy, you all got it wrong.

'It's the halfway stage and the Oranges are just one point away

'from the five they need to pass.

'But the Blues are a long way off with just one point.'

Question number six is only for the kids.

So, guys, would you like to follow me?

'If teams fail the Highway Showdown, they fail the Driving Academy.

'Jono need to get four of the five remaining questions correct.'

There's a lorry behind you. There are red marks on the floor.

I want you to place your bikes on the red mark

that you think is the lorry's blind spot. Off you go.

'The blind spot is part of the road that cannot be seen by the driver,

'even when using all of their mirrors.'

OK, guys. In fact, I can tell you that you're all correct.

Every single one of these red marks is a blind spot.

The only safe place to be is...

This is a safe spot. Remember, if you can't see the driver,

the driver can't see you.

'So, the Oranges have reached the five pass mark.'

Question seven is for the adults.

'The tread is the groove on the tyre that helps it grip the wet roads.'

Would you like to reveal your answers, please?

I can tell you, the correct answer was A.

Michelle, very well done. You, too, Cliff.

Unfortunately, Sarah and Andy, you both went for B. That was incorrect.

'Five points - a pass for the Purples.

'Blues and Greens need two points from the last three questions.'

Question number eight is for the kids.

Thank you very much, dummies.

So, could you please reveal your answers?

The correct answers is C,

a white light at the front and a red light and red reflector at the back.

So Jono and Michelle and Rhys and Sarah,

you need to get at least one correct answer from the next two questions

to go through to the Ultimate Driving Test. Question number nine.

When driving on a dry, clear day,

how many seconds gap is the minimum that you should leave

between your car and the one in front?

Would you like to reveal your answers?

I can tell you the answer is two seconds.

Only a fool breaks the two-second rule.

Jono and Michelle, you put down nine seconds.

That's very safe, but it's the wrong answer.

You need to get the next question right to move on.

The final question is...

Will you please reveal your answers?

'Jono has to get this right.'

The correct answer is...C.

Well done, guys, you're all through to the next part of the test!

You're a step closer to getting your medals!

But the pressure is still on.

The Ultimate Driving Test is going to be very, very, very tough.

SIREN WAILS

It's the final challenge, so we've made it particularly tough.

We're going to chuck everything at them today. Steering, reversing,

braking, judging speed, smooth driving and hazards.

It's going to be a toughie so our teams better be on top form.

'There are ten points up for grabs, one for each of the nine obstacles

'plus a bonus point for good behaviour.

'Our chief examiner will be sat next to them in the car today

'so they'll have to convince her they deserve every single point.'

'The teams need to score five out of ten to graduate from the academy.

'Pass and their scores will be added to the points they've already earned

'in the Highway Quiz Showdown. That will determine their medal.

'A total of 10 to 12 points will win them bronze.

'13 to 15 points out of 20 bags them silver.

'And 16 points and above sees them drive away with the gold pass mark.

'It's judgement time and the teams know it.'

We're only getting one shot at it. I don't want to go home with nothing.

I've got to do it for me and for Rhys.

It's the final day and everything we've worked for is for today.

We're going to give every bit of purple power we've got.

We're going to get the gold medal. We can't leave without a gold.

The tangerine dream team are going for the gold today.

We're going for, going for gold!

'So it's time for the Ultimate Driving Test.

'Let's hope the academy succeeded in making them all safer road users.

'The first challenge is the penalty boot out.

'It tests the driver's skill at reversing.'

So, in your own time, Manesha, start the test.

-Towards yourself. Not too much.

-'Remember, Sandra has dual controls

'to brake in case of emergency.'

-Good girl. Stop.

-'Oh, I think it's going wide. Hang on!'

-Hit the post!

-'Ohh!'

-It's in!

-THEY CHEER

'In off the post! That looks like a point for the Purples.

'Next in line for a penalty is Jono.

'Go on!'

-THEY CHEER

-Good job!

'Great goal! But hang on, his celebrations could cost him dearly.

