Many royals are keen motorists, Princes William and Harry both passed their driving tests first time soon after their 17th birthdays, while both Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were behind the wheel into their 90s. Prince Edward and Sophie's son, James, Viscount Severn, celebrates his 17th birthday today and could be the next royal on the road.
![[Prince William learning to drive in a Ford Focus back in 1999]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/08/14/91852761-14047771-image-a-4_1731077968312.jpg)
William celebrated after he passed his driving test on the first attempt in July 1999. His father, Prince Charles, gifted him a VW Golf for his birthday and the royal was keen to get on the road. Charles was said to be 'delighted' by his son's achievement.
![[Prince Harry driving his VW Golf car at Cirencester Park In Gloucestershire in 2001]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/08/14/91852757-14047771-image-a-5_1731077970419.jpg)
James, Viscount Severn, arriving at the Commonwealth Games in 2022. Prince William learning to drive in a Ford Focus back in 1999. Prince Harry driving his VW Golf car at Cirencester Park In Gloucestershire in 2001. William took his test at a centre in Cirencester, accompanied by his bodyguard, Inspector Richard Lette.
![[Prince Edward and Sophie with their two children - Lady Louise and James - on the Buckingham Palace balcony following Trooping the Colour in 2013]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/06/10/91750583-14047771-image-a-3_1730890543500.jpg)
The prince had been driving on the private roads of the Balmoral estate since age 12. Like his brother, Harry also passed his driving test at 17 years old. He reportedly gained his driving license on New Year's Eve in 2001, also on his first attempt. James appears to already be taking after his royal cousins. He was pictured seemingly driving around the private grounds of Windsor when he was just ten years old in April 2018.
![[James watching the swimming with his older sister during the Commonwealth Games in 2022]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/06/10/91750563-14047771-image-a-4_1730890550171.jpg)