'Remember, it's Sandra's decision to give him the point or not

'and she hates hands off the wheel. Third to go is Rhys.

'Everyone has scored so far. Where's he going? Mind the dummy!

'Oh, no!'

It ain't a great start. He nearly knocked down my crash test dummy,

missed the ball and he's hit a barrier.

'An utter disaster!'

Take a breath and drive on when you're ready.

'Rhys is going to have to calm down and concentrate to impress Sandra.

'Last rookie to kick off is Molly.

'Last time she attempted a goal, it looked like this.'

Go on. Oh, hang on. Go on, you're going to have to now.

Oh, no! I couldn't see what I was doing, Dad, and you put me off!

'Let's hope things go a little bit better this time.

'Looks good.

-Yes!

-There we go, see?

'Back of the net! That's got to be a point!

'She's learnt so much about patience and control

'here at the academy. Well done, Molly!

'Next up, it's the narrow alley.

'Sandra will be marking them on steering and control.

'Manesha had trouble on day one with steering,

'weaving all over the place. This is going to be tough for her.'

Bit of spillage. You have to be ever so careful. Turn a little bit more.

'Oh, no! Has she lost her chance to win a point in this challenge?'

'Concentrate, Manesha.

'Jono rarely seems to struggle.

'And Sandra must give him a point for that. Molly next.

'A look of concentration.

'And she's through!

'Rhys could have a few problems, though.

'On day five, Rhys showed us what happens when he doesn't concentrate.

-'Car control is not always his strong point.'

-What happened there?

-I just turned a bit too far.

-'Let's hope he's on better form today.'

Slowly. Your way a bit. Your way a bit. Ooh.

-No, don't worry.

-There goes two melons!

'It's up to Sandra, but he may just have blown his chances of a point.

'Now we've reached the hazard section of the course.

'Let's see what Molly and Andy can make of it.'

Here comes the hazard.

-That's good.

-Oh. How am I meant to get past now?

Just wait and they'll clear it up, I think.

'This could be a tough one for the Blue Team. Michelle and Jono failed

'the hazard Super Skills as Michelle didn't recognise many hazards.'

Not a hazard. We can go round them, they're not running out.

That's not a hazard. Not too bad. Not a hazard.

'Will they do better today?

'There goes the log.

-'Stopped nicely.' How do you think he got on with the hazards?

-Yep.

Dealt with it. Still on the brakes. Waiting for the road to be clear.

-Thank you!

-Do you think Sandra will be impressed?

-Yeah, she will.

'Looks good for Jono. How about the Green Team?'

-Stop.

-'Ooh, ooh, he's still going! Is that another point missed?'

-Brake lights went on quite a long time after.

-Yeah.

'Manesha's always been a cautious driver. Will that help here?'

He might not throw it, he might throw it, just be ready to brake.

'There it goes.'

-She's pulled up early.

-She's good at hazard perception,

-she knows her signs, she's good at that.

-Everything apart from steering.

THEY LAUGH

'That's three out of nine challenges completed and now it's swap time.

'Over to the parents for the speed testing zone where they must go

'between 25 and 30 miles an hour.

'The car speedometer is covered up so all they have to go on

'is their judgement. If they're going too fast

'or too slow, Sandra won't give them a point. Andy's away.

'Molly seems to have done well for the Oranges but this is tough.'

Are you sure that's about 30?

-CHEERING

-Bang on 30 miles an hour! Perfect!

'Over to the Blues.

'Apart from taking his hands off the wheel,

'Jono seems to have done well, but Michelle has to keep scoring.'

This will be difficult because she's not good with her speed.

She doesn't understand the speed of the car.

Not too fast, not too fast! Not too slow, either.

'23! Too slow! So no points for the Blues.

'I'm not sure Jono was much help there.

'Onto the Purples now. Manesha did well apart from a tiny hiccup,

'but Cliff has confided in us he likes to drive a bit fast.

'So has Driving Academy taught him any lessons?

-'27! That's a point!'

-THEY CHEER

That's fantastic! Exactly what he needed.

'Finally, the Greens. Rhys had one or two problems earlier on

'but now it's up to mum Sarah to prove to him

'that she's a better driver since joining the academy.

-'She looks serious!'

-Mum, only stay in first gear or it won't work.

You're over. You're over.

-Oh! Just on 25.

-'25! Some great advice from Rhys!

'That's just enough to score a point.' Well done, Sarah!

Thank you very much, Sarah. Drive on when you're ready.

'Ooh! What I wouldn't give to find out how Sandra is marking all this.

'Moving on, Sandra's organised a very sneaky little test.

'She's asked me to phone her

'and test the parents' reactions to a distraction in the car.

-'Let's see how Cliff does.'

-PHONE RINGS

There's a phone ringing but don't answer it.

-Don't answer it, yeah.

-Not allowed to answer that phone.

-Thank you.

-It should be switched off.

'Very firm. What about Sarah?

'She's well known for getting distracted in a car.'

PHONE RINGS

Can we have phones off in the car, please?

'That is a lady on a mission. Very good! Onto Michelle.'

PHONE RINGS

-Keep driving, Mum.

-Yeah. Is it through the arch next?

-PHONE RINGS Turn in the road section, here.

-Yeah.

'She's ignoring it. I'm not sure that's what Sandra is looking for.'

-Could you please turn your phone off?

-'Well done, Jono!'

-Sorry.

-'Finally, Andy.'

-PHONE RINGS

-When you're ready.

-Do you want to answer your phone?

-Do you want me to answer my phone?

-Well, yeah, cos it's distracting me.

OK. So you would like me to answer it?

-Yeah, or get rid of it or put it in the glove box.

-Shall I turn it off?

-Yeah, turn it off and put it in the glove box.

-OK, take your time now.

'He took his time there, but at least he didn't try to drive away.

'Will Sandra take that into account?

'Onto the sixth of nine tests, the tight turning area.

'The parents must turn around without touching the walls.

'Here they are all in their colour-coded windows.

'Cliff is in the purple window. He could be out first.

'Yep. He's over the line. I think the Blues are next.

'Then the Oranges and finally the Greens.

'No-one hit a wall so hopefully they've all bagged a point.

'Next is car control. Our drivers have to manoeuvre

'through a very tight arch.

'Sarah revealed her true colours on this obstacle on day one.

'She powered through, knocking the whole thing down.

'Let's see if her attitude has improved.

-'It's definitely tight.'

-You've got enough room. There you go.

-'Well done, Sarah!'

-She was so careful.

Before she just used to barge through and hope for the best.

'That's a fantastic improvement from Sarah.

'Andy is next to face the arch.'

Does it fit through the arch?

'Whoa! That's tight.

-'It's touching.'

-We're good. Your side, Mol?

-Yep.

'Not only did Andy drive that well, Molly was a perfect passenger.

'Michelle next, lacking confidence. She also knocked down an arch.'

-You can fold in your wing mirrors.

-Can I fold wing mirrors in?

Do what you would do in real life that would be sensible.

-If you'd like me to do this one, I will.

-Yes, please.

'She's made it look easy!

'Last parent to face the arch is Cliff.'

-Oh, no!

-I don't think it's going to go through.

-Reverse and do it again.

Just take your time.

-No, reverse and do it again.

-No, I can do it.

-Agh! No!

-I've got this wing mirror through now.

-'It's wobbling!'

Slowly! Slowly! Slowly!

Yes!

'Nice one! Only two obstacles left.

'First they must drive through our high-tech adverse weather simulator,

'a hose to me and you, without touching the barriers.'

I've never seen rain like this.

-It's raining, Mol.

-SHE LAUGHS

'Well, they're making that look easy. So onto the final obstacle,

'the ramp of doom!

'They first went up against the ramp in Super Skill Six,

'where they tried to drive smoothly, not spilling the ping-pong balls.

'The trifle did spill, though.

'Again, and again, and again.

'Now passenger comfort is in the balance,

'because the rookies are going to be holding a tray of drinks.

'They must have at least one drink standing at the end,

'so smooth driving is essential.

'First up, it's Michelle.

'This could be critical. The Blues need the points.'

More power. More power. More power!

'Right in the face!

-Any drinks left there? Oh, yes, you have.

-Ah! It's gone down my trousers!

SHE LAUGHS Just pull forward and park here.

'Even Sandra is smiling now. Nice one, Michelle!

-'Next is the Greens.'

-Watch out.

'Just like the Blues, this team could do with the points.'

-I nearly dropped them already and we haven't even...

-Hold tight!

-I hate this.

-We'll be fine, Rhys, we've done it before.

-'Oh, dear! What's left?'

-We got one!

'One left, not so bad, Sarah. Let's just see that again.

'Excellent. Over to Cliff.'

We're going a lot slower on this one.

'Manesha looks worried. Here we go.

'Was that good? I can't see the tray.'

-How much have you spilled?

-One.

-Yes!

'Only one spill! Amazing! Even Sandra must be pleased with that.

'Finally it's Andy. Last time he smashed the ramp down

-'and nearly wrecked the car.'

-That was typical Andy. Far too fast.

'Can the new, calm Andy keep his cool when it counts?'

-Sorry, Mol.

-'Oh, no. It's going wrong already.

'I can hardly look.

-'Edging up.'

-Dad, please, slow. Please.

'Whoa! Amazing!'

-Still all right?

-No. One fell.

-All over my shoe.

-Only one has fallen? Have you got any left?

-Yeah.

-Hey, well done!

'Oh! I thought that was perfect for a second.

'Just that last bump. Only one spilt.

'But have they done enough to pass Driving Academy?

'It's time to find out.' So, teams, this is it.

You've been entertaining, but most of all, you've given 100 percent.

As you know, you had to pass both the Highway Quiz Showdown

and the Ultimate Driving Test to receive your medal.

The better you done, the better the medal you receive.

We've added your scores up and given you a mark out of 20.

So, without any further ado, let's reveal who's getting what.

With a score of 16 out of 20...

..is...

..Cliff and Manesha. That's a gold medal. Congratulations!

'Sandra gave them a superb eight out of ten for their Super Skills,

'added to their eight out of ten for their Highway Quiz Showdown,

'the Purples are the first to pass with a gold medal.'

With a score of 14 out of 20...

..is Rhys and Sarah.

That's a silver medal. Congratulations.

'Six out of ten on the Highway Showdown,

'and some great driving from Sarah earned eight points on Super Skills,

'giving the Greens a silver medal.

'Just two scores left and the Blues are looking worried.

'They only got five on the Highway Quiz Showdown.'

It's now getting serious.

With a score of 12 out of 20...

..is... Jono and Michelle.

'Five out of ten on the Highway Quiz Showdown

'and a great seven out of ten from Sandra gives them 12,

'and a bronze medal. That just leaves Molly and Andy.'

So, with the highest overall score of 18 out of 20,

Molly and Andy with a gold medal! Congratulations! Vicky, Sandra...

'Eight out of ten in the Highway challenge,

'and a perfect ten out of ten from Sandra,

'gives them 18 points, and a gold medal!

'Well done, everybody!'

The Academy has achieved a marvellous thing.

Those kids were worried about the driving ability of their parents.

That's improved, and not only has it improved,

but they're going to be safer on the roads as a result.

All right, guys, let's shake it up! Let's celebrate! Yeah!

THEY CHEER

I was aware that my driving wasn't particularly good.

With all the training, I realised just how bad it was.

So for me, it's been life-changing.

My mum's become a better driver. She's a lot better at reversing now.

I've been driving for nearly 22 years,

I didn't think I could learn anything. And I'm just so, so wrong.

It's really nice because I actually want to get in the car and have fun.

I feel a lot safer in the car.

I came as a nervous wreck,

and I am going away as a confident, safe driver.

Coming to Driving Academy, I think he's learnt not to speed

and what to do in the car.

For the parents out there whose kids are saying

they're not good drivers, get yourself down to Driving Academy.

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